My sister Julie and my niece visited last week and we didn’t waste one second of our time together. My niece is the same age as my twins. Three tweens, one teen, and two silly adult women = non stop fun and laughter.
The girls
We hit the ground running Monday morning by starting, where else? The Beach! We hit one of my favorite spots to soak up some sun (and Pizza) at Pizza My Heart in Capitola. This is the cutest little coastal town near Santa Cruz. Worth a stop if you have never been here.
photo courtesy of trip advisor
Travis (Mr. Red) brought a friend. They had their wet suits on and were in the water before we even had our beach towels arranged. We had to pull them from the water three hours later when we left. That water is cold too in case you are wondering.
Myself, my girls and my niece. The weather was gorgeous.
That night we capped it off with a trip to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monday and Tuesday night all rides are a dollar. I learned a few things this night.
It cost a lot of money to paint the historic Big Dipper Roller Coaster.
My mother used to ride this roller coaster as a teen, now my kids do! (They have maintained it quite well I have to say).
photo courtesy of google images
I also learned you can’t eat Pizza for lunch, chips all afternoon and a dinner of deep fried food, followed by herkyjerky rides and two trips on an intense roller coaster and still feel good. It worked when I was a teenager!
We needed to work around the recently employed teenager, so we packed in more fun on Tuesday. A trip to San Francisco’s China Town. Something for everyone here. We took a visit to the world famous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
The barber next store was on his lunch break. He decided to make some extra cash and entertain us tourists with what else, Christmas Songs on his Chinese Violin! Three of the top hits were played for the 20 minutes we were there, over and over and over. Notice the ear phones? I didn’t want to listen either, but I did tip him nicely for the picture.
Fish anyone? You can find any kind of exotic fish, fruit, nut or vegetable here.
Or maybe you prefer just the fish skins.
Like any good tourist trap, there are endless emporiums of stuff made in China, for Americans, sold in China Town! We were intrigued by the Naughty Chicken. It basically has a gel filled egg that pops out when you squeeze it. Still not sure what it did to be so naughty.
SF Chinatown is a gem in a city filled with gems. It has looked like this for as long as I can remember. (Although there are far more touristy stores here than there were 35 years ago, and I am not 35 by the way….)
Every visitor who comes to see me must accompany me to Fentons. Of course, if it is my family, we HAVE to go there. We grew up on Fentons and we didn’t have a proper visit if we don’t consume hugungeous amounts of Ice Cream.
And yes, I finished every last bite. And notice how my sister ordered the Jr. Sundae. Wimp.
The rest of our trip was one lovely moment after another. We did a trip to the town we grew up in, nearby where I live. We of course stood over the fence of our childhood home and snapped pictures and snooped through the gate. I am assuming whomever owns that home now does not read my blog. If you do, the yard looks great, but I miss my dad’s roses.
My sister even came down to Paris Flea Market with me to help me finish setting up.
The visit ended too soon, but we have fantastic memories.
Hope you are all having a blast this summer. It is over too soon, so make sure you make some memories with your loved ones too. And don’t eat fried food and go on rides.
Next up, our annual Sisters Trip! Here we are on the Friend’s Couch in LA from our last trip. I know you are all jealous. Jennifer Aniston sat where I sat.
How fun. I’m jealous!
Ok, still kinda gagging on the fish skin pic, but thankfully you redeemed yourself with the asian dude with earphones and ginormous ice cream sundaes. Wondering if you’re accepting applications for adopted sisters? Maybe even a quirky one from Indiana?
Fun to have you take us along on your trip! I have a younger sister, Julie, and we always have a blast together. :o)
Looks like a wonderful time together! If I come to town, I hope you’ll be my tour guide!
Sounds like a great time Karen! So funny that you mentioned Pizza My Heart! I am a life long New Englander but my son, daughter in law, and grandson live in Santa Cruz and we love, love love Pizza My Heart (i’m really picky when it comes to my pizza). The Boardwalk is always on our itinerary also. My son and his wife are expecting a new addition in Feb. 2014 so it looks like I’ll be enjoying some of that delicious food of the gods once again. YAYYYYY! (Almost as excited about that as I am the new grandchild) We absolutely love San Fran and being the crazy bunch that we are, the ride down Lombard St. always gives us a thrill! Love Cali and can’t wait for our next visit.
You guys had a blast, love the pictures!
I always enjoy your posts and this one did not disappoint. Loved seeing pictures of your time with your family. Looks like you had a great time. Peeking into the yard of your childhood home-what a hoot (I would, and have, done the same thing! Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Only folks who have rode the waves on a California beach ALL DAY know just how tired and salty your are after. If I close my eyes I can go right back.
Bliss
Looks like you had a blast–even from the past ; D !!!
Sigh–I will have to play viCARIously through you–I’m still pluggin’ away on the lists of chores to be ready for mom’s big party next Saturday!
Great pics~especially that one of you setting up for PFM!
Catherine
Looks like you had a ball! I have two sisters also and they have moved around so much due to the military. We really have a blast when we get together! Thanks for sharing!! (& I would’ve ordered the big sundae, too!)
XO,
Christy
looks like you had an awesome time! you are so adorable. 🙂
I want you to know I read every one of your blog items. Especially enjoyed this one with your family and then clicked on the “raw” one about your children and results of trying for more.
I am a great grandmother. Have enjoyed the ‘painting’ and etc. for the last 3 years and had a place in an antique mall, that sadly we are closing out right now. We are both in our late 70’s and just tired and not too good health wise, so decided to call it quits. But I will still enjoy seeing what you repurpose! Just wanted you to know this.
Carol Lindberg Wichita, Ks.
Looks like you had a wonderful time Karen. So glad you spent time with some of those you love. The best of times! I enjoyed looking at your photos. Beautiful family.
Linda at The French Hens Nest
How fun!! Looks like everyone had a blast ~ I could hear the laughter all the way over here 😀