As part of my wonderful Mother's Day Brian, Kate, and I headed to the Detroit zoo. We went Monday, Brian's day off, and had both a gorgeous day and wonderful time. 
Kate was really interested in the animals and excitedly pointed and exclaimed when she saw them.
Because it was cooler outside, 65 and breezy, the animals were very active.
Kate loved being a big girl and holding her Daddy's hand as we walked around.
She also loved the view from up high!
Last Sunday Brian and I left for Chicago, and then on Thursday we left (without Kate) for San Francisco. We were a little nervous as to how she or we would do considering we hadn't even left Kate for one night yet, and we were going for three. She and we did fabulous. Kate had a great time with my parents and especially enjoyed her nightly visits from Aunt Katie and Uncle Ben. I was almost a little miffed that she didn't miss me more. Really I'm just glad she did so well, and I know that its due to all the great love and attention she received in Chicago. Thanks everyone. Meanwhile, Brian and I had a fabulous time in San Francisco. 
We arrived on Thursday and took a tour of the city. We walked to fisherman's wharf, ghiardelli square, took the trolley, and had a great dinner at Francis Ford Coppola's Restaurant in the city. We even got to eat in the booth where FFC worked on the Godfather.
Brian's friend from high school Geoff now lives in San Francisco with his wonderful wife Giselle so not only did we have great friends to stay with and go out with, we had our very own tour guides. On Friday, we visited the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Tiberon, had drinks on the Pier, and went to a fabulous dinner at Boulevard. Geoff brought some great wines to the meal and Brian even tried scallops. It all went too fast!
On Saturday we went to Napa which was wonderful. We made it to four different wineries and had an outstanding time at each. The scenery was beautiful, the information very interesting, and the tastings were delicious.
From there we headed to the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay. The hotel and views were both gorgeous. We got a room with a fire pit that overlooked the 18th green and the ocean. The picture above is the view just beyond the 18th green. We certainly enjoyed the night, the company, and the numerous bottles of wine consumed by the fire, overlooking the ocean. Minus the late night raccoon visitor that stole our chocolates and created quite the stir, the entire trip was perfect.
Brian and I certainly did miss Kate, but it was really nice to have a chunk of time with my husband, and I am so glad that we did it. Thanks Geoff and Giselle for all you did to make the trip so wonderful.
CLICK HERE for the rest of our San Francisco Vacation Pictures!
Our Little Bunny!
Matching Dress and Bonnet
A matching coat too!
Kate and her friend Mallory
Since Kate's birth all of our holidays have been extra special, as we get to do such fun kid things with our little girl. The Easter Bunny picture was taken at the Bunny Extravaganza at our Rec Center two weeks ago. It's better than our Santa pic, but Kate still wasn't too sure.
Maybe it was from all the excitement at Gymboree
Our little Kate is quite the communicator. My favorite of the 30+ words she uses regularly is Ah-mo for Elmo. It amazes us how quickly she has developed from little baby to little kid. We absolutely love her attempts at communication and have captured a few of our favorite words in video below.
As Kate has passed the 14 Month mark we are having a blast! She has recently started running, which is adorable. She loves being chased and sometimes even hides in her new tent. She is continuing to exhibit a very playful and fun spirit which we relish. Kate has also starting giving great tight little hugs which make our hearts melt. She continues to be a wonderful eater and has transitioned very well to whole milk out of the sippy-cup. She is also my little mini-me and helps with everything I do including vacuuming. (That love must come from her Gammy.) She has become very communicative and has added many new words and two word phrases to her repertoire. She constantly amazes us with what she understands. Her favorite toy is her pet dog which she loves to pull on a string behind her. The clips below show our little girl in action. Enjoy!
They arrived on Friday and with the nice weather it didn't take us long to go on a few walks. 
If you come for a visit watch out! Kate will walk up to you, hand you a book, and even turn around to sit in your lap. Her Umpa was a favorite target this weekend.
Kate sure enjoyed stealing Grandpa's breakfast. She can certainly eat!
Kate was also a great help with our Sunday dinner. She supervised both Nana and myself from underfoot.
We went to a few Mom to Mom Sales on Saturday and Grandma picked up some special presents for Kate, including this pink princess tent for our little princess.
They also brought with them an adorable chair for Kate to enjoy. She loved it, was adorable sitting in it, and already calls it by name, ah-Mo.
For the most part our little girl is an angel, but there are certainly times that she exhibits quite the strong will. The few tantrums she has thrown have been quite adorable and usually involve being tired or pinned down.
The bride and groom-to-be.
Brian joined us for the party and Kate was so excited to see her Daddy. 
We made the cake above for the party. Everyone thought it was very funny.
We also celebrated Michael's 25th Birthday.
Kate adored seeing Ashlinn (Kristen and Andy's little girl) and loved playing with her.
Kate even got to watch Cinderella on Grandpa's new TV.
It was a great week and we can't wait to return.
