For many, many years I have dreamed of taking all of our daughters on a girls trip. Lane threatened one too many times to move ahead on a second boys trip (the first was to Alaska in 2001 with 5 sons).
Since 2001 our family has had a considerable growth spurt. We share 8 spectacular daughters and have 5 champion DIL's. So, I tossed our budget out the window and started planning a party for a maximum of 13 girls.
The biggest question was WHERE!?
Where to take 13 darling daughters; coming from 5 different states, most with childcare needs, some nursing, some expecting, some expecting to expect. Oh, and the destination would be a surprise to them. AND this would need to be planned from our mission field in the Philippines.
Hmmm?
Lane and I narrowed it down to NYC, Quebec City,
Branson, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
We explored these possibilities.
Meanwhile, we extended an invitation to each of our girls to join us for a surprise adventure. After setting the dates, booking the flights, arranging for housing and ground transportation and outlining our itinerary, we took off on an exciting once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We were joined by 12 of the girls, 2 cute nursing babies and my dear mother. (Only Randi stayed behind. She had used all of her vacation days for her wedding and China trip with us last month. She resisted our offer to provide her with paid time off if she could cover her shifts. Too bad for us, we really missed her!)
The first two days…
FABULOUS FEMALES TRIP
JULY 16th - 20th, 2013
Location reveiled:
SAN FRANCISCO
DAY 1 - Travel and settle in
Boarding in SLC:
Meredith, Heston, Stephanie, RayDean,
Jami, Erin and Callie.
Shalaun, Jamie, Lee, Carrie
Momma Elna, Carolyn, Lane, and X.
(Carrie was already in town from Indiana
and X had moved from Nevada last month.)
(Carrie was already in town from Indiana
and X had moved from Nevada last month.)
Kim, living the closest to the Bay Area, flew from
Eugene to Portland to Seattle to San Francisco.
Eugene to Portland to Seattle to San Francisco.
Britni boarded her flight in Seattle and was
surprised to have Kim seated next to her.
surprised to have Kim seated next to her.
We met them as we deplaned in SFO.
Seventeen, all safely gathered in.
Let's get this party started!
LUNCH at Foster's Freeze.
The beautiful Oakland Temple was closed for
renovations so we just stopped by to enjoy the views.
Britni got teased for this pose, but she seriously
does this with every click of her cute little camera.
The TransAmerica Tower.
A walk down Lombard Street.
A walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Every photo is more fun with Callie!
Every photo is more fun with Callie!
See what I mean...
Here is Callie resting her arms...
Our vacation home in San Rafael provided
a great space for relaxing, playing, and dining.
After a ginormous grocery shopping trip…supreme salad bar dinner,
and a good night's rest.
DAY 2 - Ferry to Fisherman's Wharf
Callie coordinates cinnamon roll french toast
and fresh fruit with a handful of sisters.
Steph - "I'm so glad you're here!"
Lane - "You don't see me, this is a girls trip."
After the little man gets breakfast,
We hop a ferry to the wharf.
and the Exploratorium.
(Kim and Jami, where were you?)
(Kim and Jami, where were you?)
Chowder or fish'n'chips at Fisherman's Wharf.
Sundaes at Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory.
First Class transportation for some.
A cold, wet, windy return ferry produces only
smiles and laughter for these brave/crazy
smiles and laughter for these brave/crazy
sisters who don't have to sit outside.
Excited for the Salmon bake and BBQ
chicken waiting at the vacation home.
I can hardly wait for tomorrow…
MUIR WOODS and BAKER BEACH.
We have the most FABULOUS FEMALES on the planet!!!
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