Weeks 12 and 13: San Francisco

We came back to SF in time for me to co-host my dear friend Jenesse's baby shower.  It was a lively party with onesie decorating and pinata smashing, followed by a tissue paper storm instigated by Lukas.  The mom-to-be was in good form and peppered the party with her trademark cackle, a true delight for the ears.

After the weekend, Brian and I got on with our list for getting back to the open road.  First, trade in our Prius for a Mini Cooper.  The Prius has a heavy battery which makes it unfavorable for towing behind the RV.  The Mini Cooper Clubman has the small size we desired, plus the aesthetics and pep to make it a fun purchase.

The rest of the 12th week was pretty boring and involved a lot of planning and organizing.  We had a bit of a set back when it became clear that the tow package we need for the Mini Cooper is not available for at least ten days, cutting into our date to vacate SF.  It seems we may have to get the car shipped up to Seattle, and while we visit with family for a few days also have the tow bar installed.  Nothing is allowed to delay our June 1 date to get back on the road!

After a week of packing, we were more than happy to take a break and head to Santa Cruz for a wedding.  Megan and Dan picked a beautiful spot in the mountains for the ceremony, a park complete with horses, a turtle filled lake, and a walking trail.  The dinner was at a nearby restaurant in the redwoods with tasty food and great company.  Back at the Hilton, the party continued at the hotel bar.  We wish the happy couple all the best during their honeymoon in Thailand!

While in Santa Cruz we also spent a morning with Beth and Seth (the first wedding we attended this year), who recently returned from their honeymoon in Nicaragua.  I insisted that they meet us at Zachary's for breakfast, one of my favorite haunts during college.  The tofu scramble remains one of the best I've had, and the oatmeal date toast tops it off well.  But the best part was the company, and I'm sad we will not see these friends for quite some time.

Windy Four Mile beach in Santa Cruz

Lukas and Seth are buddies

The rest of the 13th week was a blur of doctors appointments, finding a property management company, choosing movers and a storage space, and packing, all while trying to keep Lukas semi-entertained.  We are ready to kick ass on these errands and move on to better things.