When Family Comes to Town...

One of the hardest things about moving to California was leaving our family behind.  We miss the day to day events with them and just being able to see them whenever we get the whim.  But we have to admit, that it can be one of the best things too.  Because when they come to visit it is unspeakably wonderful.  We pack as much as possible into the few days they are here and the reunion is just so sweet.
Over this last weekend Grandma and Grandpa Payne drove the 12 hour distance to visit us and brought along with them cousins Natalee and Carson.  It was a very busy 4 days and so much fun that it was hard to see them leave.  

Friday
The first day that we had with them happened to be Valentine's Day.  So we woke up to getting and giving gifts.  Devin was stuck in New York on a business trip so it was fun to have some family to celebrate with.

Then Natalee, Grandma, and I headed out to check out the Winchester House.  The widow of the CEO of Winchester guns in the 1800's was told that her husband and daughter were killed by the spirits of those killed by the Winchester guns and unless she began building a house and never stopped building she would have the same fate.  This house has 160 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 6 kitchens, and stairs and doorways that lead to nowhere.  

Afterwards, the Utah folk headed to The Tech Museum of Innovation while Quincy and I headed to Addie's Valentine's party. 

Saturday

Devin finally got home late Friday night so we were all able to spend a day in San Francisco.   On this day we spent some time at Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf, drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and stopped for a great view of it at Baker Beach, and drove around the city and past The Painted Ladies. It was a bit foggy and chilly but everyone should experience the San Francisco fog at least once!  And it was a great day nonetheless. 

Later that afternoon the boys headed to a BYU game that was here and the girls went shopping. 

Sunday
On Sunday, Devin and I had some assignments to fulfill, and in all honesty I was already exhausted.  (this pregnant body of mine doesn't hold up as well as usual!) So Grandma and Grandpa bravely took all 4 kids and headed down to Monterey.  It was a nice day so they got some awesome beach time in and Addie exclaimed it was "the best day ever!"

Monday

For our last day we headed back into San Francisco for some more adventures.  First we decided to drive down Lombard Street since we got to the city before everyone else was up and trying to get down it.  

Then we took a ferry out to Alcatraz and toured the prison.  It was an audio tour and it was pretty interesting to learn all about this infamous place.  Even Addie was interested and enjoyed the tour quite a bit.  Quincy liked it as well but it was a bit long for her.  

Running bases in the Recreation Yard...

After lunch we took a cable car over to Chinatown...

Quincy showing a little crack after her little legs just couldn't walk anymore.

This morning, the group headed back home and they are missed already.  We really enjoyed the time that we had with them and are so grateful that they were able and willing to come visit.  The girls had so much fun playing with their cousins and grandparents.  It was an incredible weekend and we can't thank you all enough for driving out here to see us.