Kelvin asked me a few months ago whether he could attend a Best Practices conference (meeting of the higher-ups at many national FQHCs, [federally qualified health centers]) in Half Moon Bay (about 30 miles south of San Francisco) this past week. Keep in mind that, when he asked me about this trip, we were fresh off some difficult (exhausting, if not traumatizing) international and domestic travel with the two children in 2018, leading me to basically swear off any non-essential travel in 2019. Knowing that being the solo parent/outnumbered for several days with them (one a high-energy, spirited toddler who doesn't sleep much and mostly refuses to nap and the other a fast-crawling, on-the-move and exploring, still-breastfeeding near-toddler) is not my strong suit, I replied (not entirely joking), "Sure, you can go, as long as you take at least one child with you." Since schlepping one child along really wasn't an option, as he'd need a babysitter during the conference hours, he did his best to encourage me into coming down with both kids, telling me that the conference was at and therefore we could stay at a really nice hotel, the Ritz Carlton.
Staying in really nice hotels actually makes me feel really uncomfortable, and being trapped in a hotel room in an unfamiliar town with small children to mind* and (probably unpredictable) naps to juggle is also not at the top of the list of things I enjoy (I would have rather stayed home with them both, even though I am not cut out to be a stay-at-home-parent by any stretch), so Kelvin was able to come up with a more palatable plan-- having his parents come up from Orange County to join us and hang out, helping entertain and manage the kids while Kelvin was busy in meetings and his dad being able to drive the rental van while I navigated the unfamiliar roads to see some sights. Additionally, as I also wasn't willing to ride in a car the 6-7 hours each way in a car with my small children, he agreed that we could fly down. (I know that, to many of you [especially those whose partners often travel or are away long hours for work], my feet-dragging and the ordeal of arranging the details of this trip seems excessively burdensome for Kelvin, and I don't necessarily disagree, but I also know that my ability to sanely single-parent my particular two kids for several days in a row [especially in an unfamiliar place] about tops the list of life stressors for me, and I didn't want to assume the responsibility lightly, without exploring ALL of the possible alternatives).
*(I love the term "childminding" that the Brits use instead of "babysitting," even though babysitting your own children is really just parenting, right? ...).
I will tell you that the trip went better than (I) expected, and I enjoyed visiting some of the outdoor sites, as well as good bonding time, particularly with Iver (who was very well behaved with few tantrums) including in the hotel's jacuzzi pools. However, while Niall (somewhat but not entirely surprisingly, as he's our amazing sleeper) slept wonderfully at night in his mini-crib on wheels, which we parked in the spacious bathroom of K's parents room (!), Iver didn't sleep much or nap and kicked me throughout the two nights I bed-shared with him, and I returned home fairly emotionally depleted, thankful that our flight home did not get cancelled on a rainy Saturday both in the Bay Area and in Humboldt (unfortunately, Kelvin's parents' flight was cancelled back to OC and had to be re-booked several hours later, and even that flight was delayed again). Although there was not much down time on the trip during which to recharge, at least we (largely minus Kelvin) enjoyed some sunny weather, beach views, good food, and got to catch up with some friends we hadn't seen in a while.
Departing Arcata (really McKinleyville's) Airport
On the way from San Francisco Airport to the hotel, we stopped at Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Niall and the Pacific
These beaches are truly stunning in the sunshine!
Our hotel rooms definitely had beautiful coastal views
This is what I call a "crib with a view"
Special Time with ông nội
Ritz golf course grounds
Flaming front fountain!
One morning, we checked out Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. While it was high tide, and we couldn't go tidepooling, we walked some trails and were able to see a colony of harbor seals on the beach!
We then ambled around Pillar Point Harbor, where there were many crab and fishing boats.
Lunch at Cafe Mezza
Año Nuevo State Park, famous for its Elephant Seals (although we'd have to hike several miles to get close enough to view them) was just south of the lighthouse.
We settled for learning about them at the Visitors' Center.
Iver's photographic skills.
(camera photo by Iver!)
Gloria, a friend from Humboldt (who now lives in SF) and one of Iver's favorite people, joined us on a sunny afternoon to walk the Coastal Trail, which runs right by the Ritz property.
Iver was thrilled to find beach access!
I just love this shot I took of Iver, which captures his true glee at running barefoot on the California sand.
View of the Ritz
Blinded by the sun!
We enjoyed a Himalayan dinner in downtown Half Moon Bay with Gloria, who now works with Sonia, a friend from residency!
grown-up Iver waiting for food
On our last night, we made the ~50-mile trip (which ended up being an hour and forty minutes in traffic to Oakland to see our good friends, the Lees. Thankfully, both kids napped in the car!). Iver was so excited to see Mason and Sophia, and Serena and Brad also joined us for dinner (although we didn't get photos!)
sharing a love of a "Frozen" book
Coloring!
