Unexpected SF Adventures

12 hours and 30 minutes after our departure, we have returned home from a trip to the Bay Area. As the written word may not convey the appropriate tone, let me attempt to create it for you...

With a smile and a chuckle, Sherrie begins to share her days experiences with you...

We were happy to hear that Steve's brother, Rich, and his lovely wife Brendan, son Carter and daughter Chenery were planning a visit to San Francisco. The four sisters--Tamie ,Michele, Sam, and Jayne met Rich and family in the City by the Bay Sunday and we planned to hook up with them and Amy and her two little ones this morning. The rest of the gang was planning to visit the California Academy of Sciences first thing this morning, or so we thought...

Steve, Rach, Nate, and I had recently visited the CA of S and everyone but me was not overwhelmed with joy at the experience. I had really talked up some of the experiences of my youth there that were eliminated in the big remodel. Alas. Anyway, we decided to meet up with everyone after they were done at the Academy.

Well, it all started with a little misunderstanding. Steve emailed his sisters that we would not be joining them until after their Academy adventure, but then he called the one sister who had not read his email to firm up our plans. She said that the CAofS would open at 9 and they'd meet us at Golden Gate Park at 11. Well, she meant that we'd meet there to all go in together. Steve interpreted that to mean that they'd be at the Academy at 9 and ready to meet up with us at 11.

We hesitantly began our trip in pouring rain. As we merged on to I-5 torrential rain poured with such fury that we could literally see no further than arm's length in front of us, we hydroplaned across the flooded road, and I determined that we would be heading back home if conditions did not improve as we exited onto Highway 113 to connect up to I-80. Luckily (hmm, maybe not the right word), conditions did improve and we continued to roll south westward. At the onset of our adventure, Steve announced that Nathan could use his I-pod, Rachel could enjoy hers, and he would enjoy the Jim Rome show starting at 10:00. This would be one of the highlights of the trip for him--being able to catch at least one hour of sports entertainment on this, the first day of his vacation. Well, he exchanged this pleasure for treasures in heaven, as his son felt that conversing with his father was an even superior pleasure to listening to his I-pod. I watched him twitch at the volume control while patiently listening and appropriately responding to Nathan's many questions. Finally, he quietly said "Nathan is more important than Jim Rome" and turned the radio off.

Back to the adventure--Imagine our surprise as we were driving through Pinole when we received the call telling us that the rest of our party was just finishing breakfast. Well, hey, we can be flexible. We decided to have a little breakfast of our own. Using the handy-dandy Garman GPS and having a strong need to use the restroom, we landed at the Emeryville Jack in the Box. Nothing like a fajita pita before 11:00a.m. Unfortunately, the eggnog shake order (for Rachel) should've been our second clue to how the day would go. It was only 10:45 in the morning, but they were all "out."

I have always wanted to go to the de Young Museum which coincidentally happens to be located right by the California Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park. Let's Go! It will be easy to meet up with the rest of the gang, culturally enriching, and just maybe a little fun for the budding artists. Well, guess what--closed on Mondays. (Hanauma Bay memories resurfacing.) Not to be discouraged--I've always wanted to check out Coit Tower; none of us have ever been there; let's go! Guess what--the towers closed for repairs until January 19th. Really? Really. (Let me just interject here that if you are imagining easy going, happy-go-lucky children accompanying us, you have a very good imagination and a very poor vision of our actual experience. Redirect your mental powers to imagine a girl on the cusp of teenage-hood, sitting on the steps of Coit Tower in the rain waiting for her brother to emerge from the high tech public restroom--which is another story in and of itself. Now imagine a 10 year old boy with planear facitis and a need for adventure and entertainment to keep his mind from his aching feet. Now you've got the picture.)

Well, hey, there's lots to see in this town. We've never been to China Town. Guess what--it's open! Finally happy children--bought with the price of a lovely Chinese necklace and the promise of a "manly" Fisherman's Wharf souvenirs. Unfortunately, Nathan had two opportunities to emulate Joseph of Old and his fleeing from Potipher's wife. The first occurred as we approached a Chinese shop with topless "art" hanging in the windows. The second occurred as we approached the fountain at Ghiradelli Square--topless sculptures. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Well, we received a call that youngins were tuckered out and the adults were giving up on their 2:15 planetarium tickets and would meet us at Fisherman's Wharf for lunch. Well, after picking up one sweet, solar-powered, flashing "Nathan" key chain, we settled in for a long wait at the Boudin bakery and cafe. To my mild disappointment and the relief of the other 3 Jensens, the Boudin Sourdough Museum now charges $3 to enjoy their history and their sourdough animals and various creations. Three races, elevator verses stairs, help pass the time for the boy. Finally, most of the family arrived, but 3 of the 4 Hawaiian visitors did not. Crazy traffic, flashing ambulances, and canceled cable cars delayed their arrival until after we had all ordered and eaten. It was wonderful to see them for a short time. We waited for them to get a quick bite upstairs at the restaurant upstairs. Rich wanted to venture out to Ghiradelli Square where we enjoyed a free sample and watched Nathan flee from nudity. At GS we parted ways with Rachel who was catching a ride to Gridley with Tamie to spend some one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa B.

We then experienced the joys of traveling to the Bay Bridge during the 4:30 (which quickly spread to 5:00) traffic rush. But, good times were ahead. We were heading to the Oakland Temple to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights, see the Christus, the full size Nativity Scene and to finally (after several years of trying to get my family to accompany me) watch the Joseph Smith movie. Well, guess what--the Joseph Smith movie does not play at the Visitor's Center during the Christmas season. Really? Really. Well, hey, that's okay, there is a beautiful display "Reflections of Christ" which I was really excited about. Last year for Christmas, my dear friend Britt gave me Mark Mabry's wonderful book of photos portraying scenes from Christ's life. At the visitor's center, (where the JS movie would normally be playing) a video of Mabry's photos was playing set to my favorite hymn "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing." Ah. How wonderful. Truly inspiring and peaceful until ... the lady in front of me whips out her cell phone and starts talking loudly to someone. (I must admit my smile is slipping at this point and I'm rather embarrassed at what occurred a little after.) At that point I thought, "No big deal. It's ending soon and will start over." I went and grabbed the boys. Nathan and Steve were happy to join me and I was feeling elated. However, barely after it started again, cell phone lady starts up a loud conversation the lady next to her. Just as she finally quits talking, a sister missionary comes in right at the point of the crucifix picture, stands in front of the screen, and makes a loud announcement about how the 5 minute Nativity (or Luke II) movie is going to start in a few minutes in the next theater and we should all come watch it. I was feeling fairly frustrated at this point. As we exited the LM's companion asked me how I was. Unfortunately, I told her the truth. Something to the effect of "actually, I'm a little frustrated. The video was almost over. Perhaps your companion could work on her timing." Nice. Merry Christmas. Good grief. Steve decided to turn the tide with cheerfulness. (The smile returns.) Let's go up to the top of the temple and enjoy the view. Guess what? First time I've ever been to the Oakland temple and the gates were shut. No trip to the top, no amazing view. But all is not lost...

We will head to Vacaville and go to the Fenton's, the ice cream place we've heard numerous people rave about. Guess what? It was open! And it was delicious. We literally had ice cream for dinner at 8:00 at night, but hey, mine had bananas, so that's okay, right? The ride home was uneventful. Nathan fell asleep and Steve and I rejoiced in the unfulfilled promise to get him a movie to watch tonight. Alas. He awoke the moment we pulled into the driveway and announced his excitement over renting a movie. After his crazy day, my sweet husband took our son to rent the movie he wanted--which, of course, wasn't available. Neither was his 2nd choice, but now, at 11:30pm they are enjoying the final moments of the Sorcerer's Apprentice together and tomorrow is another day!

p.s. On another positive note, there was no writhing in pain on the concrete floor of Alcatraz this trip! (Lisa's recent challenges have given me an opportunity to be so grateful that I'm not experiencing any of those problems any more!)