San Fransisco

 A warning: bazillion photos ahead!

It's amazing how many things we packed into a single weekend. I know we didn't even scrape the surface in what San Fransisco has to offer, but what we saw was incredible!

It was also incredible to spend some alone time with my amazing husband. It had been a while since we'd gone away, and it was just what we needed. 

 We flew in on Friday and after riding the tram, we found an amazing sandwich place in the middle of the Mission District (Ike's Sandwiches). We felt like tourists with all our luggage, but it was worth it. So yummy!

(yes, it was delicious)

We were excited to catch one of these on our way to the hotel.

 We walked through Union Square . . .

and found our hotel right in the middle of the city. Here's a view from the window.

Once settled. We made our way to Little Italy and our first destination - Coit Tower.

I fell in love with the architecture.

(loved how there was a garden on the roof of this one - it made me appreciate my big back yard!)

We made it just in time for the last tour up to the top . . . 

and got an amazing view of the city. You can see Alcatraz behind Benj.

It was the perfect time to see the bay - right at sunset.

Look closely to find Lombard Street.

Amazing 360 degree views!

Afterwards we went to a delicious Italian restaurant called Panta Rei.

Took a sneaky picture of the chef (we called him Mario)

Benj's dish, which he claimed was one of the best meals of his life. :)

Dessert at the candy store (we got some amazing fudge)

Our hotel was right by Chinatown. We loved traveling through it and getting a glimpse into this amazing culture.

 We went through Chinatown to get to the Pier, where we had breakfast before our tour to Alcatraz.

Isn't he cute?

Our view while eating.

We had so much fun taking a tour to Alcatraz. This was the ferry we took across the bay.

Leaving the dock.

 In the distance.

The Oakland Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge. It was such a pleasant day!

On the island - looking back at the city.

We learned a lot from this tour guide. This tunnel was made before Alcatraz was a prison and was actually a fort.

There was an amazing art exhibit by Ai Weiwei.

On the floor was over 175 portraits of people imprisoned or exiled because of their beliefs. It was all made out of legos!

Taking an audio tour through the cellhouse.

I could eat this meal every day and never get sick of it.

On Saturday afternoon we did another memorable and super fun activity - a guided Segway tour!

It was so much fun! We made a pit stop in Little Italy. This is Saint Peter and Paul's Church. 

We had enough time to stop for a little gelato. So yummy.

 We also toured up to Coit Tower, around Fisherman's Wharf and ended at Aquatic Park. Love that golden hour.

Yes, I'm a nerd.

Took this photo to show the kids.

Probably one of the closest points to Alcatraz, which is about 3/4 of a mile away.

We ended the night off right.

Sunday morning we took a historic ride to get breakfast.

One thing is for sure - hold on tight!

 

We headed down to the pier one more time. We had to glance at the sea lions.

 I loved seeing one of my favorite flowers in January!

Thought of the kids while taking this picture.

It's a mer-horse!

Although we missed the kids, we didn't want to leave! Such a fun weekend with my sweetheart.

My Birthday

 Another year older (and wiser too - I hope). Despite getting older, having a birthday in the bleak month of January makes it a little easier to get through the month. Any excuse to have cheesecake, right?

 Benj took me out on my actual birthday (Thursday) but the kids wanted to make sure I got to celebrate with them too. So we went out Friday night!

I loved the sweet messages I got from my friends all the day long. It made me feel so special. I'm so lucky to have wonderful people in my life.

I also had a fun birthday dinner, hosted by Benj's mom, on Sunday night. I get to celebrate with my nephew Colton too. No pictures darn it!

Last year I told Benj that I wanted to go somewhere warm for my birthday. We are going to San Fransisco next weekend - not sure I'd claim it a warm spot but I'm so so so excited to go and be with my sweetheart!

Great Grandpa Jack

 Arnold W. Bradshaw

November 1, 1918 - December 27, 2014

 We lost a wonderful man in our lives a couple days after Christmas. Our dear Grandpa Jack died at the age of 96. I am so grateful I have been able to be a member of his family and have gotten to know him the past decade. He was always so kind and loving towards me and my family.

When Grandpa was taken into the Emergency Room a few days before Christmas, I had the opportunity to go visit him. At the time they were running some tests and didn't really know what was going on. I was hopeful he wouldn't have to stay in the hospital on Christmas.

Despite his condition, he still greeted me with a smile. We chatted for a while and I decided I had better head home to Benj and the kids. I'll never forget holding his hand and telling him I loved him and that I hoped he got feeling better. He looked me in the eyes and said, "and I love you too, Dear." Those words struck me and I'll always remember that precious memory.

I enjoyed compiling a few pictures over the years. One of the things we enjoyed doing every year was having Easter Brunch at Oakridge Country Club, hosted by Grandpa Jack and Grandma Mel.

Here is the first year I was there (2007)

 In 2009 (I had Logan 5 days later)

2010 (with the Easter bunny)

Visiting brand new baby Norah - November 2011

At Norah's baby blessing - Feb 2012

Easter 2012

December 2012

 Thanksgiving 2013

4th of July 2014

Grandpa had a wonderful service. The weather was frigid during the funeral, but the wind stopped during the graveside service. We think of Grandpa often and will miss him.

Poor Little Max

 This poor little guy is at the age where he is constantly falling or bumping into things. The worst was when he fell and hit his eye on the corner of the TV stand.

 I took him over to Bryce's house (my awesome sister-in-law who's a nurse!) and she glued it back together. Max's cousins, Cameron and Colton, kept his attention with a cool light saber toy. The glue started coming off after a few days and by then his eye was nice and purple. It will probably leave a scar, which makes me sad. His perfect little face!

Right around Christmas, Max started getting all 4 of his molars. He also caught a cold in the middle of it. He was not a happy camper. He abruptly stopped nursing and well, eating much all together. I got really worried about him and was thankful after a week or so, he had his appetite again. One thing he didn't want to do was nurse. So we made it about 15 months.  It's always a bittersweet time for me. I'm glad we're moving on and I have my body to myself (I've been nursing or pregnant for the last almost 4 years). I get emotional thinking that my baby is getting older and doesn't need me (in that way) anymore. I really have enjoyed nursing all my babies.

Although sick, I didn't mind the snuggles. I'm glad as I'm writing this that he's back to his happy self.

Here's hoping to a healthy beginning to the new year!