Back in mid-November I took a trip to San Jose to visit Rob, Ariana and the boys. I was in desperate need of a "get-a-away" and what could be more PERFECT then escaping to sunny California!
It was perfect.
Rob and Ariana have a beautiful house in such a Pretty area - I was very impressed and completely amazed. What I had in my mind was completely different then the reality of where they live - it was gorgeous!
I flew in on Wednesday afternoon and we spent the rest the day hanging out with the boys at their house.
The boys are getting so big and little Ryan just steals my heart every time I see him. I could not get enough of that little man! On Thursday, I went with Ariana to one of her play dates with the boys. Ariana has made a ton of friends out there and it was so nice to meet some of them The weirdest was meeting Laura with a son named Blake - seriously? I thought I was back home...
The house the play date was hosted at was GORGEOUS - I could have moved right in!
After the play date we headed home to put the boys down for nap and then Ariana and I snuck away for some pedicures and manicures. Ariana also found an AWESOME Nanny who watched the boys alot so we could hang out - just the two of us!
After getting pampered for a couple hours we headed to Santana Row to meet Rob at a restaurant to have dinner and watch the Broncos game! I couldn't believe how many Bronco fans there were! I always have FUN when I go out with Rob and Ariana and this night was no different. We ate, drank beer, laughed and watch the Donkeys win!
After dinner, Ariana and I walked Santana Row! Again, this place was amazing and so beautiful. It makes Cherry Creek look like Greeley - haha!
I could have definitely spent more time down there - shopping and hitting up the tequila bar (Next time Ariana!). We turned in early that night, because 1) Ariana's kids get up at the crack of dawn and 2) Friday was "Ariana and Jenn's Day of FUN!"
Again, Ariana had her nanny stay with the boys all day Friday so we could go to San Francisco for the day.
Before heading to San Francisco we made a quick trip to the beach, Santa Cruz. I had to see the beach before going back to Colorado.
Hands down, visiting Santa Cruz was my favorite. I think I could have spent all day there. It was a tiny little surfer town, with cute shops, and of course a huge beach! When we visit again I so want to take the kids there for the day or a couple days, maybe rent a beach house!
We sat and had lunch with of course a margarita on the beach - now that is perfect!
I didn't want to leave, but I only had so much time and San Francisco was still a place I wanted to visit...
On our way to San Francisco we stopped in Los Gatos - another favorite of mine. Again just absolutely gorgeous and so CUTE! Ariana took me to her favorite cupcake shop, which we then enjoyed on our trip into San Francisco.
We got to San Francisco late that afternoon. San Francisco is BEAUTIFUL! I can see why people fall in love with it. Sometimes I wish I could be twenty years old again, and live in a cool city like San Fran!
Oh well, but I did get to enjoy the city for a quick 24 hours!
As soon as we checked into out hotel and stepped outside to start exploring - Boom a RAINSTORM! Why is it every time I visit a city it rains - New York, Nashville and now San Francisco! But no worries, we still had a great time! That's what I love about Ariana, she just goes with the flow and makes it fun no matter what!
Since it was raining we hopped on the old Cable Cars, so we could see the city and stay somewhat dry. I don't think I really ever understood what a cable car was or how cool they are. I just always saw them in the TV show "Full House" and wanted to ride one!
They operate on no power - just gears! So the conductor would have to crank us up and down the hills - it was crazy and totally felt like a roller coaster - the hills are HUGE in that city!
WEEEEE - down the hill!
We took the cable car to Union Square - which was so cool!
I could have literally spent an entire day in Union Square - SHOPPING!
They had every store you could possibly imagine! Again, when I return this is on the agenda - TO DO!
The weather cleared up for a bit, so we walked around and saw as much as could before it got dark and we started to freeze to death, Public transportation in San Fran is awesome! As soon as it started raining again we hopped on a bus and headed to Fisherman's Wharf. By now it was dark and we were cold, but we still walked the Pier at Fisherman's Wharf. My favorite were the sea lions just hanging out and talking up a storm!
We stopped and had dinner and tried to warm up a bit!
After dinner, we headed to some fun restaurants for drinks. We ended up at a place called The Buena Vista, which is where all the locals hang out - Again, this was one of my favorites. It was so cute and perfect to spend a rainy evening drinking and gossiping with my sister! I had my first Irish Cream Coffee which was delicious and warmed me right up! If we weren't so excited to sleep in our own beds with no kids, we probably would have stayed out all night!
We turned in around 10:30 and slept soundly until 9am the next morning. I think we would both agree that was the best part! We visited a local breakfast place which again was so cute and had great food, before Ariana took me to the airport!
It was a very quick trip, but SO fun! I feel like I got to see a ton of stuff, thanks to Ariana who knows how to get around and finds out about the coolest places!
The best part though was getting to see Rob, Ariana and the boys, and to see just how great they are doing. Moving to a new place and away from family is not the easiest thing to do, but they have totally made it work! I think they really love living there and are soaking up every minute of this great opportunity they have been given. We miss them so much, but seeing them so happy and comfortable in their new world gives me peace! I think California suits them quite well - Robbie already looks like a surfer! And plus, it is the most fantastic place to go visit - way better then Minnesota (Not sure I would want to go there - JK!) I will for sure be back - Ariana and I already have the itinerary planned...
Thank you so much Ariana for having me visit and for taking me all over the place! I could have not asked for a better trip or tour guide. I loved every minute of hanging out with you!
You are the best sister EVER and I can't wait for my next trip!
Give the boys kisses, Uncle Bob a high five and we will see you at Christmas!
Love ya!
