Grads, Babies, and Moms

We just got back from a weekend in California! (Yes, I know it's Friday!) It was good times had by all. The main theme of the weekend was Flene, Zarik's sister. She graduated from PA (Physicians Assistant) school, and we had a baby shower for her, since she's about 7 months pregnant.

We came in Friday night and Flene and her husband Justin picked us up from the airport and drove us to Auburn. Zarik, Mika and I stayed with my parents since Zarik's family had extended family there as well.

Saturday was the Baby Shower! Zarik, Mika and I went over to his parent's house early to help with set up. Great-Grandpa Gerry watched Mika while I did the meat platters. We kicked off the party with food! We had a mini-sandwich bar. The bread was mini-croissants, then we had meat and cheese platters and condiments. There was also fruit salad, deviled eggs, olives, and pickles. It was yummy! Then we played games. Zarik's mom, Linda, had about 10 planned! We only made it though I think 6. There was a "guess the baby's heritage" one, a "poopy diaper" one, a "break the water/pregnant with a balloon" relay race,



TP diaper (like the TP wedding dress one) that ended the a "mommy" feeding the "baby" real baby food (yuck!),



"a pick the safety pins a out of the rice", and I think I'm forgetting one! Then the parents-to-be opened their presents!



It wrapped up pretty quick after that. That night Zarik, Mika and I went to Benihana's with some of my family for my brother's 21st birthday! Yumm!!



Sunday found the three of us meeting Zarik's family to go 2 hours away for Flene's graduation. It was outdoors, and although windy, we had a great time. We sat on the grass and got to just relax and let everyone play with Mika during the ceremony. Then there was a buffet afterwards.



Unfortunately, Zarik had to part from us afterwards to catch a plane back home so he could go to work early Monday.

Monday Mika and I spent with my mom celebrating Mother's Day. We stopped to say hi to a good friend, then Grandma had to take Mika shopping, of course! We got a cute outfit, some Robee's, a couple of swim diapers, and a cute clip for her almost-long-enough hair! Then we picked up my grandmother and went back to my parent's home. There we had a nice Mother's Day dinner (tri-tip shish kabobs, garlic bread (Colombo! My favorite!), a Caesar salad, and rice). Then we all played Hand and Foot - my family's all time favorite card game!

Tuesday Mika and I left to go meet Zarik in San Francisco. He called the hotel, so we got to get his room early. We took a nap, watched some TV, went swimming and ordered room service.

Wednesday, we relaxed in the morning, and had a leisurely breakfast. Then we went swimming again. Later we took a walk to the bay. Bad idea! It took us over 2 hours! I was glad I brought Mika a hat, even though I didn't have any sunblock and her cheeks have a "healthy glow" now. I'm sore from it, too! Then Mika and I had to leave. We went through LA to get home, and our final plane was an hour delayed, so we didn't get home until 2am Thursday!! So that's what I meant by we "just" got home from our weekend in Cali!

We had a lot of fun!