WEST COAST TRIP - SAN FRANCISCO

We spent three night in San Francisco and I quickly fell in love. We happened to be there for New Years so it was a bit hard to find parking at times. They do have great public transportation, but KJ was having asthma flair ups so it was easier for us to stick with our car. Every time we were without the car the Mr had to carry little man and let's just say he's not that little anymore. We stayed at an amazing Airbnb. It was our first time going that route and we will for sure be doing it again. Plus it being mid-way through our trip it was nice to be able to eat in and do laundry. We already have a list of future airbnb's we would love to stay in. We had family come into town for a visit and it was so much fun. Again this leg of trip kept us close to the car because of KJ so most of our adventures were based around things you can see through a window.

SEE:

Drive down Lombard Street. It really is quite beautiful and the kiddos were just in awe.

Pier 39 was worth the crowds to be able to see sea lions up that close. It also has great views of Alcatraz.

We explored China Town for a bit and went on the hunt for the ladies who make fortune cookies in the alley. The kiddos were giddy once we found them.

Of course the golden gate bridge is stunning, but all the bridges had me in awe. Part of the adventure was driving all the big bridges.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market reminded me of Chelsea Market or a Pikes Place. Tons of good eating and great shops. It's also the first time I laid my eyes on Heath Ceramics after having a long distance crush and now I'm officially head over heels.

We also took a drive through Presidio, an old base, and we loved it so much we did it again the same day. It really was oh so beautiful.

STAY:

Airbnb

EAT:

Our airbnb was in the Berkley Hills so a few times we stayed close and ate in what they call the Gourmet Ghetto. It has an insane amount of places to eat. We tried the Crepevine and the GF pancakes did not disappoint. KJ even ended up finishing them off for me.

I really wanted to try Mission Heirloom, but we could never fit it into the schedule especially around New Years hours. Next time!

* REST OF THE WEST

PANT | COAT {layered over a down} | BOOTS {eyeing these too}

PORTLAND TO SAN FRAN

After our stint in Seattle we drove to Portland. It was super rainy so unfortunately we did not get to explore too much. We planned only one night and after being there I wish we built in an extra day. When we arrived we ate at Tin Shed. It had quite a wait, but was oh so delicious. Was super laid back. They even served dogs. Not as in eat dogs, but as in offer them food and water while they lay beneath the table or sit in the owners lap. My southern self took it all as quite a surprise. HA. My personal Portland perk was going to School House Electric. It's even more amazing in person and officially have my list in hand. The Mr found New Cascadia, a gluten free bakery, that was DELICIOUS! Even the kids loved it. The morning we were to leave we made a quick stop at apark that winded through some beautiful neighborhoods. Unfortunately we can not recall the name. It was breathtaking! A quick google search can lead you too many beautiful view points around the city though. We then proceeded down to San Francisco through the Redwood Forest National Park. We had only had a few hours of daylight left so we tried to make the best of it, but that left out any time for hiking. Along the way there are plenty spots to stop and be in awe. We did manage to drive through a redwood in dark which made it all the more exciting for the kiddos. We went through The Shrine tree and was so very thankful it was open past dark since the drive through trees are on private property and people lock them up tight at night. There was an honor box for a small payment so be sure not to miss it.  We enjoyed wildlife, trees, rivers and all else nature has to offer. Be sure to pack your own water and snacks before heading out as there are not many places to stop like that. Also be sure your gas is on full. That drive can be long without any civilization.

STAY:

Hotel Modera. We loved it. The suite had a separate space for the kiddos and us. Again we booked though Hotel.com for future free nights stay.

MARK

I was soaking in the words written about Jesus and His death and resurrection in the book of Mark in the bible this morning. I envisioned Him being sentenced, mocked, beaten, Simon a passerby being forced to carry the cross that was not only extremely heavy in weight but also so extremely heavy in significance. I could envision Jesus hanging on that very cross, being ridiculed, being taunted to have His father save him, Jesus himself calling out to God, Jesus taking his last breath. Joseph wrapping Jesus body and placing him in the tomb of a cut out rock, then finally rolling a rock in front of the entrance. I then came to the resurrection, Mark 16: 1-7, to the moment where the women in Jesus life where bringing spices to anoint Jesus body per ritual of that time. In Mark 16:3 it shows the women on their way to the tomb contemplating who will roll away this rock to the entrance. Mark 16:4 - But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.

That very sentence brought me to my own life. I can picture the many times I come to a moment in life where it seems so heavy, the burden too great, or my anxiety shoots up when life feels a little hectic. During those times I tend to reach for my phone to call a good friend to hear her wise words, to ease that anxiety that hearing a friendly voice can bring. But I felt in that moment as I was reading this passage after an anxiety induced night that sometimes I can get blinded by trying to make that feeling stop. That sometimes all that I need to do is look up and I will find that heavy stone rolled away and I just need to walk through into His risen arms. I realized I'm not so different from the women walking to Jesus that morning. That I too question how can -insert the impasse of the day, week, year- this be done. I too must keep on walking, look up and I will see that stone rolled away from whatever pain, anxiety, fear I hold onto. After years of living a faith filled life I realize that moment may not come in an instant, but it can. The walk may be far or short. Either way this walk must be in the direction of coming to that rolled away stone where I know Jesus has risen and has already set us all free. Sometimes I find their can be great beauty within the walk even amongst all the hurt. It makes coming to that already rolled away rock all the sweeter.

{Mark 15-16 for reference}

*By the way can I tell you how hard it is for me to hit publish on a none regular blog day especially at a weird hour. Ha.