OUR WEEK of XPLORY-ATIONS through INSTAGRAM

 

Our week report according to the instagram. The little trip by the Pier ( just above) . We are still trying to make it all the way down to pier 39 - too many interesting things to see. But it is on the agenda for the day ( fingers crossed!) .

 This week we also :  

 

^^ learned a lot of things in CA Academy of Sciences. that particular one is about fish ^^

 

^^ and made new friends there too. soulmates. ^^

 

^^ those two little blue eyes wanted to see it all. i also answered about 100 000 "wasis?!"s in two hours ^^

 

^^ when we visited De Young, the older children were so happy to recognize the art they have learned about in school just a few week prior. it i were their teacher, i should have been very proud. it warmed by heart ^^

 

^^ while we were admiring a beautiful winter painting  ( pictures to come soon!), "someone" went for snacks ( and got caught in action. on camera ^^

 

^^ we made a few evening trips ^^

 

^^ ... because these sunsets are surreal ^^

 

^^ and a few trips to the bakery in the rain. i learned ( and loved the fact!) that we have 6 bakeries that supply warm fresh bread daily just around the corner ^^

 

^^ kindred spirits. or at least in this situation. she shares his love for cars ( but he does not share her love for dolls, somehow ...) ^^ 

 

^^ and this is the "side-effect" of having three little "mommies" fighting over as to who loves him more ^^

 

^^ and if mentioning toys ... the Land of Nod event we went to was simply fab! (watch this space for a report soon!) i also may or may not have won something in this ruffle! 

 

^^ the land of nod toys. i have a soft part in my heart for wooden toys. they make childhood so much more colorful! ^^

 

^^ the iconic teepee - the upper part of it. it's even cooler in person then i thought ^^

 

^^ and to make everyone's spirits bright, decor and chalk art do just that  ^^

 

 

^^ San Francisco is beautiful at night ^^

^^ a very happy friday night delivery made up for a very colorful ( even if foggy ) saturday morning ^^

^^Wishing you a great day , as always, 

                                                             with love, from San Francisco  

^^ WHERE DID YOUR XPLORATIONS TAKE YOU LAST WEEK? ^^

FROM ATLANTIC TO PACIFIC

 

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”

                                                                                                                      ― Mother Teresa

I am thrilled to live close to the ocean again. The Pacific waters are different from those of the Atlantic, but the fact of having the open water and beach near is a happy fact as is. 

Last night was so lovely and warm. Although it is almost the end of November, the sun was so welcoming and playful, it was no decision, really, that another day at the beach was set for us on a Sunday agenda. The church liturgy ended by 9 am and even with San Francisco early sunsets we still had a beautiful full day ahead of us. Considering it is late autumn on the calendar, it was pleasantly surprising for me to discover that although cool, the water was very swim-able, and there were few people on the beach that were doing just that. Something that - should we have a few more nice days like that - I may just brave as well. After all coming home to Christmas decor after swimming at the beach would be a fist for me - why not , right?

I love open water and the beach. It calms me. It has magnificent beauty, power and gentleness at the same time. It mystifies me and allures me in. And it appears that my love for the open seas has been passed down the bloodline.

 

^^ she would stay at the sand forever, should we let her to ^^

 

 

I have about 100 more pictures of this, which I will post as soon as I get to it ( schools , work and homework, you know... ), but until then , Instagram knows much of our life ( and you don't have to have a phone to follow us there either )

Withing you a wonderful start of a new week 

and a

 Monday filled with light and happiness! 

SAN FRANCISCO XPLORY-ATIONS: The Start of Golden Gate Park

 

Believe it or not, even though we are literally 3 blocks away, we are yet to make a proper exploration of the Golden Gate Park. We've done more when visiting, but then we did not have those darn boxes to unpack. We got really spoiled when living in the house where the noise level ( kids or otherwise) , though regulated by us always, is not that critical of an issue. Between all our schedules, late evening, nighttime or really early mornings were our "project" windows to get done whatever it is that needed attention. 

That is far from the case here. Our beautiful flat is placed right in the middle of the upper level where the owners live and like peaceful mornings, and the lower dwellers that need quietness in the evenings. So, that time frame and unpacking,  plus our school, work and after school activities and early sunsets leave us with the limited time for explorations, but we made it a goal last Friday, quickly grabbed our faithful Xplory, and actually entered the Golden Gate Park. 

... And then we didn't get too far.

Because it's gorgeous and filled with all sorts of interesting things that need touching, feeling, digging, etc. 

Our outing looked like this:

^^ all set and ready to explore! ^^

^^... until 5 minutes later where was some cool hole. they wondered who lived there ^^

^^ and then a little guy wanted to coo ^^ 

^^ ... so we spent another 10 minutes doing that...^^

^^... and people watching while feeding the little guy. all that cooing takes energy, you know. it should be notes that Vasilisa was in awe to find someone else with a leash. a dog in this case.^^

^^... and while the baby was eating, another one realized she was hungry too ^^

^^... so, here is to another 10 minutes to let her snack on some cucumbers and such. and it should be known that Evyianne refused to lay down for the most of the trip afterwards. I mean, completely. I spent most of the time carrying him ^^

^^ ...until we realized that he wants to sit up to look around { naturally. why didn't i think of that right away?! } look at him all perched up and happy. it is very bitter sweet to think that we actually may need so switch our beautiful Xplory bassinet for a seat... i had high hopes to keep him in it for another few months, because i don't want this baby stage to end. yes, time flies too fast ^^

^^ and then we ran into this beauty on the way to the park, so , naturally, we took a few snaps. i will have to go back for more - gorgeous, isn't it?  ^^

^^ and then before we knew it, the fog started to set in, the sun went down and it was time to run home. i may change my mind later, who knows, but for now, i find fog gorgeous and magical. you can see it above starting to come in from behind the trees^^

^^ and then we walked on to this on our way home. iphone may not have the magical capabilities, but i am so happy it captured this magical fog ^^

There is an uncountable amount of beautiful things to see and do at the park, and we started this week with the membership to the California Academy of Sciences. Kids are over the moon, and I am really excited myself.  De Young is closed today, but is top of the list for this week as well ( among another 100 things that are already there )  

 

 Wishing you a magical Monday and a great start of the week!

                                                  with love, from San Francisco

FIVE FAB FINDS : for modern kids

The holiday time is just around the corner with gift guides in spotlight again. Five Fab Finds is here for your twice weekly with ideas, fun finds, and just cool things to make your holiday shopping easier. We are kicking it off today with the Five Fab Finds for Modern Kids, featuring Stokke Scoot not only because we absolutely LOVE it , but also because there is a change in price ( it's less now!) just in time for the holidays!

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 

And another quick tip, in case you didn't know - the knit Bla-Bla toys are machine washable and extremely durable. We have a couple and let me tell you, the amount of times they went through the wash is uncountable, but the Bla-Blas are as good as new!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

WITH LOVE FROM SAN FRANCISCO : Instagram

^^ views from the hills of San Francisco. i giggled typing this - considering our last name, this phrase has another layer to it. laughing aside , the hills and views here are breathtaking. i will make sure to share more, because it's a 'must' to experience ^^

^^ what seemed like never ending boxes then are just a few left today. oh, moving...^^

^^ that little pink jacket has been eyeing the park all day long that very day of unpacking. Golden Gate Park , with just 3 blocks away, was way more appealing then the boxes to me too...^^

^^ planning sessions can be intense for some. or look like fun puzzles for others ^^

^^ those yellow stations never get old, do they? ^^

^^ making it all official. considering the line, i was so happy i actually made an appointment. it took an hour with having one, i sincerely felt sorry for everyone else just waiting. the dmv workers were nice though, always a bonus ^^

^^ a much needed break and a conversation while eating sushi on a sunday night ^^

^^ San Francisco is gorgeous at night. i am learning night photography, because , really, it is magnificent ^^

^^ another view from the hills. marina district is really growing on me ^^

^^ from the streets of San Francisco. i may start new series. there are a lot of fun things to notice here ^^

^^ and while the outside weather is warm and welcoming ( a light jacket - just how i like it ) , the inside of the stores and window displays are all about Christmas. Target never fails with their great selections ^^

^^ if you need an easy folding stroller, the Scoot is your best friend! highly recommend it. it's my faithful companion on the MUNI, making it a breeze to get in and out,  and those trolleys are not easy climb!

^^ a little mommy on duty past saturday morning. he approved ^^

^^ same saturday morning. i love the soft light, and it looks like i have a little follower too ^^

^^ my very needed, loved and marveled over birthday present. all i want now is to get on the streets^^

^^ one of the "birthday" galleries  we hit when celebrating my birthday. david kracov art takes one of the top lines on my list of favorites now. doesn't the xplory look like it belongs in that gallery? a masterpiece of its own. and the special limited edition orange could not be more perfect for fall!^^

^^ a little taffy never hurt anyone every now and then. kids picked a couple of colors and walked as happy as could be. i bet the memories will be forever ^^

^^ something that passed through my facebook feed. i had to share, because i love every word ^^

^^ the very first picture we took when officially calling San Francisco our home, early on a friday morning. San Francisco welcomed us with sun, warm breeze and gorgeous bay. May this be a beginning to a life filled with love, warmth and happiness. ^^

We send you warm greetings and best wishes,

                                                     with love from San Francisco