The first week of November we went on our first family vacation, just the four of us, to California. We all had such a great time. The kids traveled better than expected and except a few minor illnesses popping up toward the end, it was pretty much smooth sailing! Granted, the time change especially messed Emily up. She was up around 5 a.m. every morning of our trip. It all worked out though because we came to expect it and just took turns waking up with her. For a couple weeks after we returned the kids were sleeping in about an hour and a half later than normal. It was great while it lasted.
Anyway, we started our trip in San Francisco at Chris and Hannah's. Boy are they wonderful hosts. We didn't waste a moment so that we could take in as many as the sights as possible. We really enjoyed hanging out with them and sweet Cy too. We went to some amazing over looks, a few parks, the marina, the Golden Bridge, and just bummed around the city in general. We ate a ton of delicious food while there as well. Jackson finally got to enjoy his much anticipated cable car ride. He even got a front row seat!
After the first few days with Chris and Hannah we took a trip up to Napa to see Ron, Mary, Rhonda, Cassie, Janet, Jada, and Alexis. The drive up there from San Fran was just gorgeous. Up in Napa, we were able to catch up with a lot the family that we hadn't seen in a very long time. Many of them were meeting Jackson and Emily for the first time! We drove through some of the vineyards and even stopped at one to partake in some wine tasting. We also toured a brewery that afternoon which was really cool.
After leaving Napa we went back to San Fran for a couple days and stayed with Chris and Hannah again. On our way back to the city we drove down the coast. The views were breath taking! We also walked through Muir Woods, where we got to see some big redwoods. Not the largest ones in California by any means but definitely the largest trees Toby and I have ever seen.
We had an amazing trip leaving us with lots of wonderful memories. Even though he is only 4 hopefully Jackson will remember it as well. We hope to go back in a couple years!
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| Cy enjoying the park |
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| Checking out the Golden Gate Bridge... |
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| Jackson helping Uncle Ron with some chores |
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| We couldn't get Jackson off this thing. It belonged to Alexis and Jada when they were little. |
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| Jackson with Uncle Ron and his homemade wine |
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| Cassie and Jackson |
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| Most of the crew the morning we left |
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| Sightseeing on the way back to the city |
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| We took Jackson on a cable car our last day there... |
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| He got a front row seat |
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| Alcatraz from afar |
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| We played and had a picnic in the city... |
