maiki and I took the NL to SF and then a bus to Lands End. I am always excited to see the ocean!
The second part of our trip was to Japantown where we had snacks, shopped and ate a late lunch at Udon Mugizo.
On the way back we walked in the garden level of the Salesforce tower.
We drove to Monterey. First on the list however was to visit the Clover Bakery on our way south. Also part of this pilgrimage involved going to the Mitsuwa Marketplace where Kinokuniya books also resides. It is great fun!
Many unexpected things happened on day one including having AAA come out and jump start the rental car’s battery and then getting a new rental car. Next discovering our hotel reservation was not what we reserved and then finding a new hotel in Pacific Grove. We laughed about it being April Fool’s Day but were ultimately thankful for the location of our new hotel. We had an excellent dinner of ahi tuna and found this alligator in a shop window. 
After breakfast we walked by the coast and saw the deer and harbor seals that hang out in this fenced off area. We remembered them from last time and was happy to watch a young seal navigate the shallow waters.
This is the coast by our hotel in Pacific Grove. It is so beautiful and Emma could not wait to get to the shore to look for rocks and tide pools. The weather was cool but the 20 mph winds made it freezing. I was a happy popsicle.
Our days largely consisted of eating and then going back to the breathtaking ocean that was always near with some rest stops at the hotel. I think that the water is so beautiful in Monterey but the added bonus is watching the sea otters in the waves. They are so cute.
It was never not cold and we quickly dismissed the idea of kayaking in Moss Landing or even riding in the pedal boats at the park. We were happier getting warm drinks and eating yummy food and limiting our outside activities to walks to and from the coast or looking in boutique shops. Our last dinner was a great little taqueria we would love to return to. All in all we had great food and it was very pretty scenery.
When we returned from Los Angeles Emma began swim lessons.
Spotted amazing posters at Oaklandish.
We toured a new school in the redwoods.
Emma went to the dentist and then we got yummy ice cream at Curbside Creamery.
Many days were spent at Roberts pool.
We tried on dresses at J.Crew but of course ended up buying a dress at the thrift store instead.
We met a neighbor cat and became cat sitters for another cat who lives down the street.
January and February are not my favorite. However February’s pink flowered covered trees help tremendously!
A rainy walk.
Candlelight makes interiors nicer. This was an afternoon electricity black out.
We decided to get rid of our TV and put up a bunch of artwork on this wall again.
A valentine’s themed park day was a highlight.
A trip to the bakery.
More rain. Lots and lots of rain.
Thankful for the magnolias.
We visited the Oakland museum with Gene and saw the Creative Growth exhibit of local artists.
We hung out a few times with Cindy and she made us yummy food.
Emma helped Robert in the Bonsai garden.
Quince at the Bonsai Garden.
We had a mini date at the local brewery the 2 Pitchers.
Once we brought Emma and discovered Friday nights are popular with families.
First magnolias at the Gardens of Lake Merritt.
Emma being a super reader.
Tracking state quarters.