Easter! Easter!Easter!

Easter is still going on here at the Duncan household several weeks later. The whole concept of eggs being hidden and then finding them again has not lost it's appeal. Zoe begs for me to hide the eggs and toys throughout the day. Most of the time she hides them herself and then hunts them. Somehow, that version of hunting is great too. I am torn as to whether I should just put the eggs away completely so I don't have to deal with them anymore or continue to let them entertain her even though I am over hiding easter eggs or talking about eggs or having egg parties. Easter itself was a great day. Zoe was up early too excited to sleep. It was conference weekend so we didn't get dressed up for church which is why my kids are in there jammies. Jamin thought we should wait until after church to hunt easter eggs next year so HE can get a little more sleep. Well decorating them the night before was fun. Zoe mostly enjoyed putting stickers on them and we dyed them. Jude was not allowed to participate because he likes to dump cups out or drink out of them and the eggs he would have thrown on the ground. Next year little guy, it's all you. He was great at hunting them though. I was impressed and Zoe of course, hunted like a champ. I just can't resist getting into all of the holidays when I've got Zoe who has the greatest enthusiasm for them. They are both growing up too fast. Zoe is starting to act like a teenager at times and is using my own parenting tactics against me. The other day I asked Zoe where her shoes where and she replied,"mom you have to use your detective skills", something I say to her all of the time. Jude is just talking up a storm. He repeats whatever he hears, which can backfire, but mostly it's adorable. He is the happiest little guy. He gives hugs and big smiles in abundance. He loves his sister and follows what ever she does. They are best buds. It is so fun right now being their mom. So many fun moments that humble me and make want to be better I have witnessed as of late.

San Fransico day 2

So day 2 I may have shopped till I dropped. It wasn't that I actually had bags of purchases, it just felt good to see things. What the heck are in stores these days anyway? I didn't really know. My shopping world mainly consists of the grocery store and Target. Union square provided a plethora of shopping. Jamin wanted me to have a trolley experience so we purchased tickets and waited. We traveled for 20 min. via trolley standing in the back. It was a nice way to see part of the city. As it turns out we didn't really need tickets. Our $10 fee was never collected. We ended up at Fisherman's Wharf. Through YELP.COM we found a delicious italian restaurant. It was so yummy, I didn't want it to end. We ended our food fest at Ghiradelli's square. If you've ever known me you know I value a good scoop of ice cream. They did not disappoint. Instead of riding the trolley for 20 min. at 9:30 at night along with some questionable companions I felt it was worth the money to take a cab back to the hotel. Great idea!! It was faster and cheaper than the trolley(and potential safer). Used the pool at the hotel and called it a night. I really could have stayed longer. It made me relax. My husband became more handsome and my children more sweet. Who knew this was all it takes.

San Fransico

I never really knew it, but San Fransisco really is a great city! I've heard it called the "New York" of the west and it's true. It's also easier to get to. My husband suggested we take a few days by ourselves and stay in the city while we were up visiting his family. Genius! I will admit that I had a little separation anxiety even thinking about leaving my kids, especially Jude. He's never really been left before, even with a babysitter. Maybe this was my first clue that this trip was long overdue. We left the kids with Jamin's mom and I think I relaxed pretty much once we drove out of town. We drove up the coast from Sant Cruz to San Fransico. It was such a beautiful and relaxing drive. No traffic, just calm. I slowly started to develop a grudge for So,Cal. Why are there so many people there? Everywhere! We stopped at a strawberry farm that had delicious strawberry shortcakes and other yummy treats! It was a great suggestion per Jamin's sister who also recommended our hotel. There's nothing better than an actual referral to some place. When we actually got into the city I got a little turned around as to how to find the parking garage to our hotel and baffled Jamin as to my poor navigating. Not a great point in our trip I even screamed at a poor valet parking attended because I was so frustrated and we drove in an exit only driveway. Tempers settled and we got to our room and saw the view of the city. We stayed in union square. This was perfect location for what I wanted to do. Shop, see movies and go out to dinner. You remember those activities right? The ones you used to do before you had kids. Now, these are the kind of things I want to do when I have time to myself. Oh, and sleep. Mornings are so much less painful when I wake up on my own. That first night we used the gym at the hotel. Not exactly on everyones list for their vacation but working out is a luxury to me. We ate out and saw a movie,"Date Night" (my choice) which I really liked.