Visitors

Last week Jason's mom and sister visited. It was action packed to say the least. We felt bad because their first day here it was freezing. I think Debby was scarred, we had a hard time keeping her out of two coats all week. Even when the temp raised. Everything was going really well, they got in on Friday and by Monday we had seen Sausalito, taken the ferry into the city, gone to pier 39 to see the sea lions, seen Fisherman's wharf, walked through Muir Woods, picnicked on Stinson beach, driven into see Chinatown and rode a cable car. Whew, breath. And then it happened.....

Tuesday morning Debby and Liz went out bike riding. And Debby fell. It was awful, she completely bashed up her cheek and had a gleaming black eye. There was blood and swelling and pain and I felt horrible having suggested that Mill Valley is a perfectly lovely place to bike ride and sending them unaccompanied on an outing of terror.

Debby was a trooper and after discerning that she did not have a concussion, we decided to stay in Tuesday and take it easy. Wednesday we were back on track, no pun intended. Jason had to work, but Jules an I took the ladies to walk across golden Gate Bridge and then to the Bay area Discovery Museum where Jules got his play on.

I was a bit nervous the next day when Debbie and Liz headed off to Alcatraz on their own. But it's not the most kid friendly place and I think they were getting tired of me. so off they went and all was well. They took tons of pictures and even navigated San Francisco's complecated public transit on their own. Fri we went to see the Marin county civic center which was designed by Frank Loyd Wright and is about ten minutes from our place. I take Jules there for the farmers market and to play on the playground, but had never been inside. We tried to hit the beach but the fog was heavy and Debby's two coats were failing her so we weren't there long.

That night we had babysitters so Jason and I got to go out. Ahhh going out, I had forgotten how nice it is to have an uninterrupted adult conversation. No really, I had completely forgotten. But after the first hour I stopped wiping his face and cutting his food and we had a really nice time. We went to Fairfax, about 15 mins away and decided that that is where all the hippies live.

And the difference between organic dry cleaning and Eco-friendly dry cleaning is? anyone, anyone?? Me neither.

Saturday was awesome! We took the scenic coastal drive down to the Montery Bay Aquarium and stopped at a light house on the way down . The aquarium was really amazing and I think everyone had a nice time. I mostly liked the drive down. Sooo many beautiful things. Jules loved the penguins and was disappointed when learned he could not pet any of the sharks. total bummer.

On the way back we stopped in San Jose "Silicon Valley" to see Debby's godson Will and his wife Sara, who just moved to town in January. Jason grew up with Will and his sisters and it was nice to see some friendly faces in the same boat as us. New to the area and trying to figure out all the California rules. Julien chased their cats and ate their cupcakes and could not have had a better time.

Sunday, was leaving day. Jules had really gotten used to Lizzy reading his bedtime stories and Debby fixing his bathes and all the attention and love. Jason got used to having his little sister around to abuse and I got used to the company and the kitchen gnome that did all my dishes as I slept. Damn I miss that gnome. But all is well, our first guests were a success I think, minus one bashed face. We have been successful tourists in our own town. Good times.

We are officially prepared for the rest of you. Bring it on. "Really soon you guys, before I deflate the aerobed".