Spring Break 2010

Time flies when you're with people you love!

Saturday I flew in to San Fransisco, greeted by warm air and sunny skies!
DeEtte picked me up at the airport and we immediately made our way through Bay Bridge traffic and out through the hills to Vacaville. The hills were a bright green with fresh spring grass, which is apparently unique for this time of year before it all dries up and turns brown for the remainder of the year... and I didn't even plan it this way!

Jones Home
The Jones home is coming along very nicely. DeEtte has done a fabulous job making their new house a home while also working from home and traveling for work, and Brandon is making his way well through the rigor of rotations. Simply put, they are both amazing.

Yosemite
DeEtte and I retreated to Yosemite National Park where we stayed a night at her friend's home and when exploring in the park the next day. The supposed 2 1/2 hour drive turned out to be 4 as we were far too engaged in conversation and made two critical navigational errors. Nonetheless, we made it safely and even found the correct home, just in time to realize that the water was turned off by the previous visitors. After searching for the water main with no success, we attempted to call for assistance from other sources to no avail. Water could wait until morning.
After a morning run, I needed to shower, yet with still no luck in getting water to run, I resorted to the slow drip of cold water in the basement. Just as I finished, DeEtte discovered the hidden box in the ground and the key to unlock the desired liquid. WATER!!!! Additionally she found a trapped baby frog and his little friend, so we did our good deed for the day and freed them in a nearby pond (after naming them Skippy and Hops, of course). Soon showered and fed, we made our way into the park and did some hiking. The falls were gorgeous, half dome was spectacular and the deer were many. Lunch was enjoyed on a small "beach" we found on the valley floor. While we did not have time to hike TO Half Dome, it was well worth our adventures to enjoy the sites we did. I would LOVE to revisit this park in the not-far-distant-future.
SAN FRANSISCO
After returning from our Yosemite adventure, we took a short break and headed into the city, San Fransisco. My #1 goal was to get to the Golden Gate Bridge, which we ventured on foot. It was a beautiful day with only mild occasional mild rain showers. We then visited Ghiradelli Square and went to lunch at the Blue Mermaid near Fisherman's Wharf. I really enjoyed the drive through the city- I love the unique buildings and the beautiful bay with the creepy island, Alcatraz, in the middle. We'll visit Alcatraz during another visit... perhaps I need to swim there?
LIVERMORE SKEENS
On Thursday, DeEtte drove me to meet up with Stef and he kids, and I spent a few ways with them in their new home of Livermore!!! I had been to this same town last Fall for DeEtte's wedding, but it was a whirlwind trip, and I am so glad I got to go back, because it's BEAUTIFUL! This time of year was particularly pretty with the the green hills and cows grazing.

Stef, Saida and Harmon showed me a few of their favorite parks (there are so many nearby!) to walk to and play. Scott took us all to one of his favorite burrito places for dinner (mmm... real mexican food!) followed by a visit to Brushy peak where they love to hike and mountain bike.
While Scott and Stef went riding one morning, I got to hang out with Saida and Harmon. It was so much fun getting to know both of them. They LOVE playing outside with their bikes and scooters, but mostly running around on their own 2 feet. Harmon likes running so much that he chooses to push his bike around rather that riding... we've got to work on that if he's going to be a triathlete.

Harmon also LOVES trains! We built a track more than once each day. They both love to READ!!! Any time of day, this was something they would either ask to do or be more than excited about. Saida is even learning how to "read" aloud on her own!
Saida had a princess-themed birthday celebration while I was visiting, so it was fun to be an honorary guest. The girls (and Harmon) ate cupcakes and candy after an intense easter egg hunt and playing in the princess fort.
One evening I went on a long run, for training, up into Brushy Peak hills. It was SO pretty, but after teasing from uncle Scott about mountain lions, then seeing a warning sign at the entrance gate, I was not exactly at peace running through the hills. My fears only broadened as I turned around a bend only to find my path blocked by grazing and resting cows. In attempts to keep peace among the cows by running around them instead of on the path, they quickly rose to their feet and faced me. I'd rather be stared down by a large audience of people than a pasture of cows (shutter). I was SO relieved to reach the exit gate from the hills and latch it shut behind me.
It's about time for me to find a nice gentleman to enjoy these adventures with me.

The morning before I flew out, we all drove to Del Valle, a nearby state park, and went on a hike together. Saida, having just turned 4, was a excellent hiker, and Harmon kept high energy most of the way as well. He only tired after outdoing himself by hiking off the beaten path up a steep hill to a tree he so desired to reach. They are both so funny.

It was SO nice to be with the Skeens. Scott and Stef are such good parents, to say the least. I can't wait to visit them again!