For our last full day of our big vacation, we spent a day in San Francisco. The plan was to get up, have breakfast, go to Muir Woods, return to the City for an early dinner, and go to the Giants game. Simple enough, right?
Waking up.
The kids needed to sleep in some, so I gave them time to do so. Still, they weren't quite ready to really get moving. So Miss Hollywood and I had a moment about her bath. I threatened to call Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. We moved on cheerfully to breakfast after bathing and dressing.
Breakfast.
We sat down together pleasantly after being welcomed by one of our favorite waitresses. CD was disappointed that we were too late for the buffet while I was thankful we made it in time for breakfast at all. And then...huge disappointment happened. Huge. Miss Hollywood had to use the restroom. So, off we went. CD wanted to stick with us, so he informed the waitress. I reiterated what he said. When we returned, our plates were gone. Our beverages were still there. CD immediately flipped. I was about there myself in fact. The waitress rushed over very apologetically. She explained what happened. I tried to understand. CD walked away. Miss Hollywood followed him. Here's the thing, no amount of compensation could help with what I needed to do as a mom. That moment set the tone for the start of our day. I was the one who had to help him navigate through the disappointment so we could move on. It took some doing, but we got through it. Finally that evening, he enjoyed his hot cocoa which was essentially complimentary. And then, and only then, some 10 hours later was he able to appreciate the way they tried to compensate for the breakfast mishap.
Muir Woods?
We finally set off on our planned adventure. I tried repeatedly saying, "even if we only get to do this drive, isn't it wonderful?!" The kids loved the drive. It was wonderful. And then...there was no parking. None. Roadside parking was jammed. Parking lots were super full with multiple cars waiting for single spots. By the time we found an area that may have worked, it was going to be almost a two mile hike back to the area we had set out to visit. I called it. Said it was time to go find something else. I was bummed out but positive and upbeat. Miss Hollywood was incredibly disappointed and shouted from the backseat, "this is the worst trip ever! You planned the worst trip, mommy!" I remained quiet. Almost silent as tears filled my eyes. Told myself to just hold on. I knew this was going to be ok, but I had to get to ok. And then...a sign. Muir Beach. I told the kids to hang tight. Reminded them it was all ok. And then it was. As I looked for parking, Miss Hollywood still didn't know where we were or what we were doing but she retracted her harsh words with an apology.
We had a blast! Plan B was a success. JOY was the word of the afternoon. As we left later, both kids declared it the best day ever. Seriously, from worst to best in about an hour.
A lovely San Francisco drive later, and...
We ate dinner at a restaurant with a bowling alley but couldn't bowl. A revolving door adventure helped. Then CD gave his leftover dinner to a couple of homeless men on our way across the street. It was a good amount of food and these two guys were incredibly appreciative.
We got to our seats at the game just in time for the first pitch, but cotton candy was a few rows away. Devastating for a moment. But all ended well.
A trip down the slide, some cotton candy, a couple of runs, singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame together, two small souvenirs, and a Giants win...perfect ending to a long but worthwhile day. Topped off with beignets and hot cocoa/coffee upon returning to the hotel. As we talked about the best parts of our day, CD said his was giving food to the homeless guys. That in itself tells me we're doing it right.
This day could have been a total disaster at any one point. It was a matter of managing reactions, moving on, moving forward, teaming up, and trying really hard to find the best each step of the way. Some moments were easier than others, but at the end of the day, it really was the best day ever. And now, we're ready to make more memories and create the next best day ever!
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