Back Home in Berkeley

So, this month, we're trying a slightly different format here at NorCalAllens. We're still giving you all the great pictures and stories that you've come to expect from us. But this time, we're dividing them into subchapters within the monthly post. Some day I'll figure out an easier way to do this posting business, but for now, here you go.

We're starting in reverse order. Just pretend you're riding the train backwards.

OK, so this last month was pretty crazy for the NorCalAllens. Pretty much every weekend, we travelled. First to Sactown for cousin/neice Emma's 1 year birthday. Then up the coast for a wedding (about 200 miles north of Berkeley--this is really NORCal). When we got back, we celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence (and the usual patriotic concepts therein promised and described). Then, we took Daphne on her first trip in an aeroplane all the way to New England, home of her ancestors. Finally, we got back to Berkeley and stayed put. So, this post shows what happens when the NorCalAllens get back to Berkeley after a crazy month like that.

The picture below shows Daphne and her grandfather, Dan, playing in her room. Dan was seeking cool refuge in Berkeley from the 100+ degree summer in Sac this particular day. We had a great time hanging out, including a nice lunch at Cesar (a nice tapas place right next door to Chez Pannise--we basically go whenever Dan's in town!).


Here's a nice shot of Daphne and Mom smiling at a camera. The setting is the south-facing deck of Emily and Naveen (you should see their strawberry plant...seriously).

We're sad because Naveen and Emily, long time friends of the NorCalAllens, are closing out their time in Berkeley. It's sad when people leave Berkeley, but it's especially sad when they're good friends. We had a nice dinner (below) and Ben and Naveen played some dominoes and backgammon (and sipped Scotch) while the ladies talked.
This picture is actually from earlier today (i.e. the 21st). I like that Emma was playing with the little stuffed baseball. Daphne is hanging out in her car seat.
On to the next post....Going back in time.

Boston, Part 2

This post covers the 2nd half of our Boston trip. Daphne was excited to see where her Dad grew up. She also got to hang out with her grandparents (whom she'd already met in NorCal) and meet her great-aunt and -uncle, Bonnie and Bing, and cousin, Betsy.

Betsy hosted us all at her sweet place in Boston's Back Bay. You can see us all posing below. Daphne really liked Betsy!

Here's Daphne happy as a clam with Betsy.
This is a picture of Daphne, Making Way for Duckings. This is a staple of the tourist stroll through Boston's Public Garden. Ben used to walk through this garden all the time when he was a resident Bostonian. Now as a Bostonian colonizing NorCal, he returns to see the main attractions of his native city. Daphne liked the swan boats, but she was a little too small for us to enjoy that ride. She also liked all the big statues on Comm. Ave.
As I indicated in a previous post, Daphne seems to love Kevin Youkilis, the 1st baseman of the 2004 Champion Boston Red Sox (though she usually calls him "Goo" instead of the more commonly used "Youk"). This is a shot of Daphne and Dad in front of Fenway Park. I got a batting practice ball for Daphne, which was amusing. I had to knock over a few 10 year old boys, but it was worth it. The Sox ended up losing the game to the Oakland A's, which was actually OK, because they are the only other team in baseball that the NorCalAllens want to win, so at least that was a consolation. Since dropping 3 of 4 to the A's, the Sox have been ripping through the soft underbelly of the non-AL East. By my count, the Sox are 3.5 games up of the Yankees.

Boston Part 1

We were so proud of Daphne for taking her first flight like a champ. We got to Boston and Daphne got to play with her grandparents. Here she is with Granny (aka Ben's stepmom, Susan).

It took a while for Daphne to get used to the humidity of a New England summer. Oh well, at least the weather's nice in the winter....

This is Ben's friend Jon Casey and his ladies. His daughter is the little one. She is super cute! She's about 1 month younger than Daphne.

Here is Daphne with her grandmother, Ben's mom. Very cute all around.

This is Ben's brother Fred holding Daphne. She really liked being held by Fred. She made an extra effort to be cute, which you can see below.
This shot would have been difficult to imagine about 12 years ago when Jon and Ben were 16. I'll leave it at that.
Here is a picture of Daphne's grandfather, Cortney and Daphne. We're at the Boston Museum of Science. Daphne was grumpy until we showed her the crazy spinning wheels pictured below.

Red Woods and Aunt/Uncle/Cousin Visit

Travelling up the coast 200 miles is a special thing for the NorCalAllens. It is really a beautiful place up there, especially if you like HUGE trees and frank people. This is Daphne at the base of a HUGE tree. Here are the SoCalAllens (Peter, Jill and the unborn!). They came up from SoCal (see link to right...) to visit the NorCalAllens. We were about to make sushi and spring rolls when I took this picture (I'm a sucker for pretty bowls of julienned vegetables).
Mental note: play Monopoly with Petenice at your own risk, especially when you play with all the fines going to the first person to land on Free Parking (who was obviously Petenice). Daphne is trying to steal a 5-hondo for her Daddy in this shot...
Here's a picture of Daphne and her Tia Jill. We're so excited that the SoCalAllens are having a kid this winter. Daphne will have a boy cousin to teach her how to surf, which is always nice.

Emma Turns One!

This is Emma about to blow out her first candle. I love her hair. "Quel dommage!" -- Emma
Daphne looking cool.
Emma on her new hog.

Cortney Graduates

Some pics that fell through the cracks from last month. Here is Cortney and Daphne just before we head to Oakland for Cortney's graduation from her Master's program at John F. Kennedy University. (PS--did you know that Kennedy means "He Who Has an Ugly Head" in Gaelic? I thought all of you Republicans would like that one. Still doesn't change the fact that JFK inspired a generation, though.) Emma: "All right, here's the plan! Go out four paces, fake to the left, then spin to the right and I'll hit you in the corner of the end zone."
Daphne: "Got it!"
Here's a shot of Cortney with her cap and gown. She's not one to brag, so good thing I am! Cortney recieved a very special award from her school--she graduated as the Most Outstanding Student in the school of management. She earned it because of her grades and her commitment to the school. Her family is very proud! Daphne got to walk with Mommy across the stage. It was very cute.