Welcome to San Francisco

Whew! We made it just in time for the gay pride parade day! Okay, could this be any better timing for the Tanner get away? Our luck usually runs like this. We seem to make Disneyland's Gay Day every year as well.

Jason had to go to San Francisco for work. So, I had a couple days solo during the day (to shop, read, sleep in, etc.) and he took a few extra days for us to hang out.

Jason booked us at a small quaint hotel. He wanted the Hyatt, but I wasn't fond of so many floors. I am too earthquake conscience. The Hotel Griffon was beautiful. It has been around over a hundred years and I love places that have a touch of history. This picture of the Bay Bridge was our view from the hotel.

I have riden more public transportation in four days than I have in my entire life. We went from an airplane to a bus, the BART train, trolleys, taxi cabs, and Lincoln town limos. This picture is of the first day...I think after day four, I wasn't smiling anymore. I was so excited to get back home and drive my own car! It was definitely an experience though. The BART reminded me of a bad movie. I was either waiting to get mugged or shot. And when we were underground it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. But, definitely fascinating.

I was just as fearful of death with our cab driver. I am sure I had some whiplash. I think Jason sensed my apprehension after the first day and made sure the hotel set me up to take me wherever needed in the Lincoln. What a guy! But he definitely owed me. Our first night we went with some of his friends to a seafood mexican restaurant he loves right off the pier. He neglected to tell me that for some reason birds just fly randomly in the restaurant and will often land on tables, or sometimes people's shoulders. Surely this had to be breaking some health codes. I was dying! I couldn't even enjoy my food without jumping. I am sitting there looking at the guys, and they are just enjoying their food having a great time. Later, I told Jason, I will be picking the restaurants. He did manage to redeem himself. We ate at some fabulous places. Oh, how I have missed authentic Japanese!
We were so anxious to get to the cooler weather. To our amazement, the temperature where we were never exceeded 60 degrees. It was almost too dramatic of a drop. The air off the bay was so cold it felt like 45. While I was packing, it was hard enough to throw in long sleeve shirts because of the heat here, but a winter coat? Holy cow...I have turned into a wimp! I can definitely say I have acclamated to the heat.

Okay...so how Jason and I operate, we take pictures that no one else finds interesting because they are all inside jokes to us that no one understands. Sometimes they are of random people that crack us up (we have a great one of a guy that looks just like Richard Alger in a totally inappropiate shirt), or situations we somehow find ourselves in that are just too good to pass up. Therefore, not many pictures to post. I know it is a bit strange, but there is something about flipping through pictures and coming across these random shots that make Jason and I look at each other and laugh hysterically. Laughing is what brings us the best memories. I am so grateful we were able to take this trip together. It was a welcomed change to accompany Jason on a plane rather than just putting him on one for business. Who says you can't mix business with pleasure?

Happy Father's Day

For anyone who knows both Jason and I, you may wonder how two such opposite people were brought together. For example, I have waves of emotion and he is calm. I am a night owl, he is a morning person. I love to dance and he tries :). I am sarcastic and love to joke, he is serious and is willing to be the target of my sarcasm. I break things, and he fixes them. I am very organized and time conscience, and he has had to learn my quirks the hard way. I love adventure and am always seeking for things to do, and he would rather be at home snuggling on a couch. I am always living for today, while he lives and prepares for tomorrow. But two things we have always been 100 percent in sync with are spiritual matters and our goals and dreams for our kids.



Jason, while our kids were babies, I could always count on you. You would wake in the middle of the night to help with bottles and diaper changes. You helped when I was spent from their cries whether from sickness or just plain fussiness. If the house was a mess because I was busy playing with them or was gone at doctor appointments, you would grab a mop and do it yourself. You made me feel I always had a partner and was never on my own. They may never know all you did while they were babies, but I will. Even though you were serving them, above all, you were serving me.



Now the kids are growing. It has been an adventure thus far going through it together. We laugh, we cry, we fear, we rejoice. And yet, you do the same things as you did while they were infants. You will still wake in the middle of the night to help them get settled back in bed after a nightmare. When you come home and I am spent from their arguments with one another or lack of listening to their mother, you help by having a 'talk' or expend their energy by being their playmate. You never make me feel bad when the house is a mess because I was serving in my calling or playing with my kids or sometimes friends. You simply ask what you can do to help. You are my partner, and I never feel alone. The kids are beginning to see all you do for them, just by what you do for me. Other than my parents, you are the only one I have ever felt that not only loves me, but loves my soul. I know you would do all in your power to see to my happiness and eternal progression. Brynna will grow up desiring to marry a man who will be so attentive to her, a partner, a true friend. Nathan already is learning. He is beginning to ask all the time what he can do to help, and always wants to make sure his mom is happy. He simply loves to serve. Words can never express how thankful I am for all you do for me and all you teach them.

So although, the only two things we agree on are spiritual and family; without those two, nothing else really matters. You were meant for me, and I you. Luckily, the kids were extras. I love you and hope you feel honored this day.

With Love,

Jen

Notice Anything Different??

So, after roughly two years, Brynna got her braces off. Life has new meaning. Food tastes better, dental hygiene is faster, and the pain is over. Brynna had braces earlier than normal because she was a thumb sucker. (We thought this was great as a baby; not having to hunt for pacifiers in the middle of the night.) But, if we had known then what we know now, things would have been different. She had to have her palate expanded to make room for permanent teeth. Now with retainers, she will keep things in place until all the teeth are grown in. She may need braces again for a short time in the future, but will be a cake walk compared to what she has already gone through. I give her huge kuddos for doing so well with them. She rarely complained, handled some hard times like a champ, and thanked us for paying for her smile to be beautiful. She did a great job of taking care of them while she had her braces on. I was a bit worried to have them taken off to see permanent geometric shapes on her teeth, but to our surprise, I think she took better care than we gave her credit for. I think she finally believes me now after telling her, "Afterwards, it will all be worth it."

Tribute to Friends

We have been saying 'good-bye' to the Shallenberger family for the past three months now, thinking it would get easier, but who are we fooling? So rarely, people will come into your life and each member touching it for good where you feel you were better just by knowing them. So it is with the Shallenbergers. We have treasured their friendship. We loved trading babysitting, not only for the fact of it being free :), but getting to love and enjoy your kids. Even now, thinking of saying good-bye to their sweet faces brings a tear to my eye. You are all wonderful and irreplaceable. Here are a few of the reasons you will be missed:

Rob--We will NOT miss your scare tactics, although I have forgotten how it is to jump from fright. We will miss deep discussions on various topics. We will miss your good heart. You are so good of thinking of others and making life enjoyable for them. You are strong and steady in the gospel, family, and your everyday life. Please know we acknowledge all you do in supporting this great country and support you 110 percent. We appreciate your service and the truths you stand for and defend.

Tonya--We will miss your innocence. When I think of someone unspotted from the world, you enter my mind. You have a humbleness and meekness that I am in awe of. With you, friendship is always easy and natural. You are who you are and accept others for who they are. And I can't fail to mention, I will miss the most fabulous setter in volleyball.

Robbie--We will miss your stories! Even if your stories are completely false, they still entertain us and make us laugh. Nathan will miss his wrestling buddy. You have been a great example to Nathan. Because of you, he had the confidence to get on a skateboard and try new things. For once, it was someone other than us cheering him on and helping him see his potential. One day when we see you on extreme sporting, Nathan can say you taught him everything you know.

Bella Sue--Oh, how I will miss my little shadow. I could always count on the weekend to have my playmate. I loved playing pretend with you. Since Brynna is older, we don't get to do that anymore and I had no idea how much I missed that until you came along. The dogs will miss their treats and are sad that now they will be losing weight. Although Jason will never admit it, I KNOW he will miss being called 'Grandpa.'

Lana Rose--I will miss your smiling face! Your smile can make a bad day turn around into pure joy. Remember who you crawled for first...Auntie Jen...well my car keys anyway. We will miss being able to see you grow.

Now enough of the sadness, Shallenberger's, enjoy the next season of your life.

With Love,

The Tanners

Nathan Turn's 7

Some may call us crazy for taking the boys out bowling for a party. Jason thought it was a bit like herding cats. What we will do for our kids! All in all, we loved his party. Everything was provided: food, drinks, and complete entertainment for 2 hours. The bowling alley did the whole cosmic bowling and catered to our every need. The lights were off, except for the neons, fully equipped with fog machines, and good music. The boys loved dancing. Robbie got so into it, he was doing the worm.

The boys did better than I expected; some even getting strikes and spares (with the bumpers of course). Each had their own way...some would gently throw their ball, which took FOREVER to reach the pins, while some threw their ball like the shotput. But I have to hand it to them, they did great controlling all their energy, until the sugar from the drinks and cake set in. Thanks to all the parents whom now I have to figure out how to assemble presents. Nathan's favorite gift: a pair of handcuffs. These are also great for us (no, get your mind out of the gutter)

to confine him when he is naughty!

We love our little man, Nathan. My experience giving birth to him was so different than Brynna's. I was able to snuggle up with him from the very beginning, and he still will crawl into bed and cuddle me whenever he can. He is our practical joker, intensely determined, perfectionist, and spiritually emerging giant in a little body. I have a feeling we are only beginning to see the greatness he carries.