California!

For my birthday in February, my sweet husband gave me a trip to CA to see my sister. I love birthday gifts that you get to cash in on later. It was so fun to spend time with my sister and her 2 darling girls while her husband was in Israel for school. We were there for 4.5 days and it felt a little too short- but always better to leave on a good note right?

I was a little anxious to fly with both girls on my own. I kept thinking about getting all of us through security, boarding the plane, and then how I was going to juggle 2 girls for 1.5 hours.  But.... we did great! I planned every possible scenario and tried my best to be prepared.  Nobody wore coats and the security didn't make the girls take off their shoes. I hauled the double stroller and it was well worth it. That thing is amazing! I was so proud of Savannah through out the whole flight. She was such a big girl sipping her soda, eating pretzels and watching her Pony movie. Sophie was a little busy, but it was manageable since Sav was so good. We did have to make 1 in-flight potty trip and luckily the nice grandma next to us held Sophie while I took Savannah.

I warned Jen that I would need help at the baggage claim to get our bag and 2 car seats. She called just as we were landing to say that she was there. Once I got to baggage claim and couldn't see her, I called to make sure we were at the same baggage claim. After a little investigating we discovered that she was at the wrong airport! I flew into Oakland and she was in San Jose. Haha! Luckily there was a volleyball team that helped me get my luggage and find a bench to sit and wait.


 While we were in CA we spent a day in San Francisco. I haven't been there since my senior year in high school when I went with my art history group. Last time it was shortly after 9/11 and we weren't allowed  near the Golden Gate Bridge- so that was a must for me this trip. It was pretty incredible up close. We also went to Pier 39 and Golden Gate Park (not quite what we expected, but not too bad). Jen and I left the sleeping girls with her friend so we could go see the Hunger Games later that night.

 Golden Gate Park

 The girls were not in the bridge pictures because....

They were a little bit grouchy

 Pier 39's double decker carousel (and a little candy) cheered them right up

 The girls loved eating in the "Jungle" for dinner. It was pretty magical.

Day 2 we relaxed at home on a rainy day and let the girls watch movies and make cupcakes. We also did a bike riding tour of the Stanford Campus (put on by Jen). The campus is magnificent. I loved all the architecture and green foliage.

Bike riding tour of Stanford take 1

(our first attempt was poorly timed- so we tried again after Lili came home from school 

and the little ones had naps)

Day 3 we loaded the girls up in the truck and headed to Dublin, CA to see my 3 sweet sister in laws. It was great fun to see the cousins interact again and catch up with my lovely sisters.

Hold on tight Lili, that baby is as big as you 

Who needs a minivan when you have a truck?! 

Jen and I snuck into the girls' room on the last night to find them like this...

I think they were a little worn out. 

Day 4 before the airport we wandered through Stanford mall- which is amazing! There were some seriously fabulous stores and I want to go back next time I visit.

We were sad to go, but anxious for our next adventure in Utah.  Yes, I flew from CA to UT for the weekend so I could attend my cousin's wedding and spend Conference Weekend with family. A very pleasant surprise was that Greg, Jayson's brother, was on the same flight! He was brave enough to sit by us and ended up loving baby Sophie the entire flight. (which was a much needed break for her tired mamma)

While in UT we attended the wedding festivities, saw lots of family, and were joined by our best daddy after the work week.  Apparently we were a little too tired to take any pictures.

Our trip was a huge success and I dare say I might even attempt to fly solo again.  Thanks again to Jayson for making this all possible!