We traveled via Space-A again. Once in the cargo bay of a KC-135, and then in the loft of a C-5. This time we were prepared for the frigid temperatures with fleece hoodies and down comforters . . . . and it was miserably hot. So we live and learn. Again.
While we have lots of great stories from this trip, probably the least boring for you to read about would be the three days we spent stranded in California. My mother and mother-in-law were so very sweet. They called, checked on us, and felt sorry for us in general. They even recruited people to pray for us to make it home. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family. However, now that I am all the way back home I feel it safe for me to fill them in on what actually went on while we were "stranded."
I'll admit, there was a general sense of panic when we landed in Sacramento at 10:00pm to learn that our flight we were supposed to take from Travis Air Force Base the next morning had been postponed. For 3 days. For a good hour I stressed, made phone calls, and even recruited Dan to help me search online for last minute airfare or hotel deals. This process was made slightly more difficult due to the fact that Dan was on the golf course during my time of need. Nevertheless, it didn't take long for us to decide that the best plan of action was to check into the military hotel on base at Travis and wait for the flight.
This was the point at which all of the prayers from family kicked in, and our plight transformed into some of the best time I've ever spent with my babies. Our driver arrived to take us from Sacramento International to Travis AFB. Little did I know that the woman who owned the company came herself to pick us up, because she thought that would make me feel more comfortable since I was traveling alone with 2 little ones. She was right. She waited patiently for me to come down from my heightened state of panic so that I could get the kids into their car seats. She drove quietly while I called to make, change, and cancel prior arrangements. Then she described all the wonderful ways the kids and I could spend our time in the area. By the time we made it to the hotel room the kids were dead weight, and I was already planning all the fun we would have the next day. This wonderful woman even helped me carry the kids up to their beds. She got a pretty spectacular tip.
The hotel room turned out to be a large apartment with 2 bedrooms, a living room and a full kitchen. Not bad for $55 a night. It took a while to get settled that night, but I was asleep by 2am. Joslyn was up at 5.
By 10am we had eaten breakfast, bathed, unpacked, rented a car and bought tickets for our day ahead! 3 hours of sleep, children who were pretty tired to begin with, and a place we had never been before. All the perfect makings for a day of nap-skipping and fun-having! We took the ferry from Vallejo to San Francisco. The kids loved it. We passed the Golden Gate Bridge, other bridges I should know the names of, and even Alcatraz. We were going to spend the day at the Aquarium, and the famous Pier 39!
It was a beautiful day . . . with the exception of all of the black and orange paraphernalia San Francisco used to rub-in the fact that THEY were going to Game 1 of the World Series that night, and not our beloved Cardinals.
Anyway.
We were pretty rushed getting to the ferry and I spent the ride trying to determine what time our return trip would be, and exactly where I should walk once we reached Pier 41. I didn't notice that our boat planned to stop at more than one Pier.
You can see where this is going.
When the ferry stopped we looked out at the SAN FRANCISCO sign. I took their picture beside the water, beside the sign, and we began our trek one block to the left to Pier 39. We walked through quaint cafes beside the bay and we watched the Trolley Cars ("Trains" as Axel called them). But we didn't see Pier 39. In fact, we saw Pier 2, and then Pier 1. And then I began to panic. Then I realized that we were NOT at Pier 41, but at the Port of San Francisco. I sprinted with the stroller back to the ferry just in time to see it pulling away. (Yes. Just like in the movies.) The next one wasn't for 3 hours. After polling a few San Franciscans I learned that a brisk 30 minute walk would put us at our intended destination. Please keep in mind that I had just sprinted with a double stroller for 2 city blocks. What other choice do I have, though, right? I pushed up my sleeves and we began our brisk walk.
And there he was. Parked along the road with his padded bench seat and annoying Giants hat. It was Bicycle Rickshaw Man there to save the day. I sized up the size of the rickshaw, as compared to the double sit-n-stand stroller. I said, "Assuming we can find a way to make this fit, how much to Pier 39?" One very willing Jackson later the 3 of us and the stroller were loaded up and ready to go. I know San Fran is known for their famous Trolley cars, but to us, they've got nothing on the bicycle tour.
We explored the aquarium - twice. We ate fish & chips. We road the 2-story carousel. We bought a kite.
We watched the Sea Lions. That part was more entertaining for me than the kids. I just told them they were going to see "Sea Lions" with no explanation whatsoever. The looks on their faces as they watched the loud, smelly, wet beasts was priceless. "You did say 'Lion,' right, Mama?"
We caught the CORRECT ferry back to our car, and were back to the hotel in time to go to bed by 7. The next day was filled with playgrounds, ponds and plenty of napping. We continued to receive calls from concerned grandparents, which we graciously accepted. All the while we made plans for a future - intentional - family vacation. Maybe one revolving around the next Giants - Cardinals game.
Despite having a fabulous time, coming home was wonderful. It was the first time we've had that "Ahhhh . . . . home" feeling since moving here. Kinda makes it official.
And then the Tsunami Warning Sirens began to sound . . .
