My Family

No, this is not going to be a post about my handsome husband, or my beautiful children. It is going to be about the family that I grew up with. The snotty, obnoxious i-know-you-better-than-anyone-else-because-I-have-known-you-the-longest-and-dealt-with-all-your-crap siblings that I love so much. The weekend of May 20th we were all able to get together (although under not so desired circumstances) and hang out in San Francisco. My brother Clayton courageously donated his kidney to our dad, so we all decided to make a trip to show them our support and love. And what a fun time it was! None of us had our kids with us (which was excellent) and though we missed them, we were able to stick to the 5 minute rule (just remember that after minutes with your kids again, you will wish that you were alone again). Nor did we have our spouses. This was a obstacle that we did have to overcome, but if they were all there with us, we would not have had the same experience as we would have been separated in cars, and would have desired to split up and go off alone.
So needless to say, we had an experience that I am sure none of us will forget. We all spent the night Friday night at our Sister Christina's house where we stayed up late, playing games and goofing off. We woke up early the next morning and headed into the city where we immediately went to the hospital to visit the sickies. They looked remarkable for having a transplant surgery only 24 hours prior! Both were up and walking and talking (boy, those meds made them interesting!). Then we all went to lunch in Chinatown. That was a whole other experience that deserves its own blog in itself! After that we walked down to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 where we just walked around the shops and goofed off. Final stop, Ghirardelli Square where we fulfilled out Ice Cream cravings (the 5 sisters had a biggest loser challenge the 2 weeks before so we all deserved it!). That night we stayed up late in the hot tub and chatting until the wee hours in the morning with our mom. The next day some of us were a little testy from being together for such an extended amount of time. But to be honest, it wouldn't have been the same without it! (I guess everyone else thinks it was my fault, so we will just go with that. Better than continuing the argument). I guess it comes with the territory of being the oldest. You are always right. I wish the other 6 would just learn that, and all of our lives would be a lot easier. ;) Sunday we went walking down to Union Square and had lunch and shopped a little. Then back to the hospital to say our goodbyes. But not for long cause both my dad and brother were both released on Monday! The Dr's said they did remarkably well and were very impressed with their desire to get better.
All in all it was a great weekend and one I will not very quickly forget. For your enjoyment, here are some pictures documenting our trip.
My Brother Clayton and Me: post surgery.

All the Siblings post Surgery: (LtoR) Sydney, Ashley, Whitney, Clayton, Chris, Amber and Christina.

Las Hermanas

El Guapo