Family Time

I was hit by the flu.

The type of flu that felt like it just kept punching me in the face over and over and over again,

only to occasionally stop to laugh at my inability to get out of bed.

That is, until I began a torrid, 5 day love affair with a certain Zithromax.

And then the flu was no more. ;)

But, before my battle with my influenza bully, 

our little family of 5 went for a celebratory (of good report cards) trip to SF.

Just the 5 of us.

So much fun. ♥

Now, the funny thing, is that Mr. Garate and I had mapped out an evening of fun upon our arrival.

We had big dinner plans followed by a 3D movie at the Metreon.

But what did the 3 little Garates want to do?

Order dinner in, snuggle as a family, and watch the dumbest movie ever made

(did anyone like Yogi Bear?!?)

... and play their DS's/Touches.

Yep, sometimes, it really is the little things that we treasure most. ♥

But the next day, we hit the ground running.

After a quick breakfast at Boudin's and an introduction to Krispy Creme donuts,

we laughed at the seals while we waited for the bungee/trampoline jumping guy to open his booth.

Because, according to a Garate, that is the way to celebrate hard work. ;)

Now, I have to say we had the best jumping guide ever.

He only charged us for 2 kids and gave us extra long turns.

I think he was hoping we'd draw a crowd,

and the Garate kids didn't disappoint.

 Tito started us off with lots of forward and backward flips.

He even got bounced so high, that he had the look of 

"I don't think this is so fun anymore/I think I'm going to lose my lunch"

flash across his face.

But, he ended with a smile and even high five'd his new found bungee buddy.

 This year, Kennedy decided to do more than just jump.

She flipped and flipped and too got bounced so high, she joined her brother in the

"I think I just went potty in my pants look" club.

But, too, had a great time.

 And for Gwen, it was like riding a bike.

I liked how her pictures showed just how high "Vincent" liked to bounce my kids.

Good thing we watched him check all those bands.

Every single one of them. ;)

One of my fav pics.

Gwen had just tried (a little unsuccessfully) to take a photo of Ben and me.

So, we ended up taking a random gal up on her offer to document Ben and my existence.

Gwen was thrilled. ;)

Ty and his Buddy, aka "The guy who never does anything wrong".

It's getting a little old... ;)

 Here's all my "cousins" who decided to join us for the day. ;)

Kennedy's photo of Ben and me... and an SF pole. ;)

(And if you're wondering, no, I'm not pregnant, I just look that way.

Must be the pole... ;)

                        I'd say Gwen looks more like me. ;)

This is pure mockery...

of my attempt to get this. ;)

A little modern art.      

Free stylin'.

Kennedy's best seal impression.

And what we like to call, 

"Too Cool For School".

And of course, no SF trip is complete (for us Garates), without a stop by the Candy Baron...

truly the best store in all of SF.

Such a fun little adventure.

Thanks kids for working so hard. ;)