San Francisco!

Scott, unfortunately, has been traveling much more than either of us would like lately. A few months ago we decided we would go to San Francisco, little did we know, Scott would be gone the entire week before we left and wouldn't be able to come home until three days after me. Regardless of the timing of the trip, we had a wonderful time. I can't remember the last time he and I were together for days without all three girls. Lilly came with us and, as always, was a champ.


Friday October 2, 2009

We flew into Oakland in the morning, checked into our hotel in Union Square and then went to have breakfast at Dottie's. We had to wait in line for about a half of an hour to get into this tiny restaurant, but had one of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten. Scott and I both loved it and would recommend it to anyone (we saw it on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives). After Breakfast we just took in the sights and walked around. One of our favorite places was The Ferry Building where we looked into all the little shops and tried the free samples.

This is Scott at the Ferry Building after buying a cone of pig parts to eat from Boccalone. I bought him a shirt here that says "Tasty Salty Pig Parts."

One of the highlights of our trip was having dinner with Corty, the CEO of Clearwater Analytics, and his wife at The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building. The food was great, Natalie and Corty were wonderful and it was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Scott enjoys working with Corty and it was fun to spend time with someone he admires so much. The Slanted Door is one of the most profitable restaurants in the United States and I thought it was a really fun place to eat.

Saturday October 3, 2009

On Saturday we switched hotels, moving to one in Fisherman's Warf. One of the things Scott was looking most forward to was visiting Alcatraz. He hadn't been since he was in elementary school and couldn't wait to see where the criminals of the book "Public Enemies" were sent (if they weren't killed).

Here is the Alcatraz island (Scott thinks I could sell this picture).

I love all the history here and although I came with the Erickson girls just a couple of years ago, I loved the audio tour and am really glad we took the chance to visit Alcatraz.

Something that makes Alcatraz unique is the beautiful view, setting and grounds surrounding the prison. I loved this staircase.

This was one of the windows left in a dillapidated building

I love this picture and the colors that are in the hallways of Alcatraz. I thought the grounds would be the perfect setting for Family pictures-creepy maybe, but cool.

One of the people trying to earn some cash by acting crazy along the Fisherman's Warf.

On Saturday night we walked up Market Street and lucky us, the "Lovealution" parade had just ended and we encountered quite the interesting crowd. Let's just say we were freezing and are pretty sure we had more clothes on than anyone else we saw.

Sunday, October 4th

We had breakfast at the bakery where Dirty Harry was killed. and then headed to the crooked road. The road itself it cool, but it really is the flowers and scenery that make this street so cool. After that we went to the Golden Gate Bridge. We had such perfect weather all weekend and I liked walking across such an American landmark.

It is hard to get a picture that really shows how cool this street is I tried several angles including one that included climbing a fence and a really prickly rosebush. I like this one because it shows the 5 mph sign.

Here we are at the Bridge-did you know that there are phones on the bridge for people to use in case they are thinking of jumping. They have signs over them that say "There is always hope, pick up the phone."

After Golden Gate Bridge we headed to Golden Gate State Park. We had heard that there was a Blue Grass Festival there, but had no idea how huge it was. There were six different stages and hundreds of thousands of people. After watching people for a while, and trust me it was a prime people watching place, we walked up to the D'Yung museum and went up to the lookout (which is free) It was beautiful.

I had to include a picture of Lilly-she really was so great and we were happy to have her along for the trip, although I think she would be happy never to have to ride public transportation again.

I am so glad we took this trip. We ate great food, saw fun things, and just enjoyed spending time together. Thank you to my mom and sisters, who watched and thoroughly entertained and spoiled Cecilia and Anna while I was gone. I love you.

ry