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.

finally some plants!!

before

after

before

after

It has taken us a while but we finally decided to put in some plants in the front yard. Jamin and I did all of the dirty work ourselves too. Accessorizing the house inside and out has not been a priority but it's funny how much these little things make it feel more like a home. The next trick is keeping the plants alive.

some pict's of the kiddies

While Jamin's mom and Kevin were down at Christmas time we went to San Juan Capistrano to a antique store. It was really neat but I'm sure the store owner was watching us like a hawk waiting for my kids to destroy something. Luckily they didn't. I took them to a nearby park to run around. Scary thing though, popular place for transients. Jamin eventually joined us so I felt safer. Just some shots of the kids. Jude was easier to take pictures of, he's not as fast as Zoe...yet.

Christmas

Christmas Day at the beach...what a life right?




Christmas Morning present time


Christmas Eve decorating cookies for Santa

Day-cation

It took me 2 hours to find my former self. Maybe longer. My legs were stiff I was scared. I was the slow person. After falling and getting a small case of whiplash I wanted to go home. But I got up, we drove all this way. Mammoth is 4 hours there and 4 hours back from my parents where we left the kids that morning. I had to get up. I used to love this what happened? Where was I, I mean me? The person who was fun and good at snowboarding was just a whisper compared to the bah humbug who was a much, much louder voice. I've been pregnant or nursing for the last 3 years so I haven't gone much. So, I got up and kept going. I was better than Jamin at this I taught him how to snowboard and right now it was him teaching me. I had to go my own way for a while until I remembered what I was doing but I came back. Soon enough I was flying down the mountain and loving it! I forgot how much fun snowboarding was. Like, I remember telling myself I liked it but at this moment I can still feel how much I like it. Mammoth was great! The day was sunny and beautiful. The snow was great and it was not crowded. We even parked really close to the lift which made it easy to get stuff or put stuff away. I loved it! The eight hours of driving was worth it after a day like that. I really needed it, just to see Me again. I miss me sometimes.

Holiday Cheer

This holiday season has just been too much fun and has gone by way too fast. We have really gotten into the spirit this year. Zoe is super excited about everything so it makes an already fun holiday for me even better. It's been fun decorating the house and enjoying all of the festivities like gingerbread houses, santa visits and decorating the Christmas tree. Jamin also put lights on the outside of the house which look fabulous. This is our first year of being able to put lights up and I'm just giddy about it. We also had carolers stop by, what? So great. I'd like to wish you all a merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy new year!