My Birthday

March 14, 2008

March 14th is my birthday - another year older...my goodness! There are times I forget that I'm heading into my mid-30's because I still feel so young.

Richard, Gannon and I went to San Francisco for the weekend. I love the city and wanted to spend the weekend with my family next to the ocean and yummy seafood. We started out our day at Pier 39, specifically at the Aquarium of the Bay. We had a great time at this little aquarium (it isn't nearly as big as the Monterey Aquarium, but with a toddler that is obsessed with sea life it is a great way to spend a few hours of the day). Since it is crab season, I was so lucky to eat fresh crab for lunch at the pier while watching the sea lions moo, yell and moan. We played around at the Pier until Gannon fell asleep. Then we headed to Ghirardelli Square for some wine tasting and a world-famous chocolate sundae.

While at the square, we discovered a delicious little cupcake shop named "Kara's Kupcakes". Because it was my birthday - I had to grab a box to bring back to the hotel room for a late night birthday snack. (The coconut cupcake was to die for - YUM!!!)

After time at the square, we went to dinner, walked the streets and did some shopping. But the best part of the short trip was our hotel. We usually stay right in Union Square whenever we stay in the city, but this time I wanted to stay right in the wharf - so we found a hotel called the Argonaunt...and it was a WONDERFUL and FUN hotel. First of all, we had a great view of the golden gate bridge. The hotel's window opened and allowed for the cool ocean air (it smelled so good) to come in and right below our window was the trolley station so we heard the trolley chimes - a great sound to wake up to! The room was adorable - the room was nautically-themed and had a wide variety of amenities such as L'Occitane bath products (that won me over right there), robes and Karen Neuburger socks for guests to use during their stay, Starbucks coffee in the room, comfy beds and a flat-screened TV with a DVD player. The best part of the hotel was how kid-friendly they were - they sent a goldfish up to the room to keep Gannon company. Of course Gannon named him Nemo. Also, in the lobby there is a treasure chest for kids. They are encouraged to pick a prize once a day out of the chest. The valet guy even gave Gannon a ball when we were leaving; how nice is that! Talk about family-friendly!!! So - stay there if you get a chance...I think you'll like it.

Kara's Kupcakes - We love to share!

Daddy and Gannon touching a leopared shark at the Aquarium.