4th Weekend

Nice to have a long weekend. Thursday, I was off and took Maiya to the LTSC work picnic. She had a good time. Then we went to swim class, worked out and over to The Wood Cafe for an all-organic dinner.

On Friday, we went up to Crestline to continue with clearing out Tony's dad's house. It's probably our 5th or 6th trip there. We made a lot of progress this time, sorting through things to keep, donate, recycle, give away, donating many boxes of things to the local thrift shop, and bringing home all the recycling. After we went to the thrift store, Tony went at it with the weed wacker, and I took Maiya to Lake Gregory for the first time. It was cute, it had a little beach. She had a lot of fun playing in the water and playing in the sand, err, dirt. Water was cold, but the day was hot in the sun. And I got to read a little of my book, "On Gold Mountain." On our way home, we stopped and had dinner with Mike in his front yard and hang out for a bit.

For the 4th, Tula, Scott and Emily (of Detroit/Boston/Seattle/LA) came by and we went to Jackson Market for lunch. The girls had a great time playing and spending time together. Me & Maiya went to the Culver City High School fireworks. We went with the little girls next door and their family. It was freezing out there on the soccer field, but we got to lay down and watch the fireworks. Maiya loved it. I wasn't so crazy about the America-rah rah, but I did like the green peace fireworks and the happy face fireworks, which I've never seen before.

Today, more cleaning and purging over here. Farmer's market, grocery shopping, laundry, all that fun stuff. Then tomorrow, it's back to work.

Backblogging the 4th

Our friends Mike, Laura, Amani & Leela came over on the 4th of July. We ate BBQ turkey, potato salad, and a bunch of other stuff that I can't remember (that's what happens when you are 2 weeks behind on the blog).

MG & Amani hanging out in her room and talking

Rub a dub dub, 3 kids in a tub

Walking to the Marina for fireworks

Watching fireworks in our PJs!

It was a warmer night than we had thought, and we walked about a mile I'm guessing. It was long walk, especially considering it was so late at night. By the time we got home, it was 10pm. Now, every few days, Maiya says that she wants to go see fireworks with Amani for "forf July."

BBQ & Fireworks on the 4th

Helping Mommy peel the corn while daddy cooks a feast

Hello corn, I see you!

Uncle Bill and Grandpa Larry (Pampa) over for BBQ

Steak, salmon, corn, rice, cucumber, zucchinis and mushrooms...

Riding my tricycle with Uncle Bill

After dinner, Tony, Maiya and I walked down to the Marina, a few blocks from our house. After 12 years, this is the 2nd time Tony & I ever saw fireworks together (first time in Detroit). Seeing fireworks through Maiya's eyes was a lot of fun. Something about the awe and wonder of a child's first time experiencing something new. Being out on a summer night, walking with hundreds of other people through our neighborhood (and being grateful for not bringing our car into the crazy traffic) was really terrific. I think next year we'll have to do it again and maybe get even closer to the fireworks. For days after, Maiya wanted to see more "fire."

Maiya & Amani on the 4th

Maiya testing out the waters with Mama at the water park
Amani enjoys the day
Maiya decides she likes it
Maiya and Amani having watermelon for dessert after delicious BBQ turkey, bean salad and green salad on Mike and Laura's patio deck as the fireworks begin. This was probably the first time that Maiya and Amani actually acknowledged each other and communicated together. The "water park" is like fancy sprinklers in a controlled setting. We had so much fun! The food and the company was way good. Let's all do it again!