When Wade told me that he would be speaking at a work conference in San Francisco, my wheels started turning. I remembered the stories from the book
Love Does where the author takes his kids by themselves on adventures all over the world. And remembering our friends tell us about the great time they had with their oldest son on a recent trip. This seemed to be the perfect opportunity to have a trip with just Tate. And the perfect city for that kind of trip. With all of my dad's family in Northern California, I grew up visiting there often. I was excited to take Tate to some of the same places and sights that I went to as a kid. So I planned out the whole thing, but we never told him.
Until breakfast that morning. He thought he was getting up and getting ready for school. Surprise! We're going to San Francisco.
"No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living." ~ William Saroyan
Our first stop was a place neither Wade nor I had even been to--Muir Woods. Tate was very entertained at my issues with being up high on narrow roads with no siderails. For the rest of the trip, he like to reinact my panic moments to all of our family members. :)
When we finally go to the redwoods, Tate loved it and was of course quoting scenes from Endor.
Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely beautiful. But Wade & I both agreed that when it came to comparing redwood parks, the Big Basin State Park is much better for exploring. Still an incredible thing to see. And the funny thing about Muir Woods to me is that it's just within a couple miles of a giant city.
One of the best unplanned moments was Muir Beach, just outside of Muir Woods. We just happened upon this little cove of beauty at just the perfect time of sunset. The whole thing kind of took your breath away.
Yes we were cleaning sand out of shoes and clothes for days, but it was worth it for sure. So pretty.
As we drove away, the fog began to roll in.
We ended our first fun-filled day driving to Concord. My gracious, hospitable Aunt Barbara let us stay with her and had several people over for dinner our first night there. I'm so bummed that we didn't get any pictures somehow, but it was so great seeing cousins, longtime family friends, and even Mimi & Grandpa drove down from Oregon!
Day 2 was packed FULL. Me, Wade, Aunt B, Mimi & Grandpa all loaded up and headed to the city. I was so excited about introducing Tate to so many of the sights I grew up visiting as a kid. And one of the most memorable places you go to as a kid is Pier 39.
We started there and hopped on a Blue & Gold Bay Cruise that went around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge. All I've ever remembered of these boat rides is that it's typically freezing. It was bizarrely warm and gorgeous on this day. And zero fog. Perfect sightseeing weather!
Next we grabbed a quick bite to eat and a little fun at the Pier 39 arcade area.
Mimi was a trooper and volunteered to ride the big carousel with Tate. Of course Tate doesn't pick the horse that goes up and down. He picks the spinning wheel. :)
And look what a I found...flashback to the movie,
Big!
Next stop was a place that I was initially disappointed in. I had read online about this children's museum with a Lego exhibit about the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Tate loves history and had read all up on the earthquake, so I thought he would enjoy it. We got there to find the exhibit was not working, and the "Lego" part was really just a place to build some Duplos on a base that vibrated. I thought it was underwhelming. Good news is that Tate thought it was the best thing ever. Pretty sure he could've stayed there for hours.
So he was quite pleased. And then we discovered a surprise that quite pleased the rest of us as well. We happened upon an INCREDIBLE lookout of the city just behind this museum. We climbed to the top of the Corona Heights Park and had the best panoramic view of the city. And again...no fog!
It was a gorgeous day, so there were lots of people out. And a funny memory...it is a pretty legit climb to get to the top. Tate ran ahead of us all and got there quick. As soon as he was at the top, he preceeded to yell down to me that he had to go to the bathroom...several times. It wasn't until I got to the top that I realized this is where people go to meditate. Not sure it was the most zen moment for them when we were all there. :)
But a spectacular view of the city!
The next stop ended up being a great find! While researching "fun things to do with kids in San Francisco." I came across the Seward Street Slides. It is a tiny little section nestled right in the middle of a neighborhood with two concrete slides. I think I read that a kid won a contest and got to help design them. You bring your own cardboard box and have some fun sliding down these fun (and fast) slides. Serious fun!
And finally the last stop was dinner where we met up with my Uncle Mike, Ellen, cousin Amy, and her two girls. Gemma even showed us some of her new walking skills. I wish I had taken more pictures. It was a nice evening at a place that was one of my Grandma Ellie's favorite restaurants. And the shrimp scampi I had was some of the best that I can remember. It was great seeing everyone.
Audrey & Tate
Day 3 started off with breakfast with my cousin Becca, Mike, and getting to meet for the first time their adorable new baby, Ellie.
Again...no pictures of the adults??!! But we had a great time catching up. :)
From there, we said goodbyes to Aunt B & Mimi and then we headed to CAL. We were super bummed that there wasn't a football game that weekend (although we did sneak in to watch the team practice).
I wanted Tate to see the campus he has heard so much about where three generations of Enrights attended. Such a pretty campus.
And while there, we got to watch a rugby tournament. I have never in my life seen a game of rugby before. It is a little strange. But it goes really fast and was fun to watch. We saw two games and watched CAL win the entire tournament. Tate loved it...GO BEARS!
As we were leaving campus, I noticed two guys who looked like they might be from the football team. As a diehard CAL fan, my Dad knew exactly who they were (not creepy at all, right?). :) So look who got to meet and get autographs from two starters on the team. They were really nice and sweet to Tate.
That was the end of our day at CAL. We said our goodbyes and dropped off Grandpa at BART, then the three of us headed back to San Francisco. As we drove into the city, the fog was rolling in. Such a sight to see.
We checked into the hotel and had a fun night out on the town. I loved Hotel Rex. So cute and charming in a 1920s kind of way.
I hadn't been on a Cable Car probably since I was a little older than Tate. I kind of forgot that it's not for the faint at heart. We rode the Powell & Hyde line all the way to the end. It was packed full, so Wade & Tate got to stand. A little nerve-wrecking watching your husband and firstborn hang just inches from oncoming traffic. But definitely a fun adventure.
We had dinner at Fior d'Italia, which prides itself on being the oldest Italian restaurant in San Francisco. I'm thinking this was the fanciest restaurant Tate has ever been to, and he did great. He seemed so big. Thankfully they obliged his request for plain spaghetti noodles. :)
And next was dessert at Ghiradelli Square.
The next day was the last half day for me & Tate before we headed home. He & I were both pretty sad that the trip was almost over.
We walked with Wade to the his conference at the Fairmont. Only three blocks, but possibly the best workout I had in awhile. This picture does not do the inclimb any justice.
Of course Tate just runs up the hill, while my legs are on fire. Wade says he took a cab the next couple days. :)
Four years ago, Wade had the same conference and Will (who was six month old) and I tagged along then as well. I have pictures of us on this rooftop garden at The Fairmont and wanted to do the same with Tate.
Poor guy inherited my "squintiness" when it is bright outside.
This overlooks a cable car line and is always fun to watch. This is also where I staked out four years ago to watch the FLOTUS and Secret Service when she was at the hotel last time we were there.
Something I also discovered on the previous trip with Will was this little neighborhood park in Nob Hill and the Grace Cathedral. It is absolutely beautiful inside and out.
Loved this!
Tate walked his first labyrinth. The other two people in quiet thoughts and prayers seemed understanding of his speed-walking version. :)
And right by the church is seriously the cutest neighborhood park with the cutest preschool kids playing and retired adults walking. Cute, cute, cute.
And then before we knew it, we were leaving the hotel and flying home. The entire drive to the airport, Tate was coming up with every idea possible as to how we could stay longer. Honestly, I was trying to as well.
I'm not sure the trip could've gone any better. We had an absolutely wonderful time. His love language is quality time, by far. We needed this. Because of some challenges we have with Will, there are a lot of things and trips we haven't been able to do the last few years. This trip was fast-paced and action-packed...just like Tate! And he loved every single minute. I loved getting so much quality time with him. I loved seeing him experience and explore my favorite city. And really I loved just having fun with him.
We received as many "thank yous" and unsolicited hugs from Tate in those three days as in the last three months. All of our hearts are full. A weekend none of us will forget.
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