Liv hits the big three-oh.

By Liv

I woke up, like any other day, to the soft and sweet voice of my daughter whispering, "Hi, Mama!"

Nick had scoped out a breakfast joint that he really wanted to take me to. It was called "Dharma's" and was 100% vegetarian and organic. We had a tofu-scramble breakfast burrito and some delicious coffee. My tummy was full and I was content to go home and change in to my beach ware and sit in the sand all day...

Somewhere between breakfast and the beach, Nick side-tracked and pulled in to a Spa. He then announced that I would be spending the morning in a state of ultimate pampering. I cannot explain my excitement at this point :) I spent the next 3 hours being covered in gooey body-firming concoctions, inside a steam tent, then massaged and relaxed and finally with a skin rejuvenating facial. Just when I thought my spa day was over, I was greeted with a personal tea service for one. Ah... I could do that every day!

The remainder of my day was spent eating delicious taqueria tacos, walking and playing in the sand on the beach and wrapping up our day with a sushi dinner followed by a birthday key lime pie. I can't say exactly how different it feels to be 30, but I can say that I'm glad I have such a loving family to share the day with me.

Sunny San Fran.

By Liv

With only one more day to spend with my family, we decided to pack up and take the short ferry ride in to San Francisco. We arrived at the Pier along Embarcadero Street and forged our way forward on the street car to the popular Pier 39. There, we did what all the other tourists were doing - walked along the boardwalk in awe of San Fran's beautiful landscapes and amazing shopping and eating choices.

Stella and I had a wonderful time staying with my Uncle, Aunt, and two cousins. We already miss them and look forward to seeing them in November for my Sister's wedding!

Representing Oxford.

 The marina.

 Cousin Kailey.

Stella loved the ride!

 We had so much fun with our cousins.

 Kailey (KK), Kimberly (Kippy) and us.

 The seals were the most exciting part of the trip for the bambina.

 She sure does love her Uncle!

 Beautiful San Fran.

 My beautiful cousin, Kailey. She's growing up too fast.

La Familia.

La Familia Hernandez.

By Liv

We made it to California! The weather here is lovely: sunny and warm. The people are lovely: my family are more than happy to have us here. The food is fantastic: we've had mexican food at least once a day since we arrived. We are so very thankful for our beautiful family.

Today, we met some of my family that we've never met before. They came to my Uncle's house and we enjoyed some delicious carne asada BBQ, tamales, homemade guacamole, beans, rice... I'd continue but I'm afraid I'm making you hungry and we all know that whatever you have in your fridge isn't half as delicious as what I just mentioned.

We sat outside, stuffed our faces, talked about family: both here and past. I wish Grandma Hernandez were here. She would've loved to sit and eat with us. She would've told us so many great stories.

 Cousin Kailey loves her little Beebo.

 We met Dinah today for the first time. I can't believe we waited this long!

 Chef Boyar-Sam. 

 Baby girl Chiquita.

Stella's personal hair dresser.

 Mama's girl.

 Pretty Kimmi.

Uncle pulls out the big guns.

Stella loves her cousins, and they love her!

 Que delicioso!

 Silly Daddy!

Favorite Uncle Sam.

 Point at your favorite person, Stella!

 Uncle Sam and Dinah's husband Darnell.

My two loves.

Deep thoughts.

 She wasn't exactly sure about the pool.

After a winter in England, this is heaven.

 Kailey the water baby!

 

Mama y her little mama.

Mum's Day 2011.

By Liv

The modern Mother's Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March, April, or May as a day to honor mothers and motherhood. In the UK and Ireland, it follows the old traditions of Mothering Sunday, celebrated in March/April.

This was the second Mother's Day that I have celebrated as a Mum myself. Although Stella isn't quite up to the challenge of cooking me breakfast (she could, you see, she just isn't TALL enough to reach the counter tops so as to chop all the ingredients...) so instead she bossed Nick around and supervised while he put together a delicious omelet feast which was perfectly paired with a glass (or three) of organic/fair trade Mimosas. Mm... organic Mimosas!

The rest of the day was all about me and whatever I wanted to do: we went to the Grand Cafe for high tea, toured the Oxford Botanical Gardens (the oldest Botanic garden in Britain!) and ended the evening at our friend Vasu and his wife Neelima's house for a delicious home-cooked Indian dinner.

I had a wonderful day, but now that I've had a taste of the good life, I'm wondering why EVERY day can't be Mum's Day?

 The Grand Cafe. 

 "The site of the first coffee house in England."

 Contemplating another scone.

 Oxford Botanical Gardens.

Indian feast with friends. You-know-who was the life of the party, as usual :)

Seattle-bound!

By Liv

It's official. Nick accepted a job in Seattle, Washington. We will be heading back to the States this summer. I'm so proud of him! He's not even 2/3rds finished with his degree and has already been offered a wonderful job at an internationally-known company. I'm so thankful for him and all his dedication to his studies and mostly to our family.

I will divulge more details later, but until then I wanted to let all of our friends and family know what our next move is. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon and hugging and kissing your beautiful selves!