Tuesday

Today we took every form of public transportation for our day at the Ferry Building. I always felt this sense of pressure that I needed plan the day adding all of the request but laying a road for a smooth day. Whew - there were always moments of worry but in general, all went well.

The children and I took the J-Church train to 24th street where we met Penelope at Martha's Coffee and then picked up bagels to enjoy at their apartment. Half way home, Penelope commented that it took a lot shorter time on her trip TO Martha's. Our constant encouraging cheering, with mild bribing, got us to their place - whew!

We were once again happy to be reunited with the cousins. Art stopped by, we noshed on bagels and then as Art was leaving he ran in to Alison and Julia and sent them to say hello. Julia loved seeing all of the big kids running around.

We parted ways and the Bender gang headed to wait for the J-Church. Once it came, we piled on board for the first leg of our journey. This took us to the Van Ness stop where we transferred to the 49 bus, rode it up to California Street, and waited for the Cable car. Amie was able to stand on the outside while we all found a seat inside. The slow-moving, loud car was not quite as thrilling as the children expected, they all seemed a little blase about the trip.

Art met us at the end of the line, we made a potty break at the Hilton Hotel and then walked to the Ferry Building...Penelope and Amie each found a vendor selling beautiful jewelry that complemented their styles.

We walked around the market place for a while and then decided it was time for lunch. Art and Penelope watched the children on the pier while Bob gathered children-friendly food at Taylor's and Amie and I went to The Slanted Door take-out yummmmmmmmm. We all sat on the dock and ate caramelized chicken, papaya salad, a duck dish and a tofu dish. Our children abandoned their hamburger as soon as they tasted our delicious Vietnamese food. Well sated we separated, while the boys and Sarah went to see the metal statue and the rest of us walked at a more leisurely pace.

We made our way home in time for Helen and Joel, Felix and Isa to come and meet our family. They were at Harvard at the same time Penelope, so we thought they might have stories to tell. I think we spent more time parenting and less time chatting but it was fun to be together.