Trip to San Fran

Dani had been bugging me for a while to come and visit her in Cali and when I heard that Madz had gotten a ticket I decided I had to go!  It was such a fun trip and a nice getaway--Mike was great to handle the three older kids and all their schedules while I was away having some much needed girl time!  Nora and I flew in to San Fran Monday night and were greeted by Danielle and Madison.  We drove to Dani's place and the next morning we took her to work and Madz and I went running.  Dani was so cute! Even though she had to work she had the WHOLE day mapped out for us! (and everyday after that) We went running in Arasterdero, then drove to a cute town called Mountain View to get pedicures.  Next we drove to Stanford campus, which is such a gorgeous campus, and toured some of the buildings.  We picked Dani up from work and drove out to Half Moon Bay for some delicious artichoke bread in Pescadero and visited Pigeon Point Lighthouse.  The moon was beautiful that night and we watched it rise over the horizon while we took way too many pictures playing on the beach.

Wednesday morning we were at it again! We woke up early and got Dani to work and Madz and I ran at The Dish--this huge recreation area with paved trails that literally go straight up and straight down!  It was great view from the top and quite a work out running and pushing Nora in the stroller!  Went back to Dani's, showered, made eggs, and drove out to Santa Cruz to view the Natural Bridges.



We hung out on that beach, saw some topless ladies sunbathing and then headed over to check out the local surfers.  It was fun watching the guys running over to the beach with their boards, probably on their lunch breaks for a quick surf!  There was even one really young kid, probably 11 or 12 who road his bike out, holding his board and went in to catch some waves... oh the life of a surfer...

We found a place with yummy Acai bowls, did some window shopping and then headed back to Palo Alto.  We dropped Nora off at one of Dani's friends' houses, picked up our road bike rentals and then Danielle took us on one of her favorite bike loops. We biked 20 miles in Portola Valley and it was so beautiful! Horse pastures, gorgeous views, literally minutes from the city.  And then all of a sudden we were riding back through Stanford Campus and downtown P.A.  It really was a beautiful ride and I can see why Danielle loves it there so much.

After our bike ride we met one of Danielle's friends with surf boards and since it was a full moon we took the boards out on the water and paddled around.  It was a ton of fun all three of us out in the water with only the moon lighting our way!  

And then it was Thursday! Danielle didn't have to work! We ran in the Baylands that morning and then got ready for the city! We visited the Ferry Building and then walked up to Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square.

We checked out Coit Tower on Telegraph hill and then drove down Lombard Street.  It was fun to snap a few pics in the exact spot that Mike and I have a picture of us the day he proposed.  Then we drove to the most beautiful starecase: Moraga Stairs and hiked up them to GrandView park.  I loved the mosaic staircase--such beautiful colors that reflected so beautifully in the evening sun.  Next we drove down to the beach and checked out some old natural baths and then had a fancy dinner at the Cliff House.

By nightfall I had one tired little munchkin!

Friday morning we drove back into SanFran and rented bikes in Golden Gate park.  I think it's bigger than Central Park and we could have spent the entire day just exploring the park.  Again, Nora was a little trooper in her little bike stroller and just cruised around with us. We checked out Haight Street (hippie town), the Mission District and then drove across the Golden Gate Bridge to check out the vistas from the other side.

The funniest guy took our pictures at the lookout and he was so excited about the pictures he took of us.  He kept saying "oh, wow....oh wow. girls, you're gonna love these...oh wow.... " and he took this pic on the left of us with just our heads and a whole bunch of sky--kinda funny :)  
"Oh WOW..."

Saturday was our last day and of course we started the morning out with a run.  Then we met Aunt Karen and Uncle Lynn at their ward's Easter brunch.  Then we took a tour to Alcatraz.  I had always wanted to go check out the old prison and it was really fascinating, especially learning about the attempted escapes and hearing the audio tour from actual prisoners of the island.  Nora had been AMAZING the entire trip: in and out of the car, in and out of the stroller, go, go, go, all day long, napping on the fly, getting to bed late, waking up early, and by Saturday she was DONE!  Alcatraz was not her favorite place and I think it was her way of letting me know that she was ready to get back to real life. :)

After Alcatraz we went to a yummy little restaurant called Woodhouse Fish Co and had some delicious food. And then back to Dani's and to bed to catch our very early 6am flight Sunday morning. Madison was also such a trooper! Prego and walking, walking, walking all day everyday and not complaining a bit!  She has the cutest little pregnant belly and a darling little waddle. :)

Danielle was the perfect hostess!  Took us to so many fun places and pampered us and never had a dull moment!  I love spending time with my sisters who are my best friends! Thanks for the amazing trip dear Danielle!  You lead such an adventurous life and are always up for a fun time!