All five of our birthdays as well as Christmas and New Year’s happen within a 35 day period. The only drawback to this fabulous season of major celebrations is this… Birthdays and gift giving holidays in general are a useful time to get things you need anyway. i.e. Socks in your stocking scenario. So Rory and I decided that 6 months after the half way point of all our birthdays we would celebrate a half B-day. We each get one needed item and have a birthday cake. It just so happened that our half birthday landed on the same weekend as our good fortune. Laura and Kyle’s wonderful friend BJ had a 5 star hotel room in San Francisco already booked and paid for but was not going to use it. So when Kyle and Laura couldn’t use it they sent it our way. Of course as starving students we jumped on the offer. We packed an overnight bag and headed to the city with the kids. We knew we had to be a little sly about getting into the hotel, because nothing says we don’t belong in the $400 dollar a night executive suite of this fancy hotel like three screaming kids. So we split up, slipped in separately and headed up the elevator. As we opened the doors to our room we were amazed! The room was incredible, two rooms, two huge plasma screen TV’s, two balconies, and a private patio with chaises, Jacuzzi tub and so much more. So Rory the kids and I did what any poor students would do in this situation. We jumped on the giant fluffy white bed giggling squeals of delight (Rory just smiled) for our good fortune. After the pillow fights had subsided we headed out to a half birthday dinner. Rory’s parents had kindly sent us gift cards to one of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants, and it just happened to be in the shopping district. We put in our names and had two hours to kill. We walked around the city and enjoyed the sites and then headed back for a wonderful meal of everything all of our five hearts could desire. Salad for me, a plate full of hamburgers (or crabby patties…sponge bob square pants reference) for Liam and of course fries for Dane. We ended with a huge slice of chocolate cake with a birthday candle and singing to ourselves. Stuffed and exhausted we went back to our luxurious hotel. The next morning Rory and I bought ourselves some sleep-in time by throwing Dane and Liam in the Jacuzzi tub with obscene amounts of bubbles….(this is where the bad parenting comments should come in about leaving them in the bath unattended, but we could see them from where we were I promise). Then we all walked over to this art expo and explored the variety of art that you could only get in the city. Nearby was a great fountain that the boys loved exploring. We ended our vacation by walking over to the farmers market, where we each ate about 5000 calories in baked goods, seafood, fresh fruit and gelato. We had the best time ever!
10 comments:
That is so nice of everyone to think of you guys!! The whole weekend sounded amazing. I would've done the same with the beds. HAHA!!! Now I have a feeling that picture of you strolling the boys was really meant to capture the lovely couple located to the right. Well... At least thats what I would've really been focusing on.
Lucky!
That's a really good idea. We are kind of in the same boat. Not as close but all our birthday's are close to Christmas, even the new baby due in January. We might have to steal your idea. Looks like you had fun!
HOW FUN!!!! That is a great idea to do 1/2 b-day's. You are so lucky to have stayed at that (apparently) awesome hotel... FUN FUN FUN!!!
Aahh!! How we miss San Francisco and the McDonald family! I'm glad you guys had a fun little retreat!
How did I know the restaraunt was Cheesecake Factory? Cause I know you well...and the fabric in the booths. Sounds awesome and you look great. A little jealous? Yes
I love the couple in the background of the farmer's market picture. Was that intentional? I do hope so.
Hey Anne! Sorry to be an internet-stalker and post on your blog out of the blue. :) Wow, you guys are so lucky, not only to go on such a cool trip but to have such a beautiful family! Hope you guys are doing awesome!!
anne, you are amazing!!! i had to read back a few posts and catch up, i absolutely loved your balance post. i have been dealing with this issue and basically learning that i hate all house work, but i have to suck it up. i guess it didn't hit me til i had a second child that i was indeed a "housewife" as well as a (try to be) fun and loving mom. i've been in denial for quite some time. how is your goal going???
love your 1/2 birthday celebration! i've day dreamed about having 1/2 birthdays where i take all the kids (aiden's friends maybe) to the dollar store and let them buy each other presents so we can wrap them pretty and have an alice in wonderland tea party with a crazy cake! your take on the idea is much more realistic and sounded so fun. i love you and all your creativity. you have such a lucky family! i miss you!
sorry this was never ending!
What a great looking family!
Post a Comment