12 year old Jared gets a trip to San Francisco

We have decided that when our children turn 12 we will take them on their own special vacation with just Ryan and I. It has always been important to us that we give our children special one on one time so that they can always feel of the tremendous amount of love we have for them.

It was a beautiful thing to watch Jared get to be an only child and to allow him to have no responsibilities. Being the oldest I think a lot falls on him and he usually handles it so well that I think this break from school and siblings was a welcome one. Plus we got to enjoy him with no distractions.

We packed so much fun into 3 days that when we got home known of us wanted to wake up the next day.

Follows are a bunch of pictures in no real order.

Sausilito
While walking along the shores Jared noticed a tremendous amount of crabs in the rocks. He wanted so bad to catch one but they were to fast (And I wouldn't let him climb to far down the rocks.)

Then we came across this man stacking rocks? Who knew. He concentrated so hard I was tempted to cough loud or laugh obnoxiously.
For lunch we stumbled across this Norwegian diner. People were lined up outside to wait for seating. Ryan order the special and it was very good. I asked to owner what he liked best and was surprised with a smoked salmon and creamed spinach and Jared enjoyed a second breakfast. I tasted all of it and can I just say YUMMMY! So good for very different reasons.




At the civil war reenactment at a fort under the Golden Gate bridge they had a "Dr" To tell us all about how things were back then. Jared got Really creeped out when he explained that it was a common practice to be bleed. If you had an ailment they would drain your blood to try to get out the infection. So strange. Ryan and I wondered what practices they do today that we will one day look at as strange.

On top of the fort freezing immensely.
My moys under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Practicing an army drill.
Under the Bridge. For some reason I was just so fascinated the whole trip with the different architecture.

Us at the top of Lombard street then below the famous winding street.
Ryan patiently awaiting his dinner at The House of Nanking. I asked a local where they thought the best place to eat in China town was and we were directed to head hear. The line will go out the building and around the block. The place is truly a grand whole in the wall and the service was horrible but the melt in your mouth calamari was to die for and I am craving it not just thinking about it! So yummy!




By this point we had worn Ryan out and his back and feet were tired so we agrred to meet up after Jared and I enjoyed walking around China town. He was the perfect shopping buddy and we had a great time enjoying the shops, culture, and people. We also found something to bring home to each of the kids.



When I asked Jared what his favorite part about day 2 he said "The apple store and the Ferrari store" Cars and technology. I guess that means my son is truly turning into a teenager. He drove this mini car around the store for a long time. He was impressed with the handing and turning ability.




We enjoyed walking around Union Square but there sure were a lot of people. Some kind of scary and I was surprised to find that Jared would let me hold his. It was nice!Jared thought this Smart car was just his size and enjoyed getting a feel of what it will be like to be behind the wheel.
This is the roof in the mall. SO beautiful.
The lighting in our little French restaurant.
The yummy french food that was almost as good as the real thing.
Interesting buildings every where we went. I wish I had taken more pictures of them.
The beautiful flower garden in Golden Gate Park.
We enjoyed a nice walk around the park and here are some of our adventures.
This squirrel came right up to my feet. No fear what so ever.





We must have been in a really silly mood. I guess that is what relaxation does to a person.
Boys never do grow up fully.

This albino Alligator was fascinating to look at. This was in the Natural History Museum. I loved this place tons and enjoyed learning along side my smart men.
This is the ceiling in the Museum.



We walked a mile or so up and down some steep hills to dinner our first night. Jared was so tired (we did wake up around 4) That Ryan offered to carry him for a long portion of the walk home.Over looking Alcatraz. Jared and I were most excited about his. I did not realize tickets sold out days in advance and we were both super bummed. Luckily there were so many other amazing things to do we got over it super fast.
Pier 39. While here we bought a ridiculous amount of salt water taffy, watched the sea lions lounge, enjoyed the aquarium, learned how to float/levitate objects, shopped, and ate some yummy brunch.

When Ryan saw this sign he said, "That is strange, they don't want us to pick up our trash?"

Jared skipping rocks when we first got into San Fran.Just outside the stadium where the football team that is based out of San Francisco. (I really don't follow football, is it obvious?)

This is outside City hall. I liked the look of the building.I am so thrilled we were able to do this. The time we spent was so valuable and even though I tremendously missed the other kids I will always hold this trip in a special place in my heart. I sure loves this young man and I am so darn proud of him!