Siriana makes her first Blog posting

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Siri's First Limo Ride

Instead of taking a Taxi back to the Oakland airport on Monday afternoon the bellboy said that it would be cheaper for us to all share a Shuttle. So he ordered us one; but they sent us a limo instead! It was a white limo w/sunroof, liquor, beer, and soda - for Free (or at least for an extra tip). We had such a great time during the 45 minute ride to the airport. Unfortunately Erick flew out of San Fran so he had to take the BART (public transit). Siri had a great time though. She was great on the plane ride back home too. One of my teammates Kurt helped us off the plane and carried the diaper bag and the stewardess stopped him and said "You have the best baby ever!" He just smiled and said "I know!" It was pretty funny. We arrived back home around 10 pm and Erick got in around midnight.

The Golden Gate Bridge

This is the view of the Golden Gate from Alcatraz. Siri was so good in her carrier. Thanks Grandma Julie for the great gift!

Alcatraz

On Sunday morning Dan and Tara Stevens' picked us up at the hotel and we went to Napa and Sanoma to go wine tasting. It was an amazingly beautiful day. There was not a cloud in the sky and there was a light breeze to keep us cool. They packed a lunch for us and so at one of the winery's we found a picnic table and ate cheese, crackers, and sausage. We got back to San Fran around 7 and had dinner in Chinatown. It was not the best meal, but it was a good time none the less. Dan and Erick tried on some traditional Chinese hats that were very funny looking. Needless to say, we had a wonderful day. Dan and Tara got to spend some quality time with Siri and Erick and I got to have a relaxing day. On Sunday morning we met up with our Trial Team and went to Alcatraz. The ferry ride itself was amazing. They have a great audio tour that guided us around the prison and island. We had another beautiful day. The weather could not have been better. For lunch we went to an Italian Seafood restaurant that was very good.

Siri's First Taxi Ride

Oh My: I Love Cabbies

San Fransisco

Siri's first ride on the bay area rapid transit - AKA Public Transportation. Daddy left Spokane on Thursday morning and spent the day hiking in the bay area. He had dinner at Tara and Dan Stevens' house and stayed the night there. Mommy and Siri were picked up by our teammates (Dan the 1L) early in the morning and we flew out of Spokane directly to the Oakland airport. Daddy was waiting for us at the baggage claim. Siri was happy to see him. We got to our hotel and settled in and then had some great Italian food. We had a break before dinner and chilled at our hotel, and then went to Japantown for an authentic Sushi dinner. It was very good; but unfortunately Siri was very tired and had a crying spell. She slept all night and then early on Saturday morning Mom got up and got ready for the Trial Competition at the Federal Courthouse. Daddy and Siri hung out all day around the hotel. At night after the competition we all gathered back together for a dinner at Figaro's in North Beach. All of the schools from the competition were there and we had a great time. Siri slept through the whole dinner; which was nice for us so that we could hang out with the team and enjoy ourselves.

In case the video doesn't work- go to this link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5648613944017967269

Gonzaga's Trial Team and our little Mascot

L to R: Professor Brooks Holland; Professor Jeffery Finer; Melissa and Siri Simonsen; Elizabeth Guerra; Mike Staskiews; Kurt Mabis; Dan Gividen; Kate Tylee; Professor Nadine Farid; Scott Edwards

Mommy wins an Award

Erick and Missy went to the annual Charity Auction at our Law School. Each year they award 1 law student a "Public Service" award- and this year I won! I had no idea that I was even a candidate for the award. It is quite an honor. I got up on stage, they gave me flowers and talked about all of the things that I have done. I guess I never really realized that I do a lot of volunteer work. They talked about working in New Orleans and being the fundraising chair for this years Mission: Possible, and helping at CLE's. It was a fun night. Erick even bid on an item and WON- so we are going on a helicopter ride this spring. Yeah.

Siriana Loves to Smile for her Daddy

Belinda comes to Visit

Our neighboor Belinda stopped by this morning. She brought yummy homemade Cinnamon rolls. We got to relax and chat and eat goodies while Belinda played with Siri. Siri was all smiles this morning and just loved playing with Belinda. Siri must be excited for Superbowl Sunday. Go Bears!

Dinner Party at Shannon and Betsy's

Our friends Shannon and Betsy had us over for dinner last wednesday. I had trial practice until 8 so Erick and Neal went over there earlier with Siri and hung out. When I arrived we had a great meal- Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread. Betsy loved Siri's onsie that said 'Future Quarterback.'

Siri got a new rug to Crawl On

We got a new rug last weekend so that Siri would have a soft place to crawl around when she gets bigger.