Oregon or Bust

This past week my entire family {minus the mama, she was in DC} came and visited Owen and I in San Francisco. We had my aunt and uncle's 50th Wedding Anniversary/family reunion in Oregon that weekend, so the family came early to spend some time in Northern California.

It was so great having everyone stay with us. Even though it was super crowded in our 700 sq. ft. apartment, we managed to fit all 8 of us and have a good time together. I loved being able to show everyone my new home and taking them to all the places we love around here.

Piled air mattress' in our tiny living room


Wednesday we headed to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom park. It was a theme park/zoo combined into one. The roller coasters were a bit disappointing (they were nothing like the coasters at Magic Mountain), but it made up for it by the fun animals all around. The great thing about my family is we can make any situation a good time.

Thursday we took everyone to our favorite beach down in Santa Cruz. This was my favorite day. We stayed on the beach near the boardwalk, so we jumped around from hanging out on the beach, playing arcade games, shopping, eating yummy food, lots of smash ball and surfing.

Friday was San Francisco day. We were in a rush on Friday since we had to leave to Oregon this day, so I tried to fit the fun, touristy stuff into one afternoon. We rode the trolley up to Union Square for some pizza and shopping, walked around Pier 39 to sight see and eat the fresh sea food, headed over to Ghirardelli's for some ice cream, then drove across the Golden Gate Bridge. I wish we could have had more time since there was so many more fun things to do, but maybe next time :)

Friday afternoon/night, we made the 11 hour drive up to Oregon. We made it there at 3AM and stayed with my cousin, Sue and her family. The next day we celebrated my Aunt Arlene and Uncle Paul's 50th Wedding Anniversary (my mom's sister)! What's crazy is I remember my grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary when I was 6 when we had it in Oregon. I've always loved visiting my aunt's farm so I'm glad Owen got to meet a lot of my mom's family and see Oregon.

My Uncle Paul and Aunt Arlene and their daughters
Owen and I at the plant nursery,
Me, my mom, my sister

Owen and I at the party
Lots of card playing
Delicious smoked BBQ
Playing the Bean Bag Toss (boys were obsessed with this game)

More card playing. My family LOVES playing cards
They made card decks with my aunt/uncle's wedding pictures on them...great idea!

Family picture
Looking out at the farm from the front porch
Cousins

Owen and I on the farm
Fresh blackberry pie
My aunt's cabin
Beautiful green Oregon trees

More cabin fun

On Monday we made the drive back down my house, and everyone flew home. I just finished doing loads and loads of laundry from everyone staying here AND getting caught up with work, but it was totally worth it. Thank you family for taking the time to stay with us...you are welcome back anytime!