It's officially Thanksgiving Break and that alone is reason to celebrate. I am always grateful for opportunities to get away from the regular routines and enjoy some relaxing family time. This year, we took off for our trip up north a few days early. Dustin had been training for a marathon that'd take place in the Marin headlands and would end on the Golden Gate bridge. Unfortunately, the race was canceled due to the poor air quality resulting from the tragic fires that have hit both southern and northern California last week. Dustin was disappointed, of course, and we half debated staying home altogether because the air at home was unaffected by the fires.
But Donovan and I, especially couldn't imagine missing out on all of our favorite family traditions so we convinced Dad that we should go no matter what.
Thursday morning we packed up the car and drove to San Francisco. We met Grammie at the beautiful Inn at the Presidio just in time for wine and cheese hour. Ahhhh, vacation. The hotel is so cozy and full of history with gorgeous design details everywhere you look. The rooms have little fireplaces and the coziest beds full of thick down blankets. It was perfect!
We all fell asleep early the first night, tired from a long day in the car. Donovan and Emmerson woke up first on Friday morning. They were mesmerized by the chill in the air and entertained themselves by blowing hot air on the windows and drawing pictures in the condensation.
We bundled everybody up after breakfast and took a walk around the Presidio.
Uncle Darek met us there.
The Presidio has so much open space for the kids to run and play.
There was a group of marines preparing for a change of command ceremony and Donovan wanted to say hello to them and thank them for their service.
I tried to get a picture of all 3 kiddos with their Grammie but this was the best I could do.
After the long walk, we headed back inside for some lazy time in the hotel. The girls cozied up in bed and watched Christmas movies on my laptop.
We ate lunch at a Mexican restaurant nearby the hotel. Then, Taylor took her afternoon nap while we played around at the hotel. In the evening, Grammie watched the kids in the room, while Dustin and I enjoyed night two of the wine and cheese hour. We chatted with some other couples that were there to celebrate a wedding. Later in the night, Dustin and I went to Uncle Darek and Aunt Erika's house. We played board games and hung out until 2 in the morning! You guys, I am too old for late nights. I could barely keep my eyes open... but it was nice to have a grown up night out. Thanks, Gram!
Saturday morning, the kids were up and at 'em. Even though we went to bed so late, we still (and by we, I mean I still) got up early with the kiddos and enjoyed breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast Donovan and I wanted to do a hike right behind the hotel. It was on our must-do list. Emmerson wasn't so keen on the word "hike" so she stayed back with Grammie. The rest of us hiked through the woods looking for this super cool art installment called The Spire.
And here it was.
Tay wasn't a super excited hiker but she was able to hang for the most part.
After the hike, we relaxed at the hotel for a bit before heading back out to sight see. This time we opted for the bridge which was finally visible through the smokey haze. Sweet Grammie stayed with a napping Taylor while the rest of us met Aunt Erika at the base of the Golden Gate.
It doesn't look that cold but I was FREEZING! The wind off of the water was just icy cold. My ears hurt... I don't know how any of you that have snowy weather in the winter can hang. I guess as much as I love the thought of seasons, I am a still a California girl through and through.
This was such a neat art piece at Crissy Field. It was made entirely of recycled plastics.
When we were done touring Fort Point, we drove to a little neighborhood park in the Marina. It was completely empty. The kids had a blast running all around and so did the grown ups.
When it started to get dark, we headed back to the hotel for... you guessed it, wine and cheese hour. Then we drove into the city to meet Uncle Darek for dinner.
This blurry family selfie summed up an awesome first few days of vacation. Dustin was still disappointed that he didn't get to race, but we were all so happy to have had a few days with family in such a gorgeous place.
Sunday morning we were up early and headed to Sacramento for Thanksgiving week at Grammie's house. More on that to come...
