San Francisco

Rick had some work in San Francisco last week, and we decided to take the kids and tag-along.  They had never been to San Francisco, and it had been a long time since I had.  It was their first experience in a large city.  They loved it!  We tried to see how many different languages we could hear each day.  I love the diversity and the randomness in a big city.  You never know what you are going to see, just lots of different people keeping it 'real' in their own way.  I love it!  


The first day We found some pizza that tasted just as good as the pizza Rick and I ate when we went to NYC.  So good, we ate their twice.  Seth loved it because the Giants baseball game was on at the restaurant.

After a full day of walking around the city and a late dinner, I still wanted to be out in the excitement of the city.  Seth is my shopper.  He said he wasn't tired & wanted to shop with me while Rick took the girls back to our hotel.  I love shopping with Seth.  He has a style that reminds me of his Dad.  He was looking for a rugby shirt and I found one for him...but it had some SMALL design on the corner.  So it was a NO.  Too fancy.  

Thursday we drove down to Great America Theme Park.  I was just as excited as the kids because I used to go there as a child when we lived in Walnut Creek.  The last time I had been there was actually with Rick when we were engaged!  It was so fun, not crowded & perfect temperature.

Tatum was going non stop.  So much so that Rick and I had both gotten sick and weren't up for any more big rides.  I used to love this one when I was little, but as I watched it I knew I couldn't do it that day!  Tatum blew us away as she decided to go on it alone!  She has really grown up in the last year and has shown some serious independance.  Rick, Seth, Sage and I filmed her on the ride, and then after she got off.  I love that she did that!  Brave girl!  

The next day we headed north across the Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito, and to Stinson Beach.  I have memories of this beach as a child, so it was another nostalgic moment for me.  When we arrived, it was really cold and windy.  Slowly the sun came out and the kids stripped down to their swimsuits.  This beach is spectacular!  You drive along the coast  through some gorgeous hills filled with beautiful green trees and plants everywhere. Then out of nowhere the beach appears.

Tatum and I were looking for sea shells along the beach.  She told me she thought she found a star fish.  When the waves rolled back to sea, we were thrilled to find out it was actually a large crab!  Very cool.

Tatum taught Sage how to make marbles using the sand.  

I love the jump!

This is the look Sage gave me when I told her it was time to go.

The kids loved China Town.  Rick sent Rob this picture of the kids and this is what Rob texted back..." if you get hungry, just ask 'we do nono'?"  Rob is funny!

OUr last day we headed down to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39.

Tatum and I both loved the candy store at the pier.
It reminded us of Granny's Pantry in Minnesota.

Checking out Alcatraz

Rick and I had to get a picture on the Pier... he asked me to marry him there 17 years ago!
I love that we are just as in love and happy now as we were on that July day back in 1994. Sometimes I still can't believe I am living my dream with my best friend! 

Golden Gate Bridge

 The kids really really wanted to ride in the bike taxi.  It was fifteen dollars for a ride back to our hotel.  When we found out that there were only four allowed to ride in it at a time, Rick said he would take the kids so I could walk.  Neither of us wanted to ride in it, but Rick was a good sport as always. The look on his face just makes me laugh.  We had been on vacation for three days, had no exercise, and he missed his bike.  It was a slow ride & Rick would have loved to put the driver in the back and pulled him.  I was so grateful to be able to walk through the city.  It reminded me of working at a cafe in Chicago one summer.  I would take the train and then walk to the cafe each day.  I absolutely love walking in big cities.  I made it back to the hotel only ten minutes after they arrived...and I stopped at a 7-11 for an It's-it!  Yummy!

We spent our last night at a Giants game.  Hot dogs, garlic fries, great baseball, and some fabulous people watching.  We loved it.

This picture makes me laugh...I have the
'oops, my lips are dry and got stuck on my teeth' smile.

Awesome family trip.  We hope to go back soon.