San Francisco, Day 1

Well after much fanangling of schedules, church committments and child care issues, Roger and I were finally able to get away together for a few days.  Officially it was to celebrate our 15 year anniversay which was last August.  But life sort of happened and this was the soonest we could get out.  So we decided to head to the Bay Area.

This area means so much to us on many levels.  Not only because we served our missions there but it was also where we met.  We became such good friends at that time during an intense time of our lives.  We share many memories of investigators, wards, areas, spanish, food, members, missionaries and the Oakland Temple.  And although what we experienced couldn't be considered a courtship in the traditional sense, I don't know a better way to truly get to know another person.  I saw Roger for the good person that he was and recognized the great potential in him.  So, no we did not date or even talk of dating but we both agree that we found our hearts in San Francisco.

We haven't flown together for awhile (at least not alone) and it was enjoyable to just be together.  We enjoyed our traditional Cinnabon at the airport to kick off the adventure.

We flew into Oakland so our first stop was Taqueria San Jose.  We used to go there as missionaries if we ever wanted to pretend we were really in Mexico.  It is in the heart of Latin Land and has the best Super Burrito de Carne Asada that you can find anywhere and at a reasonable price.

Of course, since we were in Oakland, we had to go up to the Visitor Center and Temple.  We had a nice visit with several sister missionaries and shared war stories.  We met the spanish sisters and talked of the different members and converts.  Sometimes it is still hard to believe that I spent so much time there.  And of course Roger holds the title of the first Elder to give a VC tour, which is a story for another time.  As fun as it was to visit, I was grateful to be able to walk out the door with my husband knowing that we could leave and totally enjoy ourselves and be thankful that that part of our lives is over.

We then headed over to the San Francisco side of the bay in a rainstorm.  What was nice about this trip is that we officially only had one thing planned for the entire time.  That was to go to the Broadway Musical Wicked.  Other than that we were free to fly wherever the wind would take us.  Our first night we stayed in a nice hotel right in the center of downtown.  I love visiting big cities.  It is such a feast for the eyes, ears and nose.  I love the transportation as well.  We were able to take the underground subway, the Muni, to get to the theatre.

The show was fantastic.  I enjoyed it the second time around even more than the first. I followed the story better and was able to appreciate the beautiful singing.  Roger also had a good time.  I felt so lucky to be in such a wonderful city and enjoying all of the culture it had to offer.  It was an amazing day.

I love this picture of us in the subway.  Can you see us in the glass?  It is like we are in the movie Ghost.

"Wicked"

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Broadway play "Wicked" this weekend. About a year ago, I heard that it was coming to Salt Lake and thought it would be nice to go. Then in June, Missy asked if I would like to go together along with Mom and Amberly. So I said sure and let her handle getting the tickets. I didn't realize that they would be so difficult to obtain. Fortunately for us, Missy's good friend Brandy, helped us get tickets through her mother who is a season pass holder to the theatre. She was able to get us some of the best seats in the house. I learned later that very few people outside of season ticket holders were able to get them. So I was lucky.

Everyone that has ever been to Wicked rants and raves about it. I was excited to see it but wondered if it would live up to all the hype. It did. The costumes were gorgeous and the set and special effects were dazzling. The singing was beautiful. The acting was well done and I was truly carried away into the land of Oz. I loved the story. It made me laugh and cry and the ending was just perfect. I only wish I could have shared it with the rest of my family.


It was great to be able to go and I especially enjoyed being there with my mom and sisters. I would definitely see it again in a heartbeat if ever given another opportunity. Maybe I just need to talk Roger into taking me to New York so he can see it with me :).