Well, we are home from Brandon's Reserve duty in San Francisco. It was a great trip to say the least. Traveling with two kids is not too bad, especially once you get through the flights and are actually there. Charlotte was an angel on both flights, and Jackson was a 2 year old boy being stuck in one place for too long. But he actually did very well over all because Brandon kept him entertained.
We were able to hit the beach, hike in the redwood forest, visit the wine country, and walk all over the city. Brandon headed to the ships every morning, and the kids and I would explore the city for a while and then head back for lunch and a nap before B came home. Then we were off again. We had so much good food and the weather was perfect. It sure was nice to escape the heat and just enjoy some time as a family. My brother and Erin came out for 5 days to hang out with us and we enjoyed exploring the city with them. They spent one night up in Sonoma to have a final, special trip before their first baby arrives in November. Jackson refers to them now as Paul and Rina.
It was a special treat to be there for the fourth of July as well. We hit the farmer's market in the morning and spent the afternoon at the Golden Gate Park and Alamo Square. Then we walked down to the pier and watched the fire works over the water...really pretty. Jackson was a big fan of them except the red ones. For some reason those were a little scary to him. Oh well. Great place to be on the fourth!
Has to have his morning OJ before the flight...
and I have to have my coffee!
Brandon is very ready for the 50-60 degree weather.
We got creative and made it to the rental car place with everything in tow.
Waiting for the car
Ready for the ships!
Charlotte's first trip to the beach was short but very fun!
B kept her nice and warm.
Daddy's girl already.
Jackson was just a little excited about the beach. Didn't matter that it was cold that evening.
Sand!
Jackson seeing Brandon off to work.
Yep, Charlotte is officially as big a fan of the beach as Jackson.
Charlotte loved putting her feet in the sand, I just had to keep her hands out of it!
I am a beach baby at heart,
so I had to introduce my kiddos to the greatness of sand and salt water!
Jackson and I had a blast getting as close as possible to the water
and then running when the waves came in.
Watch out! After hours of sea gull stalking, the tables have turned it seems.
How many rocks can I hold at once?
Daddy and Charlotte at the beach. I really like how the mountains meet the beach in Cali.
Our little lady, hanging out on the bed.
The view from our apartment
A little scary, but I had stoppers put in so there was no chance of him opening the window.
Urban playgrounds are so nice when Jackson needs a little "run free" time.
Jackson chasing pigeons can entertain him for hours.
Stare down with mom.
at the park
Looking like a thug, but keeping warm. Sweet Lady.
Ferry Building Farmer's Market...my favorite.
Jackson wanted to point out the ear...
...and the eye.
The boys at the Pier
"No, Jackson you cannot take the ferry to Alcatraz."
Me and B at Golden Gate Park
Erin (5 months prego) and Charlotte (3 1/2 months old). They are expecting a little boy, so Charlotte will be outnumbered asap!
We began our mornings with Clifford and Curious George.
Jackson loves everything about the beach, the water, sand, birds, absolutely everything.
Pointing at the seagulls before he starts chasing them.
Charlotte had a canopy and the best seat on the beach.
It was pretty sunny out there, but Jackson would deal with anything to stay at the beach.
Brandon and Jackson enjoying the beach together.
Get changed after an afternoon at the beach.
Gotta love the post beach hair!
Ready to hike.
The girls lead the way for a while.
On the trail.
B sacrificed his hat for Jackson's comfort.
Enormous Trees
Charlotte sacked out for most of the hike
Break Time
Walking with Daddy.
I wish we had a boardwalk like this everywhere we go and Jackson could just run free!
Checking out the trees
Jackson decided he wanted to be in this picture a little late, thus the face.
The fam, post hike.
As Brandon would say, we "crushed" some In and Out while in San Fran.
No, I am not feeding Charlotte some crepe...just adjusting her pacifier.
We sure enjoy our crepes! Note the Nutella tower in the background.
Belly full of Strawberry and Nutella Crepe = A very happy boy
Cruising in style
Park along the water
"Welcome to the Rock" (insert Sean Connery accent)
These are some brave souls in full wet suits swimming in the freezing water.
Last night in the city. Tired and heading to bed.
Well, we are home now and getting readjusted to the time difference. We have a busy rest of the summer. Rita and Matt's bridal shower and wedding, birthdays, etc. Before we know it, the summer will be over. It has been a good one so far though!
And the Top 10 Funniest Moment of the Trip:
1) Jackson trying to kiss some college girl's belly at the beach while she was sleeping.
2) A guy on a 10 speed trying to be impressive for the fire works crowd, falling in the middle of everyone, and then trying to ride away quickly with his pants falling down.
3) Entertaining Jackson on the way back from Sonoma by using inflection in our voice even though we were pointing out poles in the ground with no vines half of the time.
4) Jackson starting to say the word "truck" and it sounding as if he is dropping f-bombs all over the city.
5) Brandon constantly trying to "reward" Jackson with In and Out, and me pointing out that he just wanted to reward himself.
6) A family from Australia stopped us to ask for directions, and Brandon informed me as we walked off that I had started speaking with their accent midway through our conversation.
7) Jackson lost one croc on our 4 hour walk and after backtracking for a while we gave up, only to have about 10 people on the way home "let us know" that he had lost a shoe.
8) Once again in California, Brandon was hit on by multiple black girls. And I quote "hmm, those eyes, those teeth, you are cute."
9) The local coffee shop clerk trying to add on a cinnamon roll to every business woman's coffee order in the morning.
10) Charlotte was crying in the car and Brandon says, " I am not mad at her, I am sure we will find some way to blame this on Jackson."
