Yesterday I didn't have time to write because we got home late from San Jose and then Rich had some work to do on the computer and I was too pooped to wait up.
In a nutshell, Grace had a great time with Amy and Erin. We didn't get a call in the middle of the night and probably wouldn't have gotten a call if we didn't call them!
Rich, Lola and I went out after relaxing in the morning at the hotel. We went to Golden Gate Park to the Japanese Tea Garden. Oh, it was lovely! The "sakura" or cherry blossoms were in bloom, which were beautiful! We walked through the garden and then went to the Botanical Garden across the street. We didn't want to get lost there since we were meeting Amy and Grace soon.
So, we drove to the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden also in the park. This park is so huge that we drove outside the park to get there and it took a few minutes. You definitely can get lost in the park even in your car! The garden has a huge windmill and the tulips were in bloom! It was so lovely and reminded me of our trip to Amsterdam and the gardens outside the city.
After the gardens we went to the Beach Chalet, which had a wait. What a view! So, we went to the restaurant connected called the Park Chalet. It was all glass and looked over the park. We had a yummy meal.
From there we went over to the beach to play for a little bit and then we had to leave for San Jose. It took about an hour to get to Mike and Jay's house. Mike is Rich's friend from college that was the best man in our wedding. Jay is his partner and was the piano player and singer at our wedding.
Mike was waiting for us since he's on vacation from teaching this week. We had Jay's famous lemonade and played out at their pool for a while. The kids both got their clothes wet! Luckily Amy had washed some clothes for us and we had them in the car.
We left to go meet Jay at Sweet Tomatoes, another buffet restaurant like the night before! It was fun to see them, but way too short. Mike will visit us in June. We came back to the hotel and the kids watched the "fish movie" and I packed and Rich worked.
Today we head for Yosemite! I may not have computer access and my not be able to write.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Exploratorium
Last night we had a decent nights' sleep! Lola woke twice, but patting her put her back to sleep. At 5:45 she was in bed with Grace and me, but at least we all slept til 7:30.
We got out early and walked to the Exploratorium. This is the biggest, best science center I've ever experienced! We spent only about and hour and a half there because it was just so overwhelming and tiring. Grace really enjoyed all kinds of exhibits and experiments.
After the museum we ate at Mel's Diner. We're not sure the deal, but there are 4 in SF and the first was the setting for American Graffiti, we believe. It was your typical diner fare, which we like!
We went back and rested early today and the kids made a mess of the Easter grass while we were resting. The maid was really pleased! After taking it easy for a while we drove back down to Chinatown where there were a few stores we wanted to visit. We saw a jacket and slippers that we loved, but the prices were too high.
After Chinatown, we headed for Oakland to have dinner with Amy and Erin. Unfortunately, our navigation system wasn't working in the city and the traffic was heavy at rush hour so it took us about an hour to get there. It could only take about 20 minutes with no traffic! The girls napped, which actually worked out well. It seems their best rests are in the car.
We got there and brought in another load of laundry. They were so nice to let us do it there-and do some folding for us! We decided to go to Fresh Choice for dinner. It's one of those healthier buffet places with a great salad bar and hot food and desserts. Lola finished off covering herself in red jello and spaghetti sauce!
Grace's big slumber party is tonight! Her aunties invited her to spend the night. So, she was excited to do it and couldn't wait for us to leave. We're hoping she does well and we don't get a call in the middle of the night!
Amy is taking off tomorrow and we're going to Golden Gate Park. There are some great gardens there that I'd like to see. Spring has come to the Bay Area and the cherry blossoms, tulips and other flowers are blooming! What a great time to be in San Fran!
We got out early and walked to the Exploratorium. This is the biggest, best science center I've ever experienced! We spent only about and hour and a half there because it was just so overwhelming and tiring. Grace really enjoyed all kinds of exhibits and experiments.
After the museum we ate at Mel's Diner. We're not sure the deal, but there are 4 in SF and the first was the setting for American Graffiti, we believe. It was your typical diner fare, which we like!
We went back and rested early today and the kids made a mess of the Easter grass while we were resting. The maid was really pleased! After taking it easy for a while we drove back down to Chinatown where there were a few stores we wanted to visit. We saw a jacket and slippers that we loved, but the prices were too high.
After Chinatown, we headed for Oakland to have dinner with Amy and Erin. Unfortunately, our navigation system wasn't working in the city and the traffic was heavy at rush hour so it took us about an hour to get there. It could only take about 20 minutes with no traffic! The girls napped, which actually worked out well. It seems their best rests are in the car.
We got there and brought in another load of laundry. They were so nice to let us do it there-and do some folding for us! We decided to go to Fresh Choice for dinner. It's one of those healthier buffet places with a great salad bar and hot food and desserts. Lola finished off covering herself in red jello and spaghetti sauce!
Grace's big slumber party is tonight! Her aunties invited her to spend the night. So, she was excited to do it and couldn't wait for us to leave. We're hoping she does well and we don't get a call in the middle of the night!
Amy is taking off tomorrow and we're going to Golden Gate Park. There are some great gardens there that I'd like to see. Spring has come to the Bay Area and the cherry blossoms, tulips and other flowers are blooming! What a great time to be in San Fran!
Monday, March 24, 2008
We saw a little fog today
The morning started out just the tiniest bit foggy-outside and in my head! Lola and Grace didn't get to sleep til 11 and then Lola was up around 2 and after trying to get her back to sleep, succombed to letting her watch tv til 5am!
We got up slowly and finally got ready and walked down to Fisherman's Wharf where we went to the Aquarium by the Bay. It was a nice aquarium, but definitely not worth the price. The funniest thing was that on our way out I spied my friend Bethanie and her two boys! To be fair, I knew she was going to be in town, but hadn't planned anything with her because we already have so much going on. So, the chance meeting was really nice! She and I have been friends since 4th grade! We both grew up in Penn Yan, NY and she has been living in Southern CA for a long time. I don't get to see her much so it was nice to get a few hugs and see her boys and her big belly-she has another on the way!
Rich has always wanted to go to the Fog City Diner. So, after the aquarium, we walked down to the diner and got a table just in the nick of time. The place filled up with work people in the area. The meal was good. We walked back to the hotel afterward and rested a bit til we went out again around 4.
We drove down to Baker Beach to get a different view of the Golden Gate Bridge and for the girls to play in the sand. It was very windy and we stayed a while and then left to drive through one of the other parks. We then drove to the Castro District where we met Amy and Erin followed by Ben and Rita and another friend of theirs from high school that lives in Seattle, but happens to be visiting San Fran. It was a nice dinner at Home. Amy and Erin kept Grace for a while after dinner and the three of us drove back since Lola was getting very cranky and clingy with me.
Grace had a ball at dinner and with them afterwards and is looking forward to spending the night at their house tomorrow night. She loves her aunties!
It's important to note that she told me that she hasn't been with anyone that she doesn't really know that well by herself before. When I asked if she was ok with it, she said yes!
And, I have to report that Lola's words are really coming fast these days! She's starting to use the second syllable and putting two words together. We're really proud and so is she!
Tomorrow we plan to visit the Exploratorium.
We got up slowly and finally got ready and walked down to Fisherman's Wharf where we went to the Aquarium by the Bay. It was a nice aquarium, but definitely not worth the price. The funniest thing was that on our way out I spied my friend Bethanie and her two boys! To be fair, I knew she was going to be in town, but hadn't planned anything with her because we already have so much going on. So, the chance meeting was really nice! She and I have been friends since 4th grade! We both grew up in Penn Yan, NY and she has been living in Southern CA for a long time. I don't get to see her much so it was nice to get a few hugs and see her boys and her big belly-she has another on the way!
Rich has always wanted to go to the Fog City Diner. So, after the aquarium, we walked down to the diner and got a table just in the nick of time. The place filled up with work people in the area. The meal was good. We walked back to the hotel afterward and rested a bit til we went out again around 4.
We drove down to Baker Beach to get a different view of the Golden Gate Bridge and for the girls to play in the sand. It was very windy and we stayed a while and then left to drive through one of the other parks. We then drove to the Castro District where we met Amy and Erin followed by Ben and Rita and another friend of theirs from high school that lives in Seattle, but happens to be visiting San Fran. It was a nice dinner at Home. Amy and Erin kept Grace for a while after dinner and the three of us drove back since Lola was getting very cranky and clingy with me.
Grace had a ball at dinner and with them afterwards and is looking forward to spending the night at their house tomorrow night. She loves her aunties!
It's important to note that she told me that she hasn't been with anyone that she doesn't really know that well by herself before. When I asked if she was ok with it, she said yes!
And, I have to report that Lola's words are really coming fast these days! She's starting to use the second syllable and putting two words together. We're really proud and so is she!
Tomorrow we plan to visit the Exploratorium.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Sunday
We started off the morning very early again, but all got a good nights' sleep! Grace and I slept in the bedroom queen bed and Rich slept on the pullout sofa in the living room. We have Lola's pack n play tucked in a corner in the bedroom. Grace woke early and I sent her to Daddy's bed where she watched tv and Lola and I slept for a bit longer.
We got up and showered and headed to Oakland to see Amy and Erin's house and to see Ben and Rita that had just flown in this morning. Their house looks really cute and homey. It was nice to see Ben again and to meet Rita, who seems very sweet. They were both pooped after a very early morning flight.
Amy and Erin gave the girls Easter baskets and dyed eggs with them. Their neighbors came over and also took part in the festivities. We then went for brunch at a cute local restaurant and then Rich, the girls and I headed back to the city for the Easter parade.
We walked up two blocks to Union where the parade was supposed to take place. The entire road was blocked off and there were tons of people milling around in Easter dresses and bonnets. There were lots of street vendors set up with food and wares and restaurants were set up for dining al fresco. It was a very festive event! We walked along Union until the parade started and then got to the side to watch. It was a cute parade with fire trucks and anyone that wanted to participate walking the route. Lola enjoyed looking around and finding dogs to pet. A man that works at the Ritz gave her a little piece of chocolate. And, there was a booth giving out as much Ghiradelli chocolate as you wanted! Ugh-I ate way too much!
After the parade we went back to rest for a while. Rich and I fell asleep and the girls were incredibly quiet and behaved while we rested and they played. After resting we went out to see some more sights. We drove through Japantown and through Alamo Square where the "Painted Ladies" are and through Castro and then up to Twin Peaks. There is an amazing view from there-almost 360 degree views including the bay and the ocean. From there we went through the Golden Gate Park and then to Seal Rock and then to the Cliff House for appetizers and drinks. We then walked on the beach and played in the sand for a while.
On the way back to the hotel we put "Jack in the Box" in the navigation system and got food to take back. Rich and I used to love their Oreo shakes.
Tomorrow we'll probably check out the aquarium or the zoo. Seems like most museums are closed on Mondays. Our time seems to be zipping by!
We got up and showered and headed to Oakland to see Amy and Erin's house and to see Ben and Rita that had just flown in this morning. Their house looks really cute and homey. It was nice to see Ben again and to meet Rita, who seems very sweet. They were both pooped after a very early morning flight.
Amy and Erin gave the girls Easter baskets and dyed eggs with them. Their neighbors came over and also took part in the festivities. We then went for brunch at a cute local restaurant and then Rich, the girls and I headed back to the city for the Easter parade.
We walked up two blocks to Union where the parade was supposed to take place. The entire road was blocked off and there were tons of people milling around in Easter dresses and bonnets. There were lots of street vendors set up with food and wares and restaurants were set up for dining al fresco. It was a very festive event! We walked along Union until the parade started and then got to the side to watch. It was a cute parade with fire trucks and anyone that wanted to participate walking the route. Lola enjoyed looking around and finding dogs to pet. A man that works at the Ritz gave her a little piece of chocolate. And, there was a booth giving out as much Ghiradelli chocolate as you wanted! Ugh-I ate way too much!
After the parade we went back to rest for a while. Rich and I fell asleep and the girls were incredibly quiet and behaved while we rested and they played. After resting we went out to see some more sights. We drove through Japantown and through Alamo Square where the "Painted Ladies" are and through Castro and then up to Twin Peaks. There is an amazing view from there-almost 360 degree views including the bay and the ocean. From there we went through the Golden Gate Park and then to Seal Rock and then to the Cliff House for appetizers and drinks. We then walked on the beach and played in the sand for a while.
On the way back to the hotel we put "Jack in the Box" in the navigation system and got food to take back. Rich and I used to love their Oreo shakes.
Tomorrow we'll probably check out the aquarium or the zoo. Seems like most museums are closed on Mondays. Our time seems to be zipping by!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Another glorious day
We woke (early!) to another beautiful, sunny day! Amy and Erin came to our hotel and we all piled into the Forerunner and headed for Muir Woods National Monument. It was awesome to see all the really big, old trees. The kids really enjoyed seeing them and being able to roam free.
On the way back we drove up the hill above the Golden Gate Bridge for the magnificent vistas. We weren't disappointed as it was a very clear day and there were lots of sail boats out on the bay.
We went back to the hotel and then walked over to Fillmore and found a restaurant for lunch. We had brunch and then went back for a rest. The kids weren't able to sleep as they'd napped a bit in the car. We watched cartoons and rested up for dinner.
We met Amy, Erin and Erin's mom and friend in North Beach at an Italian restaurant. It was fine, but pretty low value as it seems to cater to tourists. We then walked through Chinatown with Amy while the rest of the group went to a coffee shop for dessert. Then we headed back to the hotel and got the kids down fairly easily.
It will be fun to post our pix when we return as we have some really good ones. We're having a wonderful trip and look forward to seeing Ben (my brother) tomorrow who is flying in with his friend. We'll see Amy and Erin's house and maybe do some laundry. Then we plan to go to the Easter parade in the afternoon. Sounds like another full day!
On the way back we drove up the hill above the Golden Gate Bridge for the magnificent vistas. We weren't disappointed as it was a very clear day and there were lots of sail boats out on the bay.
We went back to the hotel and then walked over to Fillmore and found a restaurant for lunch. We had brunch and then went back for a rest. The kids weren't able to sleep as they'd napped a bit in the car. We watched cartoons and rested up for dinner.
We met Amy, Erin and Erin's mom and friend in North Beach at an Italian restaurant. It was fine, but pretty low value as it seems to cater to tourists. We then walked through Chinatown with Amy while the rest of the group went to a coffee shop for dessert. Then we headed back to the hotel and got the kids down fairly easily.
It will be fun to post our pix when we return as we have some really good ones. We're having a wonderful trip and look forward to seeing Ben (my brother) tomorrow who is flying in with his friend. We'll see Amy and Erin's house and maybe do some laundry. Then we plan to go to the Easter parade in the afternoon. Sounds like another full day!
Friday, March 21, 2008
San Francisco
Hello from sunny San Francisco! What a fabulous day! It started out cool, but was warm and sunny for most of the day. It was so clear and we saw some great vistas.
I'll start by telling you about yesterday. Lola and I dropped Grace off and then went to Target for some last-minute shopping. Then I ran around packing and cleaning. Then we rushed to school for the Easter party that ran long due to an ill conceived egg hunt. We then drove through the Arby's drive thru and went home to eat before I dashed around doing all the last minute things.
We left the house by 1:30 and were at the airport in Allentown in no time. Rich pulled right up to the front and we unloaded, took the bags to the counter, checked in and took the bags to security. Then he went and parked the car. That was easy! We then went through security fairly easily and then went to the gate.
We found out that our flight was delayed so Rich got in line to try to come up with a back-up plan in case we weren't able to make our connecting flight in DC to SFO. The flight finally took off around 2 hours late and fortunately Rich had gotten us booked on a flight to San Jose since all the SFO flights were booked for the night.
The skies were rough and the touch down was the worst I've ever experienced, but we got in and hurried to our gate. After a bit we found that our gate had been changed and had to hurry a long way to get to the new gate. Of course, our new flight was delayed, too. Oh, I forgot to mention that on our original flight we got on the plane and then had to get off and then got back on again later.
Anyway, we finally boarded and had to deal with having seats in two different rows, none next to eachother. Luckily we worked it out so that we all could sit in one row together. The nice man that moved from the window to a middle seat got an upgrade to first, which we were very glad about since he was so nice to take a worse seat for us.
Well, to make a long story short, the flight was 6 hours and very long. Grace slept briefly, but was awakened by Lola who could not sleep at all and who cried for a good deal of the flight. Finally she slept for a bit, but was awakened by a beverage service. A nice woman came to us and said that she understood our situation and wanted to help. She had some homeopathy called "Rescue Remedy," which she said were herbs that helped with distress. Sure enough after several minutes Lola calmed down. We still don't know if that was the reason, but I will be buying some to have for the flight home.
We got to San Jose and Rich ran off the plane because he worked out for us to get our rental car from this airport instead of SFO. However, they close at 11:30 and they said they'd stay open til 12:30 for him. So I stayed on the plane til everyone deplaned and then got off leisurely. It was strange to be the only ones left in the terminal! We then went to baggage claim and got our bags after everyone else and I piled them on the Smarte Carte. Rich pulled up after not too long and I wheeled out the cart. Of course, all the stuff fell off -some even into the road! There were a few people there helping, though.
We brought our navigation system and had no problem getting to the hotel, which took about 40 minutes. I looked at my watch when I got in bed and it was 2:10 am. That was 5:10 am for our body clocks!
I awoke at 6 and then Grace and Lola were both awake by 7. So much for sleeping in! Rich went down and grabbed us breakfast provided by the hotel. We then got out and went for a walk to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. What a gorgeous view of the bridge and bay and marina! We then walked through Fisherman's Wharf and had lunch at the Wipe Out Cafe at Pier 39. Amy met us there for the end of our lunch and then walked back to the hotel with us. We did make a pit stop at Ghiradelli Square for some free samples and ice cream!
We then all tried to take a nap, which didn't work out very well. The girls couldn't sleep, which meant we really didn't sleep much. Thankfully we have two tvs and put them on for the kids to buy a little time.
After the "nap" we called Amy and she came back over and took Grace to the pool. Then Erin came later and Grace was too tired to go to dinner. So, Amy and Erin watched her and we took Lola and set off to Union St to find food. We got some menus from the hotel and found a tex-Mex place and brought that back. We ate out in the courtyard by the pool. The kids played with Erin and then we went up to the room for stories and night night.
We'll call Amy and Erin in the morning and plan to go to Muir Woods. There are things that I'm remembering now that I forgot to write, but it's time for sleep! Also, sorry, but I don't feel like proof-reading this!
I'll start by telling you about yesterday. Lola and I dropped Grace off and then went to Target for some last-minute shopping. Then I ran around packing and cleaning. Then we rushed to school for the Easter party that ran long due to an ill conceived egg hunt. We then drove through the Arby's drive thru and went home to eat before I dashed around doing all the last minute things.
We left the house by 1:30 and were at the airport in Allentown in no time. Rich pulled right up to the front and we unloaded, took the bags to the counter, checked in and took the bags to security. Then he went and parked the car. That was easy! We then went through security fairly easily and then went to the gate.
We found out that our flight was delayed so Rich got in line to try to come up with a back-up plan in case we weren't able to make our connecting flight in DC to SFO. The flight finally took off around 2 hours late and fortunately Rich had gotten us booked on a flight to San Jose since all the SFO flights were booked for the night.
The skies were rough and the touch down was the worst I've ever experienced, but we got in and hurried to our gate. After a bit we found that our gate had been changed and had to hurry a long way to get to the new gate. Of course, our new flight was delayed, too. Oh, I forgot to mention that on our original flight we got on the plane and then had to get off and then got back on again later.
Anyway, we finally boarded and had to deal with having seats in two different rows, none next to eachother. Luckily we worked it out so that we all could sit in one row together. The nice man that moved from the window to a middle seat got an upgrade to first, which we were very glad about since he was so nice to take a worse seat for us.
Well, to make a long story short, the flight was 6 hours and very long. Grace slept briefly, but was awakened by Lola who could not sleep at all and who cried for a good deal of the flight. Finally she slept for a bit, but was awakened by a beverage service. A nice woman came to us and said that she understood our situation and wanted to help. She had some homeopathy called "Rescue Remedy," which she said were herbs that helped with distress. Sure enough after several minutes Lola calmed down. We still don't know if that was the reason, but I will be buying some to have for the flight home.
We got to San Jose and Rich ran off the plane because he worked out for us to get our rental car from this airport instead of SFO. However, they close at 11:30 and they said they'd stay open til 12:30 for him. So I stayed on the plane til everyone deplaned and then got off leisurely. It was strange to be the only ones left in the terminal! We then went to baggage claim and got our bags after everyone else and I piled them on the Smarte Carte. Rich pulled up after not too long and I wheeled out the cart. Of course, all the stuff fell off -some even into the road! There were a few people there helping, though.
We brought our navigation system and had no problem getting to the hotel, which took about 40 minutes. I looked at my watch when I got in bed and it was 2:10 am. That was 5:10 am for our body clocks!
I awoke at 6 and then Grace and Lola were both awake by 7. So much for sleeping in! Rich went down and grabbed us breakfast provided by the hotel. We then got out and went for a walk to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. What a gorgeous view of the bridge and bay and marina! We then walked through Fisherman's Wharf and had lunch at the Wipe Out Cafe at Pier 39. Amy met us there for the end of our lunch and then walked back to the hotel with us. We did make a pit stop at Ghiradelli Square for some free samples and ice cream!
We then all tried to take a nap, which didn't work out very well. The girls couldn't sleep, which meant we really didn't sleep much. Thankfully we have two tvs and put them on for the kids to buy a little time.
After the "nap" we called Amy and she came back over and took Grace to the pool. Then Erin came later and Grace was too tired to go to dinner. So, Amy and Erin watched her and we took Lola and set off to Union St to find food. We got some menus from the hotel and found a tex-Mex place and brought that back. We ate out in the courtyard by the pool. The kids played with Erin and then we went up to the room for stories and night night.
We'll call Amy and Erin in the morning and plan to go to Muir Woods. There are things that I'm remembering now that I forgot to write, but it's time for sleep! Also, sorry, but I don't feel like proof-reading this!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
It's a Gymboree day
Lola at Gymboree last week...
Since it's the week of leaving for vacation, I'm cleaning out the refrigerator. So, of course, there is no cooking on a week like that! Last night we hit our favorite Chinese buffet and tonight was Red Robin. Last night we took my car for it's 15,000 mile check up. Could it have that many miles already?!
Today Lola and I played at Gymboree and then I worked at getting Grace's room cleaned up and went through her clothes. Why do I always do more than I need to do when I'm just trying to pack? I'm also working through mounds of laundry.
Rich went with us to pick up Grace from school and then we picked up my car. Wow! It hasn't looked this clean in a long time-on the outside anyway! That's a nice perk to get a free car wash with service.
From there we went to Grace's swim class. Hurray! She swam 6 lengths of the pool-some with a noodle, but still very impressive! Her teacher was very proud of her and has moved her to the next level.
Rich went to get new glasses while we were at the pool. Then we all went for dinner and then home for Pooh. Lola either begs to watch Pooh or Bear (in the Big Blue House) these days. Then, after a tough evening of getting them both to sleep, I was able to indulge in my AI addiction as well as "pounce" on Etsy. I found something really cool for Rich that I'm saving for Father's Day. Handmade is the way to go! I truly couldn't get to sleep last night as I was wracking my brain to come up with something I can sell on Etsy. I'm just not that crafty.
Actually, the craftiest I get is when we're heading for a birthday party. I buy gifts in advance when I find things online on sale and get free shipping. So, I most always have a gift for a party. I save all the old bags, bows, ribbons, etc. No, I decided long ago not to save the wrapping paper. I do keep the tissue paper, though. And, my number one favorite thing to wrap in is a brown paper grocery bag.
The last party a few weeks ago was for twins. They like pirates. So, I got them 3D towels-one with a pirate and one with a shark. Grace drew pirate chests on paper and then we glued them on the paper-wrapped gifts. We then took tokens from places like Chuck E. Cheese and taped them on like dubloons. Then I went online and found pirate clip art, which we taped on the packages. I wrote something like "Ahoy Mateys" on them and was done. They came out great!
Another time Grace and I wrapped a few small gifts in the brown paper and then tied them with brown raffia and stamped and addressed them to look like packages. I was very gratified when the thank you note came back commenting on our great wrapping job!
Yikes-didn't know it was so late! One more day to pack and then we hit the friendly skies!
I know it's more fun to see pix on a blog, so I couldn't resist staying up a bit longer-didn't realize Rich had uploaded our recent pix!
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