July 4th in The City

Despite the heavy thick fog that made itself at home over the bay tonight, we were still able to see three firework shows across the bay.  Countless sailboats and yachts filled the bay waiting for pyrotechnics to begin. This year is quite different from the little hometown shows we used to watch from the grassy knoll adjacent to Jefferson Preschool in Wheaton.  This is how The City rolls!  Happy Birthday USA!

Fisherman's Wharf is all lit up (on left) 

while another show from a boat lights up the bay.

My little goblins

Whoa!  That was so cool!

A fine birthday it was

Happy birthday to my David whom I have known and loved for over half my life. It has been nine years since he last celebrated his birthday with loved ones (other than me).  His last big birthday bash was his surprise 30th party in our Oxnard, CA home when family and friends gathered from near and far to celebrate. Being back in SF affords him (and us) the opportunity to be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from family and friends, instead of the usual to-do with four hour flights and planned visits months in advance. This newly rediscovered close proximity to family feels almost foreign though, as we had been on our "own" for so long in the Midwest. So, when the opportunity arose to go "home" again, it was the right decision for us. The kids will finally have aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, and even cousins who can go to their Saturday T-Ball game or ballet recital. Gone are the days when Dave and I were the ones showing up to "Grandparent's Day" at school.

So today, I wish you, David, a truly awesome birthday! Remember though, only one more year to the big 40! Unfortunately, I will get there three weeks before you! Boo-hoo!

Birthday lunch and birthday smiles

More smiles

Ferry Plaza Seafood in Ferry Building Marketplace

Dave really has parents!

Dan & Betty in SF? Unbelievable!

Picture perfect family!

Ending a perfect birthday with Grandpa Jack and Jason.

Welcome home and Happy Birthday!

Nightwatch

This is what my eyes see and shouts to my brain, "Oh My God!"

It's all about the view!

There's no question we rented our apartment for the views.  Take a look from our vantage point (and yes, this is what you actually see from our balcony):

 A good morning it is! Wake up SF!

Midday is busy with boats of all sizes going through the bay. 

 

 Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill

The bay bridge just before sunset...

Ok, now I know why we moved into a tiny-less-than-1000-square-foot-apartment...I don't think my life would have been complete without seeing these views everyday for the next five months. Maybe we should extend the lease for another year...