Sunday, November 30, 2008

Thanksgiving in San Francisco

We got a chance to go back to my sister's house in San Francisco for Thanksgiving. It was a great time to reconnect with family. My mom and little sister joined us from SoCal and Eric's mom and step-dad were able to come also to visit Susan, Eric's step-sister, and her boyfriend Tom. We spent a day exploring the best of San Fran's attractions using some of the city's options for modes of transportation- we used BART, the cable car, a public bus, and our own two feet (those hills are rough to walk up pushing a stroller with Audrey getting the best end of that deal ).
The girls on a cable car
Eric got to hang off the side. I had to sit with Audrey inside
because evidently the city does not want to be liable if babies fall off.
Eric and his mom, Cedulie at Fisherman's Wharf.

At Ghirardelli Square. Thanks for wearing reflective gear Tom!

Susan, Audrey, Tom and me waiting for a bus.

We went wine tasting with the family in Healdsburg
Beautiful autumn vineyard
At Foppiano's

Sue and Tom entertaining Audrey

Driving home from wine tasting my sisters, Audrey and I got reared ended by a fire department's ambulance (which is quiet big compared to our little Subaru). We all suffered some pretty bad whiplash, but were happy to all be safe.

My sisters and I cooked all day Wednesday and Thursday preparing for the Thanksgiving feast for 16 adults and 4 kids. The menu consisted of cornished game hens, spooned corn bread, garlic sour cream mashed potatoes, pineapple yam casserole with marshmallows on top, pumpkin souffle, merlot cranberry sauce, fried rice (for the Chinese contingence), green bean casserole, with the typical but tasty apple pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie topped with fresh whipped cream using my sister's new cool gaget.

The table set for 20
Enjoying some good food.
We made it home safely after having our flight was delayed and rerouted to another airline. Our new flight was direct which we appreciated. Our luggage didn't make the transfer with us but were thankful it to happened at the end of or trip rather than the beginning. We were a little worried because our car seat and coats were in the checked luagge. Luckily they have car seats available at the airport for these situtations and it was not too cold (only 35 degrees). The airline was kind enough to deliver the bags to us the next night.

Overall, we had a wonderful trip. It was wonderful to be with all that family for Thanksgiving. Though it was a little difficult to leave, and we don't totally feel at home in Maryland yet, we are enjoying all the experiences that God is allowing us to experience during this unique time in our lives.

3 comments:

The Gibbs said...

Ashley it looked like you had a wonderful thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing all your pictures, Audrey is so big. We miss you guys here in Cali. :)

Jamie Stavenger said...

What the HECK is Eric doing in a short-sleeved shirt in San FRANCISCO!? Not ALL of California is warm!!

Lisa..... said...

I LOVE THE BAY AREA. *sigh* I am glad you are being able to take time to enjoy life.