Sacramento Part I

We went to Sacramento from Sunday July 5 to Monday July 13 to see Gramma and Grampa Z and lots of extended family.

Our trip began at 4 am with our drive to the airport. We took this picture because Stacy picked up the car a few hours after we parked it. She used it for the week, which was so nice of her! Over the past year, Stacy has helped us save thousands of dollars in parking fees at the airport. 

We flew to San Francisco because it was $800 cheaper. Then we took BART to the Amtrak train station.

Once we boarded the train, we found some great seats with a table. The boys played with playdo while Jeremy and I slept. It was SO nice.

We really enjoyed the train ride! I wish we could do Amtrak instead of planes for all of our trips because there are no lines at the train station, no security, no rules about when you can and cannot get out of your seat, you can keep your seat reclined at all times, you can plug things into the walls to charge phone and computer, the views are really awesome, lots more wiggle room in your seating area, lots of opportunity to walk around, bigger bathrooms and they have  changing tables, a snack bar, and you get to hear the train sounds clickety clack and the horn hooting all the time. The boys were in heaven! Best of all, the two hour trip for four people was only 40 dollars total.

We had Sunday dinner at Gramz's house with the boys' Great Grandpa Davidson, and their Great-Great Grandma June. Grandpa D played trains with the boys for awhile.

Later that evening, we all played with sparklers on the driveway, but I can't find my pictures of those. Then we had pie and visited. Aunt Linda also joined us. I got to record all the old folks telling some pretty funny stories of their past. I can't wait to add them to our family history journals.

On Monday, the boys played a lot with Gramma Z. They built a house with cardboard boxes in the backyard and drew with marker all over themselves. Also, Tanner found Matt's ukulele and decided it was his.

The toy shopping center became the most popular activity. It was fun watching Dallin walk around the kitchen with his cart, taking things here and there and then Tanner being so proud to scan each item with his cashier gun. Their favorite part was swiping the credit card. For some reason, Dallin giggled every time the toy said "credit approved."

Grandma is helping Dallin use the MacDonald's cashier toy (below).

The boys also played in the pool. Dallin especially loved it.

Monday night was family night. Aunt Sandi, Uncle Wyatt, and cousin Aaron (age 6) came to join us! Gramz gave a devotional and lesson about embarking in the service of God. 

The kids practiced ways to serve like Jesus. They fed the dog, picked up toys and a gave hugs and thank yous to people. It was cute how they raced around the house quickly doing service. So adorable.

Then, we all went swimming in the back yard!

Then Aaron played shopping with the boys. What a fun day!

On Tuesday, we began by going to the mall that had a merry-go-round. We got to briefly say hi to cousin Aubrey who works there.

Dallin is such a grown up little man!

Then we met up with Sandi, Aaron and Abby and their friends at a fun nature center. There was a neat space exhibit there.

We had excellent service at the space restaurant.

Abby and her friend.

We took a walk outside and the boys found this fun tree to climb!

That evening we ate dinner at a yummy Mexican restaurant.

Then, the boys played ball with their grandpa before it was time for bed. All three of these kids were in heaven!

On Weds morning, we let Tanner help take the dog for a walk. He did pretty well for about 20 feet, haha.

Then we all headed to San Francisco to see a Giant's game! Great Grandpa Davidson came with us! 

We went to the kiddie area where the boys got to play ball.

Dallin was excited to step right up. He hit the ball! 

Go, Dallin, Go!

 He was so determined! And so proud of himself when he made it back to home plate.

Tanner watched from the bench, but was too afraid of everyone looking at him if he went to hit the ball. We went to our seats, and then half way through the game,  Tanner said he was ready to come back to the kiddie area to try hitting the ball. Jeremy took him, and I was so glad to hear that Tanner hit the ball and ran so fast around the bases!

Even though we had nose bleed seats, we had the best view ever!! We could see the balls come over the fence and land into the bay.We could see the Bay Bridge...

And the giant cargo ports...

And the city's skyline!

Dallin really enjoyed the view, too.

Family selfie!

After the game, we went to Grandma Ginny's grave outside of the city.

She is buried with her mom, and soon Grandma Ginny's name will be added to the stone.

On Thursday, Jeremy and I took a white water rafting adventure down the American River! It was our first time rafting together.

I was super worried about being too cold (it was an unusually cool day there), but the guides gave me a wet-suit, and I was as cozy as can be! It was really, really fun.

(above: that's just a picture behind us)

That evening, we met up with Jeremy's high school friend, Andy Dahl, for a pizza dinner. It was really cool to get to know him and his little family better.

 The littles had fun playing together in the Dahl's water feature.

Stay tuned for the rest of our trip!