Like most families in the last few remaining weekends before the holidays, we spent our Saturday shopping.
The day began with Mimi and Kuri waking up normal time, which meant both Sumie and I had to be up as well. At what age do kids learn the concept of sleeping in on weekends?
After gymnastics and Kuri's morning nap, we headed to the east bay to buy bedding (Sumie's entire family will be staying with us over the holidays) and to take our yearly family pictures - this time with the grandparents.
The sale on bedding was fantastic, but the scheduling at the picture studio was abysmal. Though we had an appointment, there was still over an hour wait. "We're running on baby time" was the explanation. To me, that's a creative way of saying "We overbooked so you'd have to stay here and shop." Despite the wait and the hungry kids, the pictures came out well, thanks to a photographer who is far better at getting my kids to cheer up than I am.
Here's a shot of Kuri and Mimi. Kuri, of course, has his ever-present burp-cloth in hand.
And here's Kuri all on his own. He's smiling, but note the droopy eyelashes at the corners of his eyes. Tears had been streaming down just a few second before. I wish I could turn my day around so quickly.
And lastly, here's Mimi. She was all smiles. Kuri, however, despite his tears, wanted to be a part of each picture. Note the little red arm creeping in from the left!
As a man who embodies the antithesis of being photogenic, Mimi's comfort in front of the camera amazes me. Here she is at Old Navy. I think she was the highlight of the display.
After photos it was time to eat. On the way to the restaurant, Mimi snatched Sumie's phone and began taking pictures. Here's a shot of Mama...
an action shot of Kuri in his car seat...
...and Mimi's greatest work: Self Portrait Number 27.
She goes through film like a real photographer. I later deleted 87 photos from the phone.
After dinner we had one last stop to make. Mimi and Kuri, despite the late hour, handled themselves wonderfully. I was a proud papa.
The long day ended with a bath for Kuri...
...and a quick trip to bed for both children and parents alike. Sunday was to be another busy day, but only Papa had to wake up early.
As a result of the past few years, starting with my year long stint as a stay-at-home dad, I've acquired the moniker of "Captain Domestic." I cook, fold laundry, handle the finances, take the kids out on my own on call weeks, change diapers, wake everyone up in the morning and tuck them in at night. If that weren't enough, I work in education, designing learning materials for kids. Yes, I think I've earned my title.
Still, there are times when this domestic gentleman needs to cut his apron strings and rejoin the ranks of the hairy chested and grunting species to which he belongs. As readers of this blog may have guessed, I'm not a typical guy's guy. I'm not into sports, I'm not a gym rat, and I don't play poker. I do, however, love - nay, adore - cars.
On the first Sunday of every month, there's is a "Cars and Coffee" gathering a few miles away from my home. It's chance for locals to take out their classic, unique, or tuned cars and commune with like minded souls. 8:00am is a bit early for me on a Sunday, but having missed the last one, I had to make it. I'd hoped to bring Mimi with me, but (sadly?) she was till asleep when I left.
I arrived about 8:15, a little late but still part of the early crowd.
These are very informal events, but every time there are some astounding cars. My humble little 911sc Targa was flanked by a beautiful Ferarri f355 spyder (one of my favorites) on the right...
and by an even more beautiful Ferrari coupe on the left.
As usual, Porsches were well represented. I drooled over a 1989 factory Turbo Slantnose...
...and a gorgeous 356 cabriolet (perhaps my favorite Porsche).
My little car wasn't even the stand-out white Porsche. That honor was taken by this beautiful Carrera RS tribute.
Though my little 911 is very humble, thankfully, showing off is not what these events are about. They're simply a chance to talk shop and to share a love of cars. People show up with six-figure garage queens to tuned Subarus to work-in progress Datsun wagons and BMW 2002s. And that's what makes it so special. There's no real criteria for the car you bring other than that you think it special and want to share it with others. Like many other cars there, my car isn't perfect (far from it), but that's somewhat a reflection of it being well-loved. You can't really bond with a perfect car on the road. You'll always be too afraid of what might happen. Similarly, you won't be able to discuss the innumerable improvements you have yet to do with other car nuts!
Perhaps it's wrong to start at such an early age, but I've been attempting to instill a love of cars in Kuri. Each morning, after I pick Kuri up from his restful night's sleep, we head over to the "Plaque of Emblems" on the wall by his crib. This was created by my grandfather for my father when he was a boy, and hung in my room when I was young as well. It's a collection of emblems that were prizes in Wheaties boxes in the 1950s. Kuri already has his favorites. He particularly likes Ferrari, Bentley, and Jaguar. I cannot argue with him there.
Over the past 30+ years, I've seen examples of almost all these marques in the flesh, but one had still escaped me. I'd never seen an Allard. Well, this Sunday, just two spaces down from my own little car, I saw my first.
As the years go by, I'm looking forward to bringing Mimi and Kuri along with me. It might not fully rub off on them, but I'd love them there beside me. Even if it makes me a little more domestic during man-time.
P.S. Many thanks to Paige Gaines for the photos of the cars (including mine) I "borrowed" for this post.
