We decided last minute to take a trip to San Francisco for a little getaway and to also visit Preston's brother Bryan and wife Sarah and our sweet niece, Jessie. Our original plan was to fly but when we didn't make stand by (my aunt gave us some buddy passes) we decided to make a road trip out of it and drive.
The drive was LONG but it was also nice just to be with my hubby without any interruption from whiny kids in the back seat.
It took us about 10 hours to get there but it didn't seem that long.
We ended up getting to their house around 9:00 pm and they were so nice to let us stay with them the first night since our hotel wasn't available that night. Sunday morning, we woke up and went to church with them. Now, this isn't as easy of a process as it is here. We had to walk a couple of blocks, catch a bus, ride for about 10 minutes then walk about a half a mile just to get to church. Sheesh, I'm not sure how active I would be if I had to go through that every week. ;)
When we got back from church, we decided to check out the times that Wicked was playing. It turned out that there was one playing that day at 2:00.
It was so much fun! We were glad that Bryan decided to come with us since he hadn't seen it in a while. I would definitely recommend seeing it if you ever have the chance.
When we got back, sweet Sarah had a yummy dinner all made for us. After dinner, we caught a couple of buses and checked into our hotel. Thanks again Bryan for coming with us...I'm pretty sure we'd still be riding the #5 trying to figure out where we are!
Monday was the only sunny day that we had and we had it jam packed with things to do, thanks to Sarah! She planned out a full day of fun things to do and see. We started out with breakfast and it was seriously the BEST I've ever had.
Next, we took a bus to Stow Park and walked around. It was super pretty. After that we went and hiked the coastal trail. WOW! It was so gorgeous! We were able to see some great views of the San Fran bay bridge. After that, Sarah had to leave to get Jessie so the rest of us went and had lunch at Picadelie's Fish N Chips, another yummy but very greasy place. After lunch, we headed down to Fisherman's Warf. We were able to see Ghirardelli Square and sample some chocolate, we walked down Pier 39, saw some good views of Alcatraz and road the trolley.
We got off the Trolley at Lombard Street and took some pictures then walked a
LONG ways up some
BIG hills on our way to China town where we did some shopping. We also went to the fortune cookie factory and bought some fortune cookies. Yes, it is the same one that was on The Bachelor. It wasn't quite what I expected though. VERY little and quite ghetto. After China town, we were pretty much beat. We headed back to Bryan and Sarah's for another one of Sarah's delicious dinners and watched a movie. Well, they did, I fell asleep half way through.
Tuesday was another rainy day and Bryan had to work so, Preston and I decided to get our truck out of our very precious and free parking spot and take a drive over the bridge and go to Muir Woods. The bridge was awesome, even if it was rainy and you couldn't see much of the city. Muir woods was super neat and I would love to do it on a SUNNY day. We were soaked by the time we were done but it was definitely worth the trip. After Muir woods, we headed back to Fisherman's Warf to get me some yummy crab that I had been so excited about. A whole crab for $12.00?? You can't beat that. Too bad it wasn't as good as I was hoping for but I'm still glad I got it. After I was all done eating my crab, we headed into Union Square for some more shopping. They have a huge 4 story Old Navy and ROSS! I could have spent hours there. Oh wait, I did! =)
After shopping, we met up with Bryan and Sarah for a fun date night! We went out for Chinese at a place called Eric's and it was SO good! We wanted to get some ice cream after wards but for some reason, everywhere we went was closed. So, after 2 or 3 failed attempts, we decided to call it a night. Before leaving on Wednesday, we met Sarah and Jessie for breakfast at a popular place called Mama's. When I say popular, it's cause they had a line waiting out the door...on a Wednesday.
Driving home isn't quite as exciting as driving to a vacation. However, we were missing our kiddos like crazy and we were very excited to see them.
We hit some pretty bad weather on the way home and at one point actually started spinning on the highway going 80 miles per hour.
SO SCARY! Luckily, my hubby was able to regain control of the truck and we were OK. At another point, we had to drive 15 mph for over an hour and a half because it was snowing so hard and we couldn't see anything and the roads were super slick. It was definitely the most scared I've ever been while driving. I know in my heart that there was someone watching over us that night. Keeping us safe.
Overall, we had a great time! We're so glad we were able to spend time with family and see all the things we did! We're hoping to go back but this time in the SuMMer MonThs! =)
Thanks again Bryan and Sarah for showing us around, and for cooking, and letting us stay with you! Thanks Mom for watching the kiddos so we could go, you're the BEST and we owe you big time!
Now, get ready for a picture overload!!!
P.S for those of you who don't know...you can click on the collages to make them bigger!
I couldn't get enough of this girl! I took her a pair of squeaky shoes and she loved them! She kept running back and forth and just smiling. Miss you Jessie June!
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BIG THANKS to this cute girl for all your yummy cooking and for being the best activities planner ever!
And also to this crazy guy for riding
ALL OVER town with us on the buses so we didn't get lost! You guys are awesome!
