Kalista - 5 Months

A little bit about me...

I love to smile!

I'm into fashion.

I like variety...can't have just one pretty hat!

I drool A LOT!

I like to chew on things.

Saks & The City

I attended Saks & The City, an event that benefits Teddy Bear, with some gal friends. Love, love, love an evening of cocktails, shopping and pampering! There's nothing like getting dolled up and being surrounded by couture! Such a fabulous event for a wonderful cause.

Me with Jennifer & Angela

Angela, Kristi, Jennifer & Karen

(Perfect backdrop of Chanel handbags!)

Birthday Getaway

What a wonderful weekend it was! My 38th birthday was this past Friday and I met my two best friends in Santa Monica for a little girl's getaway. This was a birthday getaway for all 3 of us. Since we all live in different cities, we decided to meet up and celebrate together. Kathie's birthday was in November and Anne shares the same birthday as moi. I call Anne my long, lost relative because our mothers share the same birthday and her niece's name is Jennifer Hall - so crazy!

It was a fun and relaxing weekend that included the spa, dinners at Boa and The Lobster and shopping. I love spending time with Kathie & Anne. Every time we see each other I get a little teary-eyed because I miss how we all lived in the same city. But I am thankful we have made the effort to meet up at least once or twice a year. I Love You Gals!

View from our room at Loews

A bite to eat before our spa appointments

A nice surprise was sent to our room

 from my friend Diana

Lemon Drop Martinis for the birthday gals!

My BFFs: Kathie & Anne 

Chop

I've been cooking my way through one of my favorite chef's new cookbook, Giada At Home. Tonight I made honey-balsamic lamb chops. I wasn't sure if Sophia was going to like it. But the rule for all home meals is: Sophia eats what Mommy makes. I refuse to be a "short-order cook". So far, so good! Sophia loved the lamb chops! However, we didn't call it 'lamb chops' just 'chop'. I didn't want her to picture a face with the meal.

Yummy chop!

Big Girl Drink

What a crazy day, weather wise! This morning it rained cats and dogs, then the sun made an appearance and then the winds kicked up. Sophia and I were chilly throughout the day, so after her nap we payed a visit to Starbucks. I had my usual, Chai Tea Latte, and Sophia had her very first hot chocolate. I know, I know some may say, "What?! Her first hot chocolate?! How old is she?" I've been pretty good about keeping her away from sweet drinks. She's only had 2 juice boxes her whole entire life! But what she hasn't had in the sweet drink department, she has definitely had in other realms of eateries. I mean really...why waste calories on drinks?

Pool Day

What a lovely, sunny Sunday! We took the kids to the club and Kalista had her first "wading" experience in the kiddy pool while Sophia showed off her swimming skills.

Zoo Day

What do you do on a sunny Saturday in Santa Barbara? Head to the Zoo! We had a great family picnic at the zoo today with a few other families from PEP. A couple of special "guests" made an appearance as well!

Cute, isn't he?

Kalista was more adventurous

than her big sister!

Surprised Sophia actually touched the fox!

The newest member of the zoo...

no not Sophia, but the baby giraffe!

The Pelican

I took the girls to Stearn's Wharf for a late morning/early afternoon outing. Sophia was very interested in the pelican who appeared to be sun-bathing. Friendly pelican he/she (how do you tell?) was.

This was as close as Sophia would 

come to the pelican

Couple of cute tourists!

A Great Gatsby Affair

Tonight was the the 3rd Annual Literacy Gala hosted by the Junior League. Proceeds from this event will help us with creating an exceptional children's library within the Santa Barbara Public Library. This year's theme was based on a book called The Great Gatsby, which was published on this day April 10th in 1925. Our Gala committee did a beautiful job organizing this event at the stunning Coral Casino. Andrew Firestone was the MC and he did a great job raising money with the live auction. I am so proud to be a member of the Junior League. It's an honor to be in the company of some many talented and educated women.

Winners of one of the silent auction items...

2 cases of wine - Time for a cocktail party!

Oh what a night!

The Steins and Valerie Tyler

(Jen and Val did not plan 

their color schemes)

Briana & Dana

Angela & Me

Surrounded by mini cupcakes and

this gorgeous cake!

Saturday Fun

Today we met up with the Martzes and the Wongs at Padaro for some family fun. The kids had a blast playing in the sand box, eating lunch and snacking on cupcakes from Whodidily.

David's Birthday

Long before kids David and I each had a Birthday Week, which was really a week long of fine dining in various restaurants in Santa Barbara, Malibu, Santa Monica...well you get the point. Now the definition of fine dining is defined by "kid friendly". Although times have changed the love has doubled! Happy Birthday to my darling husband and devoted father ~ Love - Jennifer, Sophia & Kalista

Always good to have a little something

to occupy the little one!

Kalista decided to wake-up and join

the celebration.

Papa and his girls

Happy Birthday!

(Beachside Cafe has a killer sundae)

Make a wish!

GNO

Tonight was a much needed Girl's Night Out. Although this night was planned for the last week it couldn't have come at a better time. Sophia decided to be a little difficult today, which is why I am deciding to rename her Cybil. How can such a sweet and adorable 2 1/2 year old make me crave a martini? Nonetheless, it was a great night out at the Boathouse!

Fabulous Five
Shelley, Marcy, Pernille, Me, Diana

Beautiful!

New Friend

This morning, after Yellow Bird music class, the girls and I went over to our good friends The Wongs house. Cami just had her 3rd daughter on April 2nd and we were very excited to meet her! I forgot to take a picture of Mommy Cami, but trust me when I say that she looks great! I mean really, not too many moms would be out and about 4 days after having a baby!

Introducing Miss Quincy Pearl Wong

(Kalista looks like a giant next to her!)

Easter

Easter weekend started out with the coloring of some eggs. Sophia had a blast dropping the eggs in the different colors. But she was even more excited about eating the eggs than anything else.

Here I go!

It's all about the technique.

Ta da!

Could hardly wait to peel off a little bit of the

shell before eating!

On Easter Sunday we drove to Bakersfield to have brunch with David's side of the family. As soon as Sophia woke up she was asking to go to Nana's house. We had a wonderful brunch and then had an Easter egg hunt. After Sophia found her eggs she wanted more, so we just hid them again...a few times over I should add. What easy entertaining!

Finally, an opportunity when all four of us

could be in one picture. Thanks Auntie Kamala!

Ah, look what I found!

Peek a boo, I see you!

All loaded up!

Sophia & Nana

Nana, cousin Alison & Kalista