Jim & Karen & the 4th

In July we had visitors 3 weekends in a row - the first to arrive were Jim and Karen. They drove up from Prescott on July 1st and stayed through the 5th. Karen has been out to visit us before; you may remember the post on the wonderful weekend we spent with her and Nini. This was Jim's first time out to see us. We kicked off the weekend with a big Mediterranean meal at La Med.

The night was relatively clear so we showed them the spectacular view of the Bay from the top of the Berkeley Hills.

No trip to Berkeley is complete without a tour of campus and a few minutes in lab to observe Andrew "dorking out." He's such a lovable dork though -- if only everyone could love what they do as much as Andrew does!

Heading into the main Chemistry Department building. It's so collegiate looking. And we also feel cool being able to go into locked buildings that Andrew has the keys to as a trusted PhD student hahaha

Moseying around campus.....

Grown-up hippies dancing outside of Sather Gate ;)

We finally decided to try this little Brazilian food stand on University and were pleasantly surprised by its deliciousness. Sunshine and good company are a plus too!

I think this is a great picture. It was taken at the Berkeley Rose Garden. Jim and Karen got to experience the never ending hills in Berkeley. It seems like you're always walking up and never down.....

Sunday was a beautiful, warm day in San Francisco. We fueled up at brunch, explored Chinatown and visited my office to get a glimpse of the Bay and my desk ;)

In the afternoon we spent some time walking around Golden Gate Park while Jim caught up with an old friend from high school whom he hadn't seen in decades.

Just picture them 45 years ago.......I'm sure they were smiling and laughing back then too.

We had a really great dinner and bottle of wine in Sausalito before partaking in some 3rd of July fireworks.

The Oakland East Bay Symphony put on a free concert set to fireworks over the water. If there is a free event, chances are you'll find a Jones there (me included now, too! haha).

Personal favorite - the finale.

I've decided the 4th of July is pretty much the same regardless of where you are. It includes family/friends, a good barbecue and outdoor activities.

I spend a lot of time indoors at work so I always welcome sunshine with open arms. Jim and I were loving soaking up some rays ;)

It was so much fun to have a whole weekend with just Jim and Karen. We don't get to see them often enough. Now we just need to get Caroline out here!