Spencer and I had the opportunity to go to San Fransisco and surrounding area this last week. Spencer was able to attend the Google IO conference and I tagged along. Here is the run down of our trip.
First, we flew into Oakland, the city Spencer was born, some 30 years ago...don't worry honey I'll save the exact age until your next birthday post!! We grabbed the train to San Fransisco and stayed at the Westin Hotel in downtown San Fran. I realized if I lived there I would be broke. I saw how many people where begging for money and my heart broke. That was just on the way to the hotel. I ended up giving this lady a dollar. She just kept saying she just needed 75 cents for the subway. Whether or not it was her line, she was very grateful. I was very grateful for a place to stay warm and comfortable and how spoiled I felt to stay in a nice hotel. Room number was Spencer's birthday, no less. It was really great, had soft beds, and pretty soap...no it's not about the soap, and I slept like a baby. Maybe that was partly not having my keen ears open listening for children at night. I even used the workout facilities and got to see Gilmore Girls while I ran and worked out on the eliptical. I hadn't seen that in forever.
We headed to "Wicked" the first evening. Sooooo, wonderful. I had only heard the music, so seeing the play was very interesting and fun. Elphaba, played by Eden Espinoza, was fabulous. That woman has some control in her vocals! "BLOND!" Need I say more. Galinda, played by Kendra Kassebaum, was so funny. Spencer laughed a lot, so cute. Her comedy was the highlight of her character.
Spencer went to "work" at the conference center, learning about all the lastest google programming and gadgets...and so much more I don't understand. Just nod and smile! He got another free phone. That makes two from the same conference.
I slept in, 8am is sleeping in these days. I worked out for an hour and then spent the day out and about in Golden Gate Park. I was able to see the Japanese Tea Gardens, with a great free walking tour. I also viewed the De Young Art Museum and saw beautiful Amish quilts. So amazing what you can do with one block. I drew pictures for future reference. Someday I will quilt again.
I was able to see the California Science Museum for free...yes, it was a free Wednesday and super crowded, but well worth it. I can't help but marvel at the beautiful creations we've been given to enjoy and care for. It all comes down to this...."I thank thee dear Father in Heaven above, for thy goodness and mercy, thy kindness and love. I thank thee for home, friends and family so dear, and for every blessing that I enjoy here." Gotta love those songs for children. I was like a little child, but with the body and freedom of an adult. We all need those kind of days, huh? Even the rain and drizzle couldn't stunt by excitement and fun.
This gecko was really doing his best to escape. I think he stole the show crawling up the wall, and sliding back down, over and over....talk about perserverance!
I met up with Spencer and his co-workers and we headed to the Wharf...eventually. The crab and seafood were wonderful. I'm thankful for clam chowder, LOVE IT!
The next day, Spencer got more of the fun conference, and I had sunshine! I took the wrong bus and ended up in a scary part of town by the beach...so worth the ride when I crested over the sand dune and saw the ocean. I have missed it. I told Spencer that God would probably never allow me to live near the water, ocean because all I'd want to do it lay on the beach and listen to the water...basically become a beach bum! My talents and life are better served cultivating the desert and working hard raising gifts from heaven. They are my water, just like the ocean, always moving in and out and never standing still!
I headed next to Golden Gate Bridge and walked across it! No big deal to some, but a marvelous thing to me. I enjoyed my stroll and took so many pictures. I had this collage in mind.
Quite a miraculous thing to touch the cables holding a massive structure. I wonder how many people cross it each day and don't even appreciate it's greatness.
I got a call in the afternoon and my baby sister was in labor with her fourth baby. Little Lila was born that night at 12:30am. She was 30 minutes from sharing her birthday with her older brother. It's great t be an auntie again. That's two babies in less than a month. I've been auntified! (if that's a word.) She has my middle name..even spelled the same, Ann. Just plain Ann for your Anne of Green Gables fans.
I met Spencer at the conference center, grabbed a quizno's slammie and headed to San Fran Airport for a car. We drove to see Spencer's buddy from college and his family. They are wonderful people. You can't ask for better than that. They were so gracious and we enjoyed the Los Alto's area briefly. We ended the day with Ticket to Ride- Europe. It was very fun.
I tried "Insanity," a workout that really is insane, but did pretty good. I guess I was in better shape than I thought. Spencer woke up later and we headed to Monteray Bay. We...
tasted mahi- mahi at Bubba Gumps. There was a guy dressed up as Forest on the bench in front...he even sounded like him.
Tasted chocolate and MYO Yogurt.... (Make Your Own). I loved that store. Wish we had one in Utah.
Rode an Italian two seater, cart bike to the Wharf...wanted to get one for the fam to ride the neighborhood.
Watched the boats at the Wharf and headed back to Los Altos.
On the way back, we saw a fresh veggie, fruit stand...and I was in heaven. Got tons of fresh fruit and date rolls...you gotta try them. They are yummy!
And even ended the day with a picnic at the park. I met a lady whose Grandma lived on Flint Street. It's a small world.
The evening ended with a fun game of Nerts.....I've missed playing that game. I forgot how much!
The following day was spent in the Temple in Oakland, and seeing Valentine Street, Spencer's first house when he was born in Oakland. He is much taller than the last time, and the house seemed to be kept up. Glad to see that.
Got back home, family glad to see us...so thankful for my mother-in-law. She had all of the Grand-kids over three and got to live through making buns and dressing little dancers. We missed their dance performance ;( but they did well and she was able to be there for them.
We are so blessed. We are home safe and sound. Thankful for our little adventure. Now it's time for real life again. I told Spencer we needed to get away more often so we could be better parents. Our kids needed the break from us as much as we did.
First, we flew into Oakland, the city Spencer was born, some 30 years ago...don't worry honey I'll save the exact age until your next birthday post!! We grabbed the train to San Fransisco and stayed at the Westin Hotel in downtown San Fran. I realized if I lived there I would be broke. I saw how many people where begging for money and my heart broke. That was just on the way to the hotel. I ended up giving this lady a dollar. She just kept saying she just needed 75 cents for the subway. Whether or not it was her line, she was very grateful. I was very grateful for a place to stay warm and comfortable and how spoiled I felt to stay in a nice hotel. Room number was Spencer's birthday, no less. It was really great, had soft beds, and pretty soap...no it's not about the soap, and I slept like a baby. Maybe that was partly not having my keen ears open listening for children at night. I even used the workout facilities and got to see Gilmore Girls while I ran and worked out on the eliptical. I hadn't seen that in forever.
We headed to "Wicked" the first evening. Sooooo, wonderful. I had only heard the music, so seeing the play was very interesting and fun. Elphaba, played by Eden Espinoza, was fabulous. That woman has some control in her vocals! "BLOND!" Need I say more. Galinda, played by Kendra Kassebaum, was so funny. Spencer laughed a lot, so cute. Her comedy was the highlight of her character.
How is that for a salad! I'm ready to try to make the crispy crouton!
Spencer went to "work" at the conference center, learning about all the lastest google programming and gadgets...and so much more I don't understand. Just nod and smile! He got another free phone. That makes two from the same conference.
I slept in, 8am is sleeping in these days. I worked out for an hour and then spent the day out and about in Golden Gate Park. I was able to see the Japanese Tea Gardens, with a great free walking tour. I also viewed the De Young Art Museum and saw beautiful Amish quilts. So amazing what you can do with one block. I drew pictures for future reference. Someday I will quilt again.
The rain on the water was beautiful.
I was able to see the California Science Museum for free...yes, it was a free Wednesday and super crowded, but well worth it. I can't help but marvel at the beautiful creations we've been given to enjoy and care for. It all comes down to this...."I thank thee dear Father in Heaven above, for thy goodness and mercy, thy kindness and love. I thank thee for home, friends and family so dear, and for every blessing that I enjoy here." Gotta love those songs for children. I was like a little child, but with the body and freedom of an adult. We all need those kind of days, huh? Even the rain and drizzle couldn't stunt by excitement and fun.
This gecko was really doing his best to escape. I think he stole the show crawling up the wall, and sliding back down, over and over....talk about perserverance!
I met up with Spencer and his co-workers and we headed to the Wharf...eventually. The crab and seafood were wonderful. I'm thankful for clam chowder, LOVE IT!
The next day, Spencer got more of the fun conference, and I had sunshine! I took the wrong bus and ended up in a scary part of town by the beach...so worth the ride when I crested over the sand dune and saw the ocean. I have missed it. I told Spencer that God would probably never allow me to live near the water, ocean because all I'd want to do it lay on the beach and listen to the water...basically become a beach bum! My talents and life are better served cultivating the desert and working hard raising gifts from heaven. They are my water, just like the ocean, always moving in and out and never standing still!
I headed next to Golden Gate Bridge and walked across it! No big deal to some, but a marvelous thing to me. I enjoyed my stroll and took so many pictures. I had this collage in mind.
Quite a miraculous thing to touch the cables holding a massive structure. I wonder how many people cross it each day and don't even appreciate it's greatness.
I got a call in the afternoon and my baby sister was in labor with her fourth baby. Little Lila was born that night at 12:30am. She was 30 minutes from sharing her birthday with her older brother. It's great t be an auntie again. That's two babies in less than a month. I've been auntified! (if that's a word.) She has my middle name..even spelled the same, Ann. Just plain Ann for your Anne of Green Gables fans.
I met Spencer at the conference center, grabbed a quizno's slammie and headed to San Fran Airport for a car. We drove to see Spencer's buddy from college and his family. They are wonderful people. You can't ask for better than that. They were so gracious and we enjoyed the Los Alto's area briefly. We ended the day with Ticket to Ride- Europe. It was very fun.
I tried "Insanity," a workout that really is insane, but did pretty good. I guess I was in better shape than I thought. Spencer woke up later and we headed to Monteray Bay. We...
saw the seals (and heard them)
Tasted chocolate and MYO Yogurt.... (Make Your Own). I loved that store. Wish we had one in Utah.
Rode an Italian two seater, cart bike to the Wharf...wanted to get one for the fam to ride the neighborhood.
We found a Zoltar Machine on the Wharf....I guess we really are BIG!
Watched the boats at the Wharf and headed back to Los Altos.On the way back, we saw a fresh veggie, fruit stand...and I was in heaven. Got tons of fresh fruit and date rolls...you gotta try them. They are yummy!
The evening ended with a fun game of Nerts.....I've missed playing that game. I forgot how much!
The following day was spent in the Temple in Oakland, and seeing Valentine Street, Spencer's first house when he was born in Oakland. He is much taller than the last time, and the house seemed to be kept up. Glad to see that.
Got back home, family glad to see us...so thankful for my mother-in-law. She had all of the Grand-kids over three and got to live through making buns and dressing little dancers. We missed their dance performance ;( but they did well and she was able to be there for them.
We are so blessed. We are home safe and sound. Thankful for our little adventure. Now it's time for real life again. I told Spencer we needed to get away more often so we could be better parents. Our kids needed the break from us as much as we did.
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