My Birthday.....Week!!!

This year I was given a week of birthday. I'm not going to lie. It was awesome!  If I could, I would plan a for my husband to be out of town on a trip near my birthday every year.  Because everyone feels bad for you that you husband is gone, and then feels like they have to celebrate you on a day other than your birthday because you are leaving, and then you are just left with lots of days of celebrating.  It made the stress of getting out of town really nice.

My mom took Kort and I for manicures for our birthdays and my parents also took us out to lunch.  John and the kids made dinner for me and made me a maple bar tower cake before John left on Saturday.  And I had lots of visitors on my birthday which I LOVE.  The kids and I got to go get free frozen yogurt on my b-day too.  Thank you Menchies for holding your soft opening on my birthday.  And for offering free yogurt to all River Valley families.  My kids were in topping heaven.  I never let them go hog wild with toppings at those places because I'm too cheap.  We were all happy.  And also too full to eat dinner.  But you've got to live a little right?

And then for my big birthday finale...I flew out Tuesday to meet up with John in San Francisco.  It wasn't technically for my birthday but that's how I justified it.  John found out months ago that he would be out of town on my birthday (again) for a training conference.  So with his hotel, flight, and all of our food paid for I couldn't refuse the trip.  When I was on the fence about going Sydney sealed the deal when she said she would come stay with my kids while we were gone.  Between Syd and my mom the kids were well taken care of while we were gone. For this I will be eternally grateful!

It really was the perfect little get away.  John had class every morning which meant I got time to myself.  I slept in, read, worked out, and watched tv every morning.  I can't tell you how long it's been since I watched the today show. 

Every afternoon John and I busied ourselves exploring the city.  I wish I would have tracked the miles we walked.  We were at the  mercy of our feet and the trolley cars.  I'm sure we walked well over 30 miles in the 4 days we were there.

We spent quality time in China Town. 

Visited union square and had a Neiman Markus cookie (overrated if you ask me.) Went to Lombard street twice.  Because once just isn't enough.

We braved the weather every day.  We had ALOT of rain and wind while we were there.  Our umbrellas were always in our hands.

Our second day there we saw a bit of sun.  So we went to Alcatraz.

(I'm totally making this sign in vinyl.)

And since the weather was holding we decided to rent bikes and ride out to the Golden Gate Bridge.  The ride was nice.  A little more uphill than we anticipated, but a lot of fun!  

Notice that I'm looking tired.

We also spent a lot of time on Pier 39.  Our hotel was really close to the pier and the beach.  This is my favorite picture of John.  An actual smile!!!

My favorite was just walking around town.  We explored some residential areas.  I'm just fascinated by the fact that people actually live there.  Living in a city like that is just so foreign to me.  I loved walking around and peeking in peoples back yards and windows.  Not in a creepy way!  And not in any windows that weren't largely open to eye view just by walking by! 

Our last day there I forgot my camera.  We went to Ghiradelli square.  Ate a delicious ice cream sundae.  Paid waaaay too much for a bag of chocolates.  Ate the best burger and Mac 'n Cheese I've ever had. And enjoyed the views. 

I'm so happy that I decided to go.  Even though we came home to a bit of crazy and a broken furnace.  We still have no heat.  It's lovely.