When our kids turn 16 we take them on a trip by themselves....or at some point after they turn 16. (Jaydan's trip was way after) All trips haven't included me because I didn't think it was smart to take me to Alaska fishing or to North and South Dakota Pheasant Hunting. One child chose to go to New York and was surprised (not necessarily pleasantly) and was taken to Hawaii. One child even gave up the trip and got a Cello instead...she made that bargain. Jared chose to go on a cruise. He didn't really care where we went and so we chose the "ghetto" cruise that was very affordable. We stayed a few days in San Francisco to make the trip a little bit better. I was actually looking forward to our trip and I know Larry was as well....he needed a break from the stresses of life.
We were all excited and ready. The guys were out shortly after getting on the plane. I thought I was funny taking their picture and only posted it on Instagram because not as many people see it there.
The boys got me back one day when I was resting. When I saw this picture I thought..."wow...that's what I will look like dead"...the funerals lately have got to me. I request the hooks that bring the mouth up to a slight smile...I don't want to be buried with a frown.
We had planned on going to a Baseball game the first night and taking "Bart" (it's a cheap train) to Oakland because that is how the internet said to get there. We found out that Bart was closed down this weekend and memorial weekend. Bummer!!! A taxi was going to cost $90 each way. The concierge told us about an apt called Uber that is a nice transportation service. We decided to try them. The gal was there in 3 minutes but ending up declining on taking us. There was an accident the way she needed to go and it would take her more time than it was worth. She did call me back and suggested we try another driver. I didn't feel good about it anymore and was afraid we wouldn't make it back if we did go to the game...so we lost out on the price of our tickets which were cheap for a game. We went to eat at the sports bar in the Hotel and the waitress felt so bad for us she offered to buy us a cheesecake to take to our room. We told her we were fine and sometimes things don't go as planned. We went back to the room and ordered a movie instead. It was enjoyable since I seldom take time to watch movies at home. The hotel was nice and had cute little sports bears all around.
The next day we took a tour of the city by trolley car. It was a fun way to see the city. San Francisco has a lot of cool places. Our first main attraction was Alcatraz and the main reason for even booking the tour. We tried getting tickets months ago and couldn't unless we took a tour. I liked the tour and so it worked out great.
I had been to Alcatraz but Larry hadn't. There's a lot of cool information on the tour and it was pretty fascinating. I was fascinated watching Larry in the gift shop. He spent more time in the little gift shop than he did when we went through Ikea a few years back. He came out with a shirt, book, cup and a few movies...oh and a hat for Jared. I think the boys enjoyed it.
We had some yummy sandwiches for lunch and then continued on our tour. There's a lot of things to see in San Francisco...cool art, China Town, bums laying on the side of a busy road, little men pushing around an ice cream cart and girls getting pictures taken on trolley's and by the fountains.
We went to Fort Point which was pretty cool. I can only imagine the war that was fought here. It is under the Golden Gate Bridge. We drove over the bridge and I was amazed at all the people walking across it and riding their bikes. The road was busy too but we did it...all while the trolley driver rang her bell....ching, ching, ching ching!
The water below was full of boats and wind surfers. It was a fabulous sight. I bet the wind surfers had a good time and I bet it was thrilling. The wind was strong and some of those sails were really soaring.
We boarded the Carnival Inspiration in the afternoon the next day. We had a good time "people watching" while we waited to board. ☺ This ship was filled with lots of color and lights. It was so much fun and Jared really enjoyed his time alone with his mommy and daddy.
We played "Five Crowns" a lot during our cruise. I brought Tenzi too but Larry doesn't like it as well as so it didn't get played as much. We had a lot of good laughs.
We were welcomed by a cute towel critter every day. We even met a life sized elephant towel man. Those little towel critters make me smile. I bought a book of how to make them years ago but have never made one. They're a cute extra for cruises.
Our first stop of the cruise was to Catalina Island. It's a pretty place. I like the little beach along the shops and how people had their towels and blankets spread out reserving their spot on the little bit of sand there is.
Jared and I went Parasailing. We were the first ones to go and it was fun. It seems like it would be scary but really it isn't at all. The lift is very smooth and the ride in the sky is more like floating. I like being up high and looking around..it's so peaceful. The little dip in the water made me laugh. I reached for the water with my feet while Jared held his up. Because I did dip in the water my bum got wet. I'm glad I was able to do this with Jared....I think he enjoyed it too.
We decided after walking up and down the street to rent a golf cart and drive around the city. It's a cool little drive and a good idea to take a tour in a golf cart. I wouldn't have known that Catalina had a "ghetto" but it does. It is also very dry up high with deer and people camp there. (very different than by the water) Some cute little boys were selling drinks by the road and Larry stopped and got us a drink. They got Jared's right out of a box but dipped it in the cold water in their cooler and called it good. haha I forgot to take their picture so I did of the soda instead. It was a fun day.
The next stop was Ensenada. I've been there a few times and didn't care to go again but we wanted Jared to experience it and so Larry went with him. Jared said that was enough for him and doesn't care to go there again. While the boys were gone I read and watched a seal outside my room window. I think the seal might have been dead because it just floated around the edge for hours..I never saw it move. The boys came back with a T-Shirt and Sunglasses. The two items that are every few steps. ☺
We had good entertainment each night. A few comedians were on board and did family shows each night. Jared really enjoyed them....heck we all did. The black guy is Doug Williams and is so funny. Doug talks about race a lot but the differences between races really is funny and made us laugh. Comedy has been a good turn for him. He also acknowledged God and encouraged everyone to get back to church. I liked him. Russ Nagel was the other comedian and we found out he lives just east of us but right now I can't remember the exact city. (I think West Weber) We enjoyed him too. I thought he was funny when he talked about the hours he worked in a week...maybe five. He was quick and witty with the audience and their comments. Very enjoyable.
One night we watched the singers and dancers which always impress me. Their moves are so exaggerated so that they look good to the people in the back. Heck...they dance hard and it's a real work out. At the beginning of their show one of the guys came down to me and took my hand and took me on stage. We wondered.....was it my smile...my boobs...or simply the seat that I chose to sit in? Anyway I was escorted backstage and got to see what goes on back there. We walked around the back and I was dressed with some blue feathered wings. (they matched my shirt) I was now officially a "show girl". The feathers did that for me. I was instructed to shimmy when I got to the middle of the stage and did as I was told. (I'm not great a shimmying but did my best) Then we walked down off the stage and did a wave-flying move down the isle. I was fabulous...the applause's were loud! haha! No pictures were taken because it happened so fast so your imagination will have to do. It was funny for sure!
The food was plenty and great. The waters were pretty calm. The company was terrific and so the 16th Birthday Trip was a success! I'm thankful for each of my kids and the time we have to enjoy them. Our little birthday trip tradition has ended but the memories will last forever!
I came home to a beautifully painted new wall. I love the way it brightens the room and makes it feel bigger. I like the little changes in our family room. They make me smile. I'm thankful for kids that are willing to help out. Kevin painted and even put the pictures and furniture back while we were gone. What a treat to come home and have it done!
