Family Pride

This year we marched in the Gay Pride Parade with Dylan. We marched with the marriage equality contingent. Dylan thought the whole thing was pretty exciting and enjoyed waving his flag. It was a very memorable and emotional day for us.

Getting Our License!

On June 17 we went to San Francisco City Hall to get our marriage license. It was the first day gay and lesbian couples could get their licenses and we had a 10:30 AM appointement. Jason met us at City Hall and took pictures. We also were met by our friend Steven. It was very exciting and we were interviewed by several reporters (we ended up in USA Today!) It was a great day. Dylan seemed to have a good time too, but I think the part he liked best were the free cupcakes from the ladies with the Unitarian Church.



AP photo

Inside City Hall

Talking to a reporter

Leaving City Hall- We got lots of cheers!

In Front of City Hall

WE WON!!!

We were there at 10am for the announcement of the ruling- what a great day for California, what a great day for our family! See below for information on the ruling and some pics of us from this morning. Thank you all for supporting us! Love, Julie, Lynda & Dylan

California’s Supreme Court ruled 4-3 today under the state Constitution that same-sex couples may not be excluded from civil marriage. In a decision written by Chief Justice Ronald M. George and joined by Associate Justices Joyce L. Kennard, Kathryn Mickle Werdegar, and Carlos R. Moreno, the court ruled there is a fundamental right to form a family through marriage. It recognized that this is a basic civil right that applies to “Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples.” Using its highest level of constitutional review, called strict scrutiny, the court ruled that the marriage ban violates the equal protection guarantees of the state Constitution by discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. Providing two systems of family recognition, one called domestic partnership and one called marriage, “realistically must be viewed as constituting significantly unequal treatment to same-sex couples.” The state does not have a compelling interest in “limiting the designation of marriage exclusively to opposite-sex couples, and in excluding same-sex couples.” Excluding lesbian and gay couples from marriage “works a real and appreciable harm on same-sex couples and their children.” Ultimately, the court held that lesbian and gay couples are entitled to the same dignity, respect, and stature as other couples. The language limiting marriage to a union between a man and a woman is unconstitutional and must be stricken from state law, and current marriage laws must apply to both same-sex and opposite sex couples. The California Supreme Court directed the lower court to issue an order directing state officials to allow same-sex couples to begin to marry. The court’s decision becomes final in 30 days unless that period is extended by court order, and the lower courts in California have a few procedural steps to complete. Very shortly, exact date to be determined, same-sex couples will be able to marry.

Lunch with Dylan

Today Lynda and Dylan came and picked me up from the office. We went to Pier 39 for lunch. Dylan loved crossing the bridge from the parking garage to Pier 39. He also loved all the BOATS! He saw the boats coming in as we ate lunch and we said do you want to come back and ride the boats? He said "ride boats with Grandma!"

After lunch we saw more boats and the went to ride the carousel. Dylan loved it. He especially liked seeing Mom each time we went around. He loved seeing himself in the mirror and going up and down. He was thrilled the whole time. After we finished we got ice cream at Dreyer's and he loved that too. He and I shared a cup of vanilla. He made sure when it was getting low that he filled his spoon and then took a handful too. Maybe he has seen me with vanilla ice cream before. What a great day! I felt so lucky to have them come during the work day and get to see them both. We had so much fun, it almost felt like vacation.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Sunglasses

24 Month Check Up (at 27 months)

Dylan got his 24 month check up today. He was 37.25 inches tall (89th percentile) and 39 pounds (97th percentile). The doctor said he was very healthy and was really impressed with all of his talking. I think she especially liked how he said "Hello Doctor!" and "Bye Bye Doctor!"