I promise – this will not be only pictures of Paige. She is, however, very photogenic and adorable. She chooses her outfits and usually has a tutu on or at least under her dress. Very girly and very strong willed. She is 2 1/2 and carries a tune perfectly. She knows all the words to let it go and several Christmas songs. She is just something special. As are all my grandchildren!! I am prejudiced!!

We arrived on Christmas day and enjoyed a seafood meal caught and prepared by my son.

Jayme and her mom made an assortment of Christmas cookies. One batch was gluten free which I enjoyed. Paige did the sprinkles.

We stayed at an AirBnB which was a ten minute walk from Mark’s home. It was very simple and cold. We did not spend much time there. We slept there, ate our breakfast and spent the rest of the day with family.

On Friday, we drove to downtown SF to see the big tree in Union Square and the ice skaters. Then, we walked up, up, up a steep hill to the Fairmont Hotel to see the gingerbread house. I was quite proud of my ability to keep up with the youngun’s. The house is full size. You can click on it for a better look.

Here is a gingerbread doghouse – full-size.

Loved this view into an Asian shop at the hotel.

We had a late lunch/early dinner at a seafood restaurant. Jayme’s mom’s husband was leaving the next day to go back to Denver and he wanted some more seafood.

On Saturday, Lisa, Clay, Mr C and I took Bart to the Ferry Building Farmer’s market where I bought food to make dinner. Jayme took Paige on her bike and met us there.

The photo of Paige in the orange tutu was take there. She was entranced by a string quartet that was playing. We had a delicious lunch at a Mexican eatery.

On Sunday, we took it easy and played with Paige. Mark made soup from all the leftovers in their fridge. They live in the Mission and there are so many wonderful visual delights. We saw this door on one of our walks.

Here is a close-up so you can see it is created with bottle caps.

On Monday, Lisa, Clay and I went to Marin. I wanted to stop by the Dharma Trading retail store to touch some fabric so that I could decide what I want to purchase to dye or paint for my solo show. I bought some samples to run some tests. Clay bought some yarn and a pattern so that I can knit her a button cowl scarf. We had a delicious lunch in San Anselmo and did some looky loo walking around Mill Valley. I forgot my phone. No photos!!

On Tuesday, Karyn, Jayme’s Mom, Mr C and I took Paige to the California Academy of Sciences. I love that place. Mark has a membership so he takes Paige there quite often. I must say that keeping up with a two year old, makes the visit a bit more challenging. I snapped this photo while waiting in line to get into the rainforest exhibit.

There are so many beautiful photo ops. Here is a pitcher plant.

I love the colorful little frogs.

I caught one in a whoosh of a jump.

I had fun playing with the jellyfish in photoshop.

And here is Paige, queen of the Galapagos, on her throne.

And checking out the touch area.

We moved over to Oakland to stay with Lisa and Clay for New Year’s eve. It gets a little wild in the Mission and our AirBnB was next to a park. They prepared a delicious meal and we had a lovely evening with them. Here is Wilfredo wishing for some cheese to jump into his mouth.

On New Year’s Day, I got this great selfie with Paige. I hated to say good-bye. It was so much fun.

So, I missed getting this done yesterday, but I had my hands full getting caught up on SDA work and doing laundry, and all the little things you have to do when you come home from a trip.