When I was pregnant, my friends and family hosted a baby shower entitled "Have Baby, Will Travel." And while I understood then that it would be difficult to travel with a baby, Ryan and I made a commitment to try. I'm proud to say that in his first 17 months, Liam has been to Colorado twice and as of this most recent trip, to San Francisco three times. It is definitely more difficult to travel with him now then when he was a tiny baby though, but it's worth it to see happy reunions like the one he had with his Aunt Amy at the airport...
After we had lunch and settled into their gorgeous place, we headed to Sports Basement to shop for Amy's birthday as well as to help fulfill Ryan's dream of hiking all around San Francisco with Liam on his back. Amy found an awesome jacket and Ryan found the king-of-all-backpacks that is certainly fit for our prince!
I think Liam liked it...
That night, Liam tried on Uncle Michael's boots. He's a "big monkey"!
After Liam fell asleep in the pack n' play for the night (very easily, by the way), the adults were able to really enjoy an amazing birthday dinner for Amy. Michael worked for hours on the authentic and yummy Mexican meal...
Amy and Ryan enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail or two (I had water).
Here were just a few of the tasty dishes that Michael made. Yes, they tasted as good as they look.
The next day after a good night's sleep for Liam, Ryan packed him up in the backpack and took a "stroll" down to Chrissy Field Beach. It was only a few miles:) And it was windy... can you tell?
It was time for a picnic on the beach. Amy and I picked up some food and then headed down to meet Liam and Ryan. Michael rode down on his motorcycle. I love this photo of the three of them.
I think the walk tuckered Daddy out.
After lunch it was time for our little monkey to play on the beach.
I remember thinking how lucky we were while this family photo was being taken in front of Alcatraz on this gorgeous day, because it was about 107 degrees back in Kansas City!
I love this picture of our little independent guy taking off on his own.
It's fun playing with Mommy's earrings!
Look! I got them!
Here, look up close.
Cutest "beach bum" ever!
This picture makes me smile because it was just one of those captured moments. A quiet, zen moment between Amy and Liam. And I can just picture them having these special times together every time they see each other. I think they will be really close, telling each other secrets and traveling together and just loving the little things in life, like a picnic day on the beach.
Liam had a little sand for dessert.
That evening we put Liam to sleep, made sure that Tessa the babysitter (loaned to us from Cali, who lets Tessa take care of her a couple times a week) was settled in, and took off for an adults-only dinner at The House of Prime Rib. It was fantastic! I had, you guessed it, the prime rib. In fact all of us did. I mean, what else would you have? It was a nice night out and we had some good laughs. I even took after my mother and gnawed on the bone :)
On Friday we headed up to Muir Woods. This was the day I was most excited for. Muir Woods has great memories for me. The first time I was ever there was with my sister. We returned another time and then when Ryan and I came out to visit, we went together. It was fitting, therefore, that we all go together for Liam's first trip. We had a great time!
Michael was Liam's driver for most of the tour.
But Amy was the tour guide.
This tree is a lot bigger than the ones at home!
Daddy and Liam took the term "tree hugging" to a brand new level.
Look at my guys...
Couldn't resist... this one looks like an ad for Baby REI or something.
These are my favorite shots from the day. I love these stolen moments with Uncle Michael. They are two peas in a pod here in the woods. That image I wrote about earlier where I can picture Amy and Liam in the future... well, it's the same for Michael. I think they will cook together, they will walk Cali together, and they will be buddies. Good buddies :)
Can't you just picture the three of them together?
The afternoon wrapped up with our first trip ever to In-N-Out Burger... the satisfied look on Liam's face mirrored my own. Yum!
That evening Amy and Michael babysat so Ryan and I could have a date. We saw a movie and had a nice dinner at a Thai restaurant. Liam was asleep in bed by 7:45pm and all was well. It was a great gift that they gave us and we really appreciated it.
Our last full day in San Fran was spent riding the cable car down to the Ferry Building for market. I had never been on one so it was especially fun.
We go to the Ferry Building every chance we get in San Fran. Their fresh fruit samples were the hit of the day for Liam and Ryan. Notice Liam's thoughtful pose, checking out the produce.
Later that afternoon, the Big Moment had arrived. I got Liam all dressed in his biker outfit so he could "ride" with Michael. We were all very excited.
All of us, except for Liam.
Didn't he ever see Easy Rider? Oh well, maybe next time.
That afternoon Ryan took Liam on a MAJOR walk while Amy and I were getting mani/pedis at Silk. In the time it took to get our paws and claws done, they walked almost 6 miles through the Presidio, around the Presidio, to the edge of the Golden Gate, and up the Lion's Steps! God, it's nice to be married to a man who likes to hike and be outside and do it all with a 30 pound toddler on his back!
Finally, as the trip came to a close, I watched Liam do what he seemed to like to do best... watch for the dog Cali.
Sometimes he watched for her coming down the hall.
Sometimes he watched for her coming down the street...
But mostly, he liked to just play with her.
And follow her...
And bring her the "boney" she loves...
And watch her eat.
A last night toast to a great trip had by all! (again, I had water)
I'm wrapping this entry up now, tired because I started back to school with students today. It's been a little rough starting back this year, and looking through these pictures, I understand why. This was an amazing trip- one of our very best. And it represented all of the good times this summer brought with it. Thank you, Amy and Michael and Cali, for the laughter and love, the beach and the woods, the dinners and the breaks. We love you so much!
Now, get ready for our family of four to come out next time! San Francisco really is a fun place to be! Lesson well learned.
