I took a long weekend and flew out to Stockton, California to visit my friend Jen. Jen and I were roommates my first semester of college at Humboldt State. It was Jen’s sophomore year (she’s always been older and smaller) and she was in the National Student Exchange program from U of Montana in Missoula.
We hit it off right away, and even though I left the next semester to work at Outdoor School, we stayed close. We spent a summer in Sequoia National Park working as cave guides and then I did the exchange program and spent a year in Missoula.
We used to hike, ski, backpack and be hilarious together. Now we both have kids so we mostly sit around.
I thought it was time for Jen and I to spend a little quality time together so I flew out to Stockton to visit her. (If you are thinking that Stockton is the foreclosure capital of the country, do not be alarmed. Jen’s lovely home is not in foreclosure.)
Jen is now married (almost 10 years!!!) to James and they have 2 super cute girls–Caitlyn (8) and Sophia (5.5).
After Jen picked Finn and I up at the airport we went straight to a Nature Conservancy area that I forgot the name of. Maybe she will be so kind as to write the name in the comment section. We walked around and I soaked in the warmth and all the greeness.
















Then we went back to her beautiful house, had lunch and tried to get Finn to take a nap (yeah, right).
James’ sister, Aunt Mandy and her boyfriend Nate were staying there, too. We went for a walk (to get Finn to sleep) had a yummy dinner (Jen is a great cook) and basically hung out.
Saturday morning Jen, Finn and I headed out for an exciting adventure. We went to the Stockton Urgent Care. Finn was not looking too happy and I wanted to deal with anything before we got back on the plane. I recommend avoiding this particular Urgent Care if you are a sane person and would like to remain that way.
Finn had an ear infection and conjunctivitis (don’t worry, that’s just pink eye). We went to Target where I was thrilled to find out that both of his prescriptions were on the $4 list. I didn’t even know there was a $4 list. (I was also secretly glad there was really something wrong and that I wasn’t being a crazy, overprotective parent.)
We went to a delicious crepe place to celebrate leaving the Urgent Care and then home for more hanging out and relaxing. Jen made another amazing dinner. I walked Finn around several blocks to get him to sleep.
Are you getting bored of this lengthy retelling, yet? Normally I only post one day’s activities per post, so bear with me. Here are some more pictures.
Sunday morning Finn, the girls and I played in the backyard.




After Aunt Mandy and Nate left to drive back to Bend, Ore., Sophia and I walked around the block a few times to get Finn to sleep then sat on the porch swing (so he would continue sleeping).
Next we went to Moo Moos for lunch and then to a big county park whose name I forget. (Are you sensing a trend here? I was just along for the ride and to try to get Finn to sleep).
While Jen, James and the girls hit the playground, I went for a short walk (everybody join in!) to get Finn to sleep. Once soundly snoozing in the Ergo, I joined them at the playground.












After the girls went to bed we watched the one reality show I would love to be on–The Amazing Race.

Monday was my last day in sunny (and surprisingly windy) California. I learned what not to wear by watching a little TV. Finn fell asleep against my leg so I was pretty much stuck in place. Then Jen, Finn and I headed out for pedicures, lunch and an ice cream run.








You might think the next few pictures are at a park or botanical garden, but it is Jen’s backyard. I covet it.





And that was it. I got to spend time with Jen so the trip was a success, regardless of the constant Finn managing. Cait and Sophia were so fun to hang out with and get to know a little. I tried to harass James, but he didn’t really take the bait.
The flight from SLC to Bozeman was pretty painful for Finn and I. And they lost my bag with the carseat and crib, which was a bit of a bummer. Delta gave me a loaner carseat and Finn had to sleep in our bed, but we survived.
Here is Finn on the flight from Sacramento to SLC (or pre-meltdown).


Blogging is time consuming and I want to do some yoga before Finn wakes up tonight, so you’ll have to wait for pics from Henry’s birthday….
Thanks for the post, Melynda. I felt like you were narrating your travel pictures from the next seat at my dining room table.
I seriously covet Jen’s yard, too, although my Dad did make me a superbly lovely brick path this past weekend.
If Finn needs all that walking, I just might send you my Sutemi carrier tomorrow. I know how miserable life can be with a non-sleeping infant (or pre-schooler, but we won’t name names here).
Diesel, you might have to take down Bridger. Just a heads-up.
I’m so sorry your luggage was lost. But I am quite relieved that it was Delta and not…. ^__* ! I hope they found it and sent it on to you.
I too am so glad you came. Yes the Ergo pack is in the mail and on its way to you!
The first park was the Consumnes River Preserve.
I also can’t remember the name of the second park (I just call it the park off of Eight Mile Road)
Sorry about the luggage, that is never good.
Person misses you already, she says it was much too long since she last saw you!
It is now my turn to head your way! I will have to learn ways to harrass Henry!
And yes, we may each have to kids each and our lives may have changed ever so slightly, but yes we are hilarious!
Ohhh…this brought back some fond, and fun, memories of hanging out with – and living with – the two of you in missoula. So glad you could visit and it’s always fun to get the kids together. And it was good to see that Person is still hanging in there…miss you guys!
I love the Cosumnes River Preserve. It’s amazing. Canoeing up the river in the summer on a full moon is fantastic and unforgettable. When the kids are a bit bigger we’ll do that trip too. I am glad you got to see some of it’s grandeur.
Bye for now!