July 2014: California Trip--Part II

The conference ended early in the middle of the week, so we had a chance to drive back to Palo Alto and spend the day with Jared's family! Jenny (and Jared) took family pictures at a lovely botanical garden area in Palo Alto, followed by lunch at a gourmet burger place in town. After lunch, we headed to Half Moon Bay beach for the day. It was chilly out, but the boys were good sports and played in the sand and surf. Mike and I had a great time with our sweet grand boys! Mike and the boys built sandcastles together, chased seagulls, and jumped over waves while the wet sand pulled their feet in. I ran into the water with the boys and nearly lost my Mario--he got drenched!

After the drive back to Jared and Jenny's apartment, we returned to the house and played card games in the dining room. They ordered Domino's Pizza, but no one was too hungry due to the big lunch and snacks afterwards. Everyone was tired, and I hated saying goodbye to Jared's family. 

The gourmet burger restaurant in Palo Alto where we enjoyed lunch together 

Mario and Jared before dinner arrives

Jenny--about to sacrifice her diet for our family dinner outing

She has the best diet and exercise dedication and discipline of anyone I know!

Milo and Grandpa bonding over milkshakes

My pretty mama along for the ride

Trying to get psyched up to play in the cold sand. I LOVE these sweet boys!

Jared helps Mario open his new beach toys 

 Great-grandma Pitcher and Grandma enjoy the sand

Mario loves the beach, even when it's cold!

Mario and Milo are such GOOD boys!

I'm so grateful they are blessed with wonderful, loving parents

 Milo had just awakened from a nap in the car, but he perked up soon after

 I LOVE YOU MILO and MARIO! I will miss you like crazy!

It was hard to say goodbye to our sweet, wonderful kids!

We love you Jenny and Jared! You two are AWESOME!

Grandma and Great-Grandma say good-bye

I was sick that night and the rest of our trip with strep throat!

Two more days on San Francisco's Union Square. My mom and I spent another day in China Town. Then we took the city bus and went to Japan Town for the day. That evening we wandered around downtown S.F. At a very large, 7-story Macy's Department Store, I lost my mom in the shoe department (level 2) for two hours! I had employees and security looking for her. Mike came to the rescue and helped too and then decided to check the hotel. 

Sure enough, she had gone back to the hotel to wait for me after being unable to find me in the store. I on the other hand, had stayed on the 2nd floor of Macy's, thinking she would never abandon me like that. We have to have an emergency plan in case that ever happens again!

One of the Japanese restaurants in Japanese Town where my mom and I ate lunch

My mother checks out the menu and daily lunch special

We did some shopping at two large Japanese bargain stores

All the other shops were quite expensive--nothing like China Town

Back in China Town for dinner 

My cute little mother crossing the street to meet me