March in Pictures

March was action-packed. I'm especially pleased that I got into a great running/ hiking and just general outdoor routine that undoubtedly was inspired by the continued amazing weather we've been having. One goal I proposed with Anna was that we try one new hike a week and that it become one of our Mother-Daughter weekend traditions. Between setting good daily activity goals and the weekend hikes, I've come to appreciate even more, this beautiful area that we live in. I'm looking forward to keeping it up! Now, nutrition - that continues to be a whole other issue :)

In terms of highlights we: explored the Presidio Trails for the first time (!), enjoyed a weekend with the Estradas where we took a hike through the Tennessee Valley Trail, took a wonderful spring break weekend in Santa Barbara where we went horseback riding, and hiked both Inspiration Point and the Douglas Family Preserve trail and spent countless hours outside enjoying the weather.

Tracking my runs and hikes on the garmin - proves to be a great little tool to stay motivated. It's really gratifying to see all of the activity :)

 Happy dog playing at Fort Mason while Anna is in musical theatre. After playing fetch, I would then take him on a run along the flat Crissy Field out and back route.

March 2nd - We head to the Farmer's market to pick up some fruits.

March 3rd - we enjoy a sunny day in SF on the Marina Green.

 We started off our Sunday walking from our place to Fort Mason. We played a little fetch...

 ...and then headed down to the Fort Mason farmer's market before continuing our walk to the Marin Green.

 March 9th we take the Estradas on a hike along the Tennessee Valley Trail. We hang out and enjoy the sun at the TV Beach.

The kids were great on the hike minus a bit of belly aching towards the end :)

 After our hike we went to FISH in Sausilito and then enjoyed a stroll through Fairfax where the kids enjoyed ice cream at the Fairfax Scoop and we enjoyed happy hour at 123 Bolinas.

 A little outdoor time right after Kumon before heading over to ballet...

Sasa waits patiently with me in the car while Anna plies :)

Park trail in the Presidio - my first time (solo) finally exploring this portion of the park.

 Presidio trails with Anna

We found a playground that we (and of course Anna) really enjoyed. Made me nostalgic about her growing up so quickly :) Am so happy she still enjoys playgrounds...

 March 24th - Anna and I take Sasa to Crissy Field for some fetch and then some pashal around Japantown later in the day.

 Santa Barbara spring break! After a 5 hour drive (that included a 1 hour traffic stop due to an overturned semi and then a subsequent flat tire!), we headed straight to this hiking trail. 

 Great weather - the hike was short (less than 3 miles) but had a very steep portion that was tricky for Anna (and us) to get up and down...

Quick shot in front of the Santa Barbara Presidio before dinner.

Dinner at Julienne's - Farm to table Californian cuisine at its best.

Thursday horseback riding! One of Anna's top fave activities...

 Brunch at the lovely Jeanine's Bakery in downtown SB post horseback riding...

And then beach time post brunch! We would have hung out longer had the clouds decided not to roll in :-/

Anna enjoys getting out of the mound of sand I buried her under :)

That evening we went to Sterns Wharf for some wine tasting at Deep Valley Winery (where Anna made a new friend), Kunin Winery (in the 'Funk Zone' neighborhood) and then Playa Azul for some Mexicali.

Sunday morning hike :)

 The sun came out towards the end of our hike and long enough for us to enjoy brunch at the Shoreline Cafe. The service wasn't as good as the first time we went :/

 On our way home we stopped by Denmark. Err, Solvanag, which is a little random Danish town in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley. Boy was it hot there...

 The next day after we arrived home from SB, Anna and I enjoyed an amazing Marin headlands hike. I was so pleased that Anna got lost in looking at all the local flowers in bloom and tracking to catch a shot of a butterfly where they were in their natural habitat...absolutely beautiful and inspiring country.

The rain came just as we got back to the city and we enjoyed this beautiful little Japanese anime film at the Sundance Cinema Kabuki Theatre...

We didn't really go all out for Easter - we decorated eggs the day of and got haircuts :) It rained most of the day so we stayed pretty mellow...was a nice way to wrap up March 2013.