Our hotel in San Francisco was perfectly located downtown by China Town and Union Square. Union Square is more of a business district and surrounded by very high end stores. (If only I had the money to shop while we were there.) The center of Union Square was the perfect place for Cason to run around and get his energy out. He loved people watching and chasing the birds. We went there at least once each day. Rather than renting a car we got bus tickets and were within a short ride from everything we wanted to see. The tickets also included the famous trolley that took us through the city and straight to Lombard Street. It was fun to walk down and look back up at the "crookedest street in America." I can't possibly write about everything that we saw, but some of the highlights included The Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, AT&T Park and the San Francisco Giants, China Town, and Sausalito. By the time we left San Francisco I really had a feel for the city and knew my way around. Aside from a few strange homeless people and crazy bus riders, the locals were very nice and willing to help us out. Although it is a very big city everything is so compact. Unlike other big cities that I have been to it was very clean and beautiful. It truly is amazing how the city was built. The architecture and streets are unlike anything I have ever seen. I love the apartments and homes. I even picked out an adorable purple and blue, two-story home right off Fisherman's Wharf for when we pick up and move there :). Unfortunately, I'm sure that cute little home is worth way more than I could ever get for mine here in St. George.
After 4 days of enjoying the hustle and bustle in the city we packed our bags and headed north to Windsor. Windsor is a cute little city in Sonoma County right in the heart of wine country. We had a beautiful 2 bedroom condo with all the ammenities. After being cooped up for 4 days Cason loved this relaxing part of the vacation and all the freedom that came with it. We didn't have any plans for Windsor and honestly just spent 3 whole days sleeping in, relaxing by the pool, golfing, and eating delicious food. We spent 1 day at a nearby beach and 1 evening in Old Town Windsor where they had a Beatles cover band playing a concert in the park. It felt nice to unwind for a few days before heading back to San Francisco for the last day of the vacation. Although the vacation was coming to an end I was really glad to see San Francisco one last time before getting on the plane back to Las Vegas.
Cason did very well in San Francisco... for the most part. His favorite locations were Union Square, AT&T Park, and Golden Gate Park. His least favorites were definitely Alcatraz and China Town. We definitely messed up his sleeping schedule. There just isn't as many opportunities for nap time when you are on vacation in a big city. That along with being cooped up on a bus, in a stroller, and in high chairs he unfortunately had a few tough moments. I wouldn't have changed a thing though. I am glad we had him with us and it was so much fun just to spend an entire week with him without work getting in the way. While we were there I often wondered what he thought of everything. I can't imagine what it would be like to see all of it for the first time through a toddler's eyes. I'm sure he was in awe and seemed to just take everything in. He hit a vocabulary boom while we were there and was amazing us with new words each day.
Now we are back to reality... which isn't so bad. I was happy to sleep in my own bed last night and it will be good to get back into a routine. Although I would in a heartbeat, it doesn't seem realistic to say that I will be moving to San Francisco anytime soon. I will definitely make a point to vacation there again though and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good time.
San Francisco Day 1: Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square
Had the best (richest) chocolate shake at Ghirardelli Square.
They had these cute hearts marking each corner of Union Square.
San Francisco Day 2: Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Street and China Town
Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge.
There were so many beautiful flowers in Golden Gate Park and all around San Francisco. Cason loved the Hydrangea.
Watching the coy at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.
Riding the trolley to Lombard Street.
The crookedest street in America.
Our hotel was just a couple of blocks from the entrance to China Town.
San Francisco Day 3: Alcatraz and Pier 39
Enjoying the boat ride to Alcatraz.
Standing inside a prison cell.
Playing with the boats of Pier 39 in the background.
How awesome are these sea lions?!
San Francisco Day 4: Grace Cathedral, North Beach (Little Italy), and a Giants baseball game
Taking a break at the park across from the Grace Cathedral. San Francisco had a lot of big parks for Cason to play at. This helped tremendously to break up the time that he was confined to a stroller.
Enjoying an Italian lunch at a cafe in North Beach. Of course we also tried every other type of food imaginable while there; seafood, chinese, mexican, etc. We ate way too much!
Great seats with the ocean in the background.
True baseball fan.
The view from AT&T Park was incredible!
Windsor Day 5: Bodega Bay and Doran Beach
Cason LOVED chasing the water and running from the waves. He also loved chasing the seagulls up and down the beach.
Grandpa burrying Cason on the beach.
Windsor Days 6 and 7: Playing at the condo and Old Town Windsor
Cason had a blast swimming!
Charles Schulz was from the Windsor area so there were a lot of Peanuts characters around the town.
Enjoying yet another delicious meal :).
Hanging out with Linus and Charlie Brown.
Old Town Windsor was an adorable little place with rows of shops and restaurants.
San Francisco Day 8: Sausalito and Fisherman's Wharf
Sausalito was beautiful. I love all of the colorful trees.
Enjoying a cherry!
Last look at the ocean.
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