Gabriola

Last weekend we headed out to Gabriola Island to be part of their theatre festival.

My hubby couldn't join me, so I went with my dear friend Mike. We stayed at a B&B. Yum, breakfast!

Gabriola is beautiful. Look at these lovely views.

We found a sandy beach and had it all to ourselves for a couple of hours. Island life, I like it!

SF Backyard

Here is a post dedicated to Simone and Sean's backyard. Because it is just so beautiful! Nice big seating area and the yard opens up to a lagoon.

Sean put in a putting green and look at that nice palm tree.

They have a little dock and paddle boards.

Lagoon!

They also have a beautiful lemon tree.

Guess what that lagoon is filled with? Golf balls!

San Fran kiddos

We spent a lot of time with Simone and Sean's kids last week. We don't have kids of our own, so it's always amusing to me to spend extended periods of time with kids. Here's some shots of life with kids, from a non-parent:

Taking them to see the Wonder Woman movie, which was awesome!

Grace, drawing a poop emoji for us.

And playing many rounds of War.

We celebrated Finn's 8th birthday.

With ice cream cake!

Nick got his own separate special ice cream. Because why not?

I'm always as goofy as the kids :P

San Fran to Portland

This morning we left San Fran and headed up to Portland.

We checked into the Hilton Double Tree and they gave us fresh baked cookies upon arrival!

Here is a snippet of our quick time in Portland: A visit to Powell's books, and a later dinner. Then brunch and wandering about the Alberta Arts district the next day. And of course, Salt and Straw ice cream.

We made it back in time to meet up with my family to check out the Canada fireworks. It's lovely to go on vacation but also lovely to come home!

San Fran day 3

On day 3 of our San Fran trip we headed back into the city. It was a foggy day on the bridge.

We went to a San Francisco Giants game! It was so much fun. We had really good seats too.

And they won! Which made for a couple of happy tourists.

Then we met up with our hosts for dinner.

I have known Simone and Sean for years now, ever since high school. It was GREAT fun visiting them!

Napa Valley and San Fran day 2

Today we hit up the Napa Valley - wine country!

Here is Artessa Winery, built up on this lovely hill.

Not a bad view.

An even better view - wine!

Isn't the Napa Valley gorgeous?

Then we went to Del Dotto Winery, and took a cave tour!

We got to sample wines right out of the casks.

The tour was 90 minutes and very, very informative!

Then we headed back to their place where first CK serenaded us.

And then Nick jumped on the piano too!

Day 1 in San Fran

Day one in San Fran and we did all the touristy things! Starting with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fisherman's Wharf.

Ding ding ding went the bell!

Clam chowder in a bread bowl. Yes please!

Alcatraz in the distance!

Sundaes from Ghiradelli's.

Someone is a happy gyy.

Strangely quiet wharves with no sea lions about.

And ended the day crossing this iconic bridge again.