Visiting the Yadrick Family

After a long couple days of driving we finally got to the Yadrick's house in Concord, CA. For those that don't know, Dave is one of my best buds and we've actually done a great job of keeping in touch since we left the Academy. Lord knows guys are terrible at keeping in touch with one another, but for a host of good reasons, Dave and I continue to be fast friends. Ally and I can't wait for Dave and Elishia to move to DC (he's being transferrred to a liaison position here) and we had so much fun hanging out with them at their house in Cali.

The Yadrick family: Dave, Elishia, Hannah, Allysa, and Charlotte...

We got there on Wednesday night in time for dinner and cocktails, so we took it easy that night (yea right). Grayson didn't let Allyson sleep well, so naps were in order on Thursday. Dave and I went over to his base so he could play in a basketball game and I was actually able to get a solid workout in while I was on vacation (first time that week if you can believe that)! Once we got home we chased the kids into the car and drove up to Mount Diablo that overlooks the whole bay area. There were some awesome rock formations that the kids (and we) had fun climbing over, and the views were incredible on a beautiful warm day.

Hannah, with the most gi-normous acorn we had ever seen...

Alyssa on the left, Hannah on the right...it is hard to keep track at first...but not after a little while with them...personality coming out their ears...Dave is in some serious trouble.

He really wanted to "be a big kid" and walk around for awhile on the rocks. First time he had ever wanted to do that, but since that occasion he wants to talk everywhere. Mr. Independent.

Then after awhile...:)

It was on Thursday that we headed into San Francisco to see the sights. First at Fisherman's Wharf, Grayson got to stare at the sea lions sun bathing in the harbor...then we went through the little mall area attached to Pier 39 and got on the Merry-Go-Round (Carousel)...then onto the Palace of Fine Arts (Presidio).

Watching the sea lions...

Alyssa making faces...

That is alcatraz behind us...

Taking a break, eating some fresh caught seafood...Grayson always wants to push his own stroller...even into traffic...

At first he was fascinated by the street performers...but then back to pushing his own stroller (into traffic)...

He always had his eye on Charlotte ;) I think he makes the biggest learning curves after hanging out with kids just older than him...

Get after that Chirro boy...

Of course you need a trolley picture if you're in SF...although not the old school trolley...

The view coming into San Francisco...

The presidio

Grayson got to experience playing in a true neighborhood for the first time, and he immediately took a liking to any toy that he could ride on. He freaked out whenever it was time to head in for a break or for the night. He definitely got his exercies on this portion of the vacation.

Charlotte...such a ham...

I think he has "the stare" patented like Zoolander's magnum...

This is me, shoulders relaxed and content after a great break from real life.... Our flights got screwed coming home, but Grayson did awesome and life was good as a result ;). He was such a trooper on the planes throughout.