Dinner at Urban Bar and Grill

We walked a few block from our Hotel to the restaurant Urban Bar and Grill.

We were seated a a nice table and our server, Jason, did a great job telling us the specials and the items on the menu that he really liked.

We made our selection and were very pleased with the food.

Of course we left room for desert.

We had a very nice meal together. 

Our Trolley Tour

Nijad walked us down the block to the trolley stop.

Our afternoon was spent on the trolley touring around the city.  It was a great way to see all the things that were available for us to see and do.

Petco Stadium Where the Padres Play

Kaye was a great tour guide he had great stories to tell.  We were entertained as we saw many great sights.

On the Coronado Bridge looking at a Navy Ship

San Diego on the Right, Coronado on the Left.

Museum at Balboa Park.  If we had another day we would have spent it here.

We did get off the trolley at Old Town.  We went to the Mormon Battalion Museum.

Shane and I have family that joined the Mormon Battalion.

Alden was our hero and showed us what it would have been like to be part of the battalion.

Our First Taste of the Westin's Food

They left us with many yummy snacks to munch on.  We tried a few but did not fill up because we were close to lunch time.

This was just a start.  The fridge is stocked with Snapples,  Orange Juice, Apple Juice and Water.

We were greeted in the restaurant by wonderful people.  The menu had something for everyone.
We felt like kids in a candy store where there was no limit to what you could have.  I know that my children haven ever felt like they could have it all no questions ask.  It reminds me of a time when Alden went shopping with Grandma and Grandpa Baker as they look for things he would tell them "too much money, no too much money".

Tina was our server for several days.  She is a beautiful person, she was so fun to get to know.  We really enjoyed each meal with her!

San Diego's Westin Gaslamp Quarter

At the Westin Gaslamp Quarter we were greeted by the staff.  They were all so warm and welcoming.  They knew who we were and had been waiting for us.  We were introduced to many of the staff and they had smoothies made for us.  What a WOW welcome.

They took us to our room where we where wowed again.  It was beautiful and spacious.  It had a living and dining room area.  There were two attached rooms and a deluxe suite above the boy's room.  The rooms were newly renovated and we were the first to stay in them.

Alyssa and Tim went through our itinerary with us.  They shared many of the exciting adventure that we would have while we stayed with them.

The boys room was great.  They got separate bed, a bathroom and dressing area, as well as a desk and mini fridge.

The girls got the same type room but they had a king bed to share.  I am sure it took them back to their childhood when they shared a bed.

The beds were so comfortable, it was heavenly.  It was hard to get out of bed once you were snuggled in.

Our room was a dream,  the view was incredible.

The bathroom was even relaxing.

What a wonderful place to begin and end our day.

Las Vegas

They were so kind to take us to Las Vegas to pick up Chantel.  She was there waiting when we got off the plane. 

We walked together to get on the plane that would take us to San Diego.

When we arrived in San Diego we rented a van, packed all our luggage in it and with the help of a GPS we found our way to the Westin Gaslamp Quarter.

Our Only mishap

Britney graciously offered to park the car in the long term parking lot with Alden.  Shane, Derek and I took the luggage to check it in and get our tickets.  Arrangements were made for me to have a wheelchair so that I would not have the half mile trek to the gate.  It also would make security easier for me. 
As we waited for the wheelchair, Shane got a phone call,  "oh crap " were the next words from his mouth.  Something bad had happened,  I thought maybe it was someone from work but no... it was Alden.  Britney did not realize that we had problems with the driver's side window going up and down.  She had rolled the window down to get the parking pass.  They could not get it to go back up.  Shane gave them his best advise and told them to not spend too much time on it.

Blessing from heaven:  There was a security person right there observing them with the struggle of the window.  He could not help but he could call for help.  He could also offer a black plastic garbage bag that could be placed over the door and window and then be shut and locked.  This would have to do.

Our escort came and helped us through security.  Because I have a metal implant they took us right to the scanner.  It was quick and easy.  They wanted me to raise both had up above my head but I can only get my right arm to about my shoulder.  The person took me out of the scanner and just looked at my arm.  I was then free to go.  Our escort helped me put my jacket on and even helped me put my shoes on and tie them.  Now that is service.  On our way to the gate we talked to the Brit and Alden,  They were on their way to security but the line was backed up to the baggage claim area.  We should have realized that we could have waited for them and they could have been with us through security.

We got to the gate with about a 45 minute wait time.  We were all stressed that the kids would not make it in time.  By the time we started to board they were on their way but we could not see them.  What a relief when they both walked onto the plane.  Britney felt so bad and was very worried about the car.  We calmed her fears and forgot about it all.

Our Adventure Begins

We started the day at 4:00 AM, except for Alden,  his alarm did not go off.  At 4:30 I called downstairs to be sure they were about ready.  Alden quickly rose and was ready by five o'clock.

We loaded the car and only stopped once on the way to airport to pick up Britney.  It was a cold morning and we all look forward to warm California weather.  We packed warmer weather clothes but still to jackets.  We left Utah with snowstorms knocking at the door.  We had a 7:05 AM plane to catch to San Diego!

The Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation

Today Show Piece on the Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation

This is a link to a story done by the Today Show about this amazing foundation. 

Last year our family start working with Dr. Hansen office to be chosen for a "WOW Experience" provided by this foundation.

We really wanted to have a family vacation with our four children before Alden left for two years in Australia.  At the beginning of January we heard from the foundation and they presented us with a trip to San Diego.

Week three of Round Two

I wish I could list all the wonderful things that I did this week but it is very limited.
Twice I went to the clinic to give blood and get results.  My white count went up and the red is still  low.

I did go to physical therapy twice.  They did not push me too hard but I did have to rest about half way through the exercises.  I came home from that session exhausted and curled up in the bean bag to watch a few TV series that had been recorded.  I stayed there for most of the day!

I so badly wanted to attend a church party for at least an hour on Friday night,  but I could not get up the energy to get ready to go.  Oh the things that I miss out on.

Saturday, Alden, Shane and I spent the day together for Valentines.  We ran some errands. I mostly sat in the truck.  We got some things for Alden's mission.  We had lunch in downtown Ogden on 25th street at the Bistro.  It was a nice quiet restaurant with unique items on the menu to choose from.  We all enjoy the dish that we got and shared some fuzzy peaches for dessert.

I was able to go to church for an hour on Sunday.  It was a marvelous day.  We had dinner and the evening with our family.

I packed my bags to begin another round.