San Francisco Top 10

View Album --hundreds of pics from our trip!

First and foremost, Samuel is allergic to cashews. We found this out only two hours away from our destination (and after ten hours already in the car), and subsequently got to experience emergency room care in Auburn, California. We were there for four hours; we figure one hour per cashew. His reaction consisted of constricted breathing, vomiting, whole-body hives, and hot, itchy skin. We're grateful for the GPS that we bought for the trip, because it led us straight to a hospital in about 5 minutes.

Oh, and driving across country was much more enjoyable for me this time considering that for all the other road trips we've taken in the past few years I was pregnant and puking in the gravel on the side of the road. Soooooo much better when you're not puking!

TWO--Sam is a graduate! The core of our trip was to cheer for and support Chris's cousin Samantha, who just graduated high school and celebrated her 18th birthday. She is the next oldest grandchild after Chris and his brother, and the only girl of their generation. Filipinos sure know how to party!

THREE--Chris has moves. He really got to bust out his break dancing and popping during Samantha's big birthday party. He complained of foot pain for weeks afterward, but he said it was worth it. The kids had some moves too. As soon as I'd put them down to dance and they'd start crying instead of dancing I knew it was time to put the kids to bed.

FOUR--Leah is not shy. She treated the entire party to a solo of Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star by microphone, then lectured on flowers and lights and houses and cameras and other unconnected random things that only make sense in the mind of a three year old..

FIVE--Great food. Chris got a full dose of seafood at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (at Fisherman's Wharf) and I managed to find something on their menu that wasn't fishy at all. We spent $60 on one lunch--the most we ever spent for two on one meal. Ouch. Chris's friend Rebecca Hamburg from his high school years in Japan treated us to some authentic Japanese food. We also got lots and lots of Filipino food!

SIX--The Sights! Rebecca also gave us a guided tour of San Fran and drove us down Lombard Ave (crookedest st). Chris and I spent a day at Fisherman's Wharf, enjoyed the sights, entertainment, and of course, the shopping. We scoped out the seals, and for the love of chocolate, ventured over to Ghirardelli Square. We also spent an afternoon at Golden Gate Park for a picnic with Lola and to give the kids a chance to ride the carousel and run amok at the park. The kids playground in Golden Gate Park is a definite site to hit if you are in SF with kids. This park had just about everything you could want: sand, swings, slides, climbing, water--you name it.

SEVEN--Alcatraz. They let us out. Whew! By far the best self-guided audio tour we've ever done. We highly recommend the Alcatraz tour to anyone visiting SF. Plan to spend several hours there, and you'll definately enjoy it more without kids in tow. Chris wants to do the tour again at night next time, after he reads his new book "The Ghosts of Alcatraz." OOohh...

EIGHT--The kids got to see (and pee in) the ocean for the first time. I didn't expect it to be quite so cold and windy!

NINE--Lola loves her grandkids. She was a ready babysitter and took 10 pictures per minute! She was so great to play along with Leah's "I'll race you to the potty" game...

TEN--Family. Chris got to spend some much needed one-on-one time with his mom. We were graciously hosted by the Rafaels, and CJ even gave us his bedroom. We've decided that we are not going to wait for another 10 years to pass before seeing his extended family again!

Here are a few video highlights we managed to capture. I'll let you figure out which one goes with which description (I think you'll be able to do it...)



Transcription of Leah's first public address:
So everyone has flowers on their table so they can help their lights be comfortable.
Because at their house they have cameras and toys and they have lights.
You’re welcome.