Nora & Her Family

Us... Not @ Home... Aug. 24-28th

To celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, Scott and I travelled to San Francisco for a full five days away from Nora, I mean, our children. :) Even though it wasn't always a restful time with airports, security, sore feet and a 2 1/2 hour border line-up coming home, there is something to be said for a rest from responsibility. To not dwell on the hourly tasks of parenting, especially of a toddler. We are so very grateful to everyone that helped us to get away. We have spent the last week getting payback from Nora for having left, but I still think it was worth it! Please enjoy a few of our photos with us... it's a lovely place to visit.

Staying at the original, historic Fairmont San Francisco was very special.

With the hotel situated on top of Nob Hill, AKA as "Snob Hill", every destination was downhill. We only took a taxi back up the hill once. Walking is just what you do here... at least to my way of thinking. (Scott wasn't always impressed with my idea of "It's not too far...") Our first evening found us searching out a special restaurant to celebrate our anniversary. We ended up at the long-standing Tadich Grill to enjoy seafood, specifically crabcakes!

Walking through the quaint Italian neighbourhood...

I love this vibrant vine... bougainvillea. I would be growing this all over my house if I lived here.

A distant view of the famous curved Lombard Avenue... we walked down it two days later.

We walked down to the waterfront to Pier 39, where we viewed the antics of the sea lions, ate more delicious crabcakes, watch street entertainment and browsed in the souvenir shops. Eventually we jumped on an open air bus for a 2 hour tour.

One of the sights... the "Painted Ladies" or "Postcard Row", these houses are famous old Victorians.

We eventually ended up at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, where we experienced the extreme climate of San Francisco in action... sunshine down at the pier, with cool fog shrouding the bridge. We never did see the bridge span during our stay, unless you count when we watched the movie, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" one afternoon when we couldn't walk any further... that was a great way to see the city, too! :)

Yes, the bridge IS behind us... love that fog.

My turn... and did I mention, it was freezing!

After the chilly open air bus, we really didn't feel like we needed to wait in line for the trolley. (Had rode them before when we visited 5 years ago.) However, visiting the Cable Car Museum this time around was very interesting, especially reading about the earthquake's devastation to the area in 1906.

Two favourite eating spots that we frequented again, the Boudin Bakery and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Yummy! Eating without children... who needs conversation?! Superb.

Friday morning found us shopping in nearby Chinatown, picking up little treasures for Nora and others. After having shopped in China last year, everything seemed somewhat overpriced! :) Did take us back to that special time, and by then I started missing our little girl.

I left my heart in San Francisco... actually, that would be Union Square. We had a great lunch at the Cheesecake Factory nearby. (Yes, it's all about the food!)

A rare photo together after enjoying a fantastic dinner at the Tonga Room in the hotel. Picture Disneyland's "Tiki Tiki Room" meshing with the "Rainforest Cafe" and you get the idea. So fun.

Such a lovely hotel, it really made me feel spoiled.

Walking through the neighbourhood again... final destination, back to the wharf.

The Bay Bridge to Oakland

The Coit Tower... a monument to the city's firefighters.

Sunday brunch, we enjoyed a lovely time with two of Scott's former Taekwondo students, Devin and Beth, and their sweet little one, Jenna. So fun to meet Canadians somewhere else!

It's been a busy twenty years, but I can't imagine changing very much. I've been so blessed to be loved by Scott, and we both look forward to the next twenty years. (We're pretty sure that there won't be any more children joining the family!) Thanks to everyone who's been there with us along the way.

August 24th, 1991

Nora's Weekend Away ~ August 28th

Sunday morning, Nora was off to church. Eventually Darlene took her out to the playground as Nora tends to compete with the sermon!

Hanging out with "Uncle Edward"...

Having some down-time with the boys...

...and then they were off for another adventure. Darlene's co-worker, Andrew, had invited the family over to view his incredible Canucks hockey collection that he has amassed in his home. I was initially concerned about the possible damage a toddler might do to such a collection, but everything worked out well apparently.

Bobble heads galore...

The "head" of Vancouver Canucks coach Roger Nielsen

A sampling of autographed sticks.

I can't believe the places Nora ends up at... here she is holding a goalie stick that is autographed by the famous hockey player Vladislav Tretiak. Okay, I had to google him but he's a pretty big deal!

Now she is holding a hockey stick autographed by Paul Henderson, which is actually the back of the other one. (I've heard him speak at a marriage conference before so that's the only reason I know who he is!)

When Darlene brought Nora home to Charles, she was sad to say farewell to Auntie Darlene.. I can see why! :) Thanks again to the whole family... we couldn't have enjoyed our time without you.

Nora's Weekend Away ~ August 27th

This was definitely a full day for everyone, as you'll soon see!

Darlene has another hidden talent... french braiding. I'm so amazed that Nora sat still enough for her to do anything to her hair, as I am challenged with just putting a barrette in. So sweet!

Nora "played soccer" with Trevor.

She contemplated life with Gavin... while eating, of course.

Nora enjoyed the pea gravel at the playground...

...as well as the floral treasures.

Somehow, they found time to go swimming in the afternoon.

Back outside, after a quick wardrobe change...

Now was time for bike riding...

...and more exploring at the park.

Whoosh... catching some air. Nora is certainly not afraid of much.

I love this photo of Nora and her "other brothers", they look so sweet together.

Gavin shares a favourite story with Nora, as well as more cookies. (Surpise, surprise!)

Nora's Weekend Away ~ August 26th

Scott and I went on our first vacation without Nora during this time, and were very blessed to have our friends take care of Nora for part of that time. (Our wonderful parents looked after her as well, and the younger boys.) Darlene is so awesome to give us photos of Nora's time with them. I must say, our days are much less action-packed and fun. Darlene is inspiring me to try a little harder this fall. (Where did I put my kitchen apron?) Nora just happened to arrive right before Gavin's birthday dinner.