Loving the City

I grew up in San Francisco, so sometimes it's hard to be objective about this town, but I just love living here. I thinking the 3 years in Oakland really allowed Brian and I the space to appreciate life in the city. Although parking was so easy in Oakland, we constantly missed the energy of the city. We would go out to dinner at a popular restaurant and there was no excitement, nor any real vibe. Brian and I both thrive on the energy of a city, even as parents. When we bought our home last year, so many people were shocked that we were moving from the East Bay back to the city since most people move out of the city once they start a family. They want bigger homes, more sidewalk space for strollers, and more "family-friendly" places. Whatever. That's all fine and dandy for other East Bay folks, but we feel more alive, more connected in San Francisco. I never realized how disconnected I felt in Oakland until I moved back. Although I had an amazing support group of moms and my dearest friend, Kristen (who I miss constantly), in Oakland, I felt like we had nothing else. Brian worked in the city and my family was here, so I felt unsettled. We moved into a smaller house in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of the city where I grew up, and we couldn't be happier. Well, I guess we would love some more space, but we are willing to make some compensations for life in the big city. More than anything, we love taking our kids to all of the wonderful attractions that San Francisco has to offer. Luca loves the train at the Zoo (see above) and we most recently went to the newly renovated Academy of Sciences which is simply breathtaking (also above!). Brian and I love our little home and are thrilled that our children are growing up in such an exhilarating, culturally diverse, and simply beautiful city.