Karen Visits SF!

Andrew had class on Saturday so Karen and I amused ourselves by walking around the Marina neighborhood window shopping.  

We started at the waterfront with a view of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge

The Rolex races were taking place! 

We had lunch in a restaurant on Chestnut St called The Grove, and walked through the Palace of Fine Arts on the way to meet Andrew at the Presidio.

 We had bread bowls at Boudin Bakery for dinner and went to Lombard Street.

Sunday Morning we had brunch then walked to the cable cars. We rode the car to the end of the rail at Market St so that Karen could get a glimpse of Chinatown and see the Financial District.

 

Karen enjoying a cable car ride. She waived at the other car going in the opposite direction, I think she was exited :)

Karen and I on a cable car on the return trip.

There were so many great views of the city! The Oakland-Bay Bridge is just visible in the center of the skyscrapers.

After the cable car we walked down to Alamo Square to see the painted ladies.

Great view of the city in the background! 

We then walked through Haight-Ashbury and through the Pan Handle on our way home.

We ended our day by driving to the beach after dinner to watch the sunset. We had walked everywhere and the beach is a little to far to walk to (more importantly, we were tired). Andrew counted the blocks on the map and we walked over 82 blocks on Saturday, over six hilly miles.

Grandma Lois! Recognize this house? We took a little detour on the way home from the beach to see 4141 Anza St. :)

Before Karen left for home on Monday morning we took a little walk to show her USF and to get coffee at the local Starbucks. This is St. Ignatius Church that is on USF's campus. 

We had a great weekend with Karen visiting and exploring the city! It was so nice to see a familiar face and spend time with family :)

Study Time!

On Friday nights Andrew realizes that he's spent the entire week putting off his homework that is due for Saturday's class. He then doesn't want any distractions so he can focus for the next four hours on completing the reading/problems. I try to be respectful of his need for quiet and I keep to myself.
This Friday I received a phone call from my good friend Nick a little while after Andrew started his study/CramBecauseIProcrastinated session and while I tried to be quiet (I even closed the door to the kitchen) this is how I found him when I got off the phone.

SF Aquarium (and a nightstand!)

 On Saturday we had the pleasure of seeing the Carpenters and going to Pier 39 and the San Francisco Aquarium with them.

 

Photo Credit: Tamara

Kaden had fun, I promise :) He had so much energy; he loved chasing the birds on the pier.

 

Photo Credit: Tamara

We had a great time hanging out with the cousins!

So many huge fish! And of course the trip to the Pier wasn't complete without a clam chowder bread-bowl for dinner!

Annnd we have a nightstand now!!! Tamara, my very talented cousin, refurbishes furniture and I scored this piece from her! I absolutely love it! It's super cute and perfect. Up until Saturday evening I had been using a cardboard box as a nightstand and it was beginning to break.We still need dressers but we're one step closer to a furnished bedroom!