Friday, August 15, 2008

Our Family Vacation


SAN FRANCISCO














Family vacations... I thought I was going to go crazy at one point in the planning of our large family outing. As with all good things, they take a LOT of work. But, I will be the first to say it was all worth it.

We had a great trip to San Francisco. It especially helped that our family friends (Marianne, Juli, and Kevin) came along. Is it not every young family's dream to have travel buddies who are fun, easy going, positive, witty, and dare I mention it- helpful with the kids?! They were AWESOME. Max is in love with Juli and Marianne (as are we!), so anytime I needed him to cheer up, I only needed mention their names. The problem with enjoying their company so much is that now we miss them a lot.

I feel lucky to have a family this cool. Instead of a long travel log, I'm just going to post some pics and a short list of do's and dont's in San Fran...

DO: Use a GPS

DON'T: Turn right on a one-way street when it tells you to
(especially when it is monitored by a photo cop!)

DO: Go to the Redwoods

DON'T: Expect N. Californians to not stare at a 3 year old having a tantrum in the woods (they don't have children there... they just don't don't get it. They look at a child screaming as if it belongs in the circus.)


DO: Take a dining cruise around Alcatraz

DON'T: Go to Fisherman's Wharf on a Sat. (unless you enjoy not being able to move from the throngs of people surrounding you... try getting a double stroller through this!)
DO: Eat donuts daily

DON'T: Swallow a wasp

DO: Carry LOTS of cash

DON'T: Come up with only $3.95 for a $4 bridge toll

DO: Visit the Exploratorium (mind blowing!)

DON'T: Visit Ripley's Believe it or Not (mind numbing!)



10 comments:

Jody said...

I just can't get over how cute your family is! I am so glad to see that you enjoyed your family vacation...you definitely deserve it! Happy to see all is well. Sorry about the wasp! OUCH!!

Mindy said...

What a great vacation!!! It looks like so much fun. How cool that you went to see Doug and Ramona's old house. I have fond memories there. Glad you had a good time and glad you're back safe!

Britt Wright said...

What a fun family vacation. You guys take such GREAT pictures! Now whenever we get down there we will know what to do and what not to do. Did you guys visit the chocolate (I believe its Ghiredelli) store for some fresh samples?

Valerie said...

Thanks again for squeezing us in on your vacation. Looks like you were able to squeeze quite alot in during your trip. Come visit us again sometime!

Andrea said...

It looks like you guys had a blast. Vacations are so great. We need to get together again and chat when the summer slows down. By the way, did Glenn ever hear about either of the jobs he interviewed with?

Kim said...

How fun! Can you believe I've never been to SF? Someday I'd like to go. Sounds like you guys had a great time doing tons of fun things. Yeah for vacations!!!

Dan Haring said...

Awesome pictures! Sounds like you guys had a great trip! Keep the pictures coming. It's great to see how your boys are growing. (That Glenn is gonna be a ladies man when he grows up) And of course you can add us to your contacts. Sorry we added you without asking.

vickiticki said...

Thank you for posting pictures and do's and dont's!
Many hugs to your wonderful, happy family!

Brandon And Kimberlee said...

Hi Kristen - it's Kirby! I found your blog from the WJHS alumni website! How fun to see your vacation! I love the tips you gave! Love the pics! Wish you well!

Morgan and Joel said...

I love your Do and Don't list. It made me smile. Joel is from the bay area so we frequent there more often then we do other areas. We are actually going there next week - Jack and Sage's first time - and plan on going to the Redwoods.