Mom's birthday falls just before Christmas, on December 19th (though I somehow always think it's on the 18th). This year was a big one, as Mom was turning 60. She wanted to celebrate in San Francisco, because she's always loved the holidays in The City. So we stayed at a hotel near Union Square on Saturday night to celebrate with Mom -- me, Dirk and Cameron, Lisa, Tripp and Logan. Kristen stayed home with Ryan, and we missed them both. Grandma celebrated with Mom, Lisa, Tripp and Logan in Modesto on Friday night.

We rode the cable cars, window-shopped on our way to a celebratory birthday dinner at the Lucky Creation Vegetarian Restaurant in Chinatown , dodged various protesters while looking at the animated windows on Union Square, marveled once again at how fantastic FAO Schwarz toystore is, and searched desperately for homeless people to give our dinner leftovers to. On the way back from dinner Mom and I encountered a Silly Santa Parade, which was a real treat, and then heard a live concert in Union Square. On Sunday we went to the Sony Metreon theater and entertainment complex and watched "Frosty the Snowman" (all the adults cried when Frosty melted) and then Cameron made a styrofoam snowman, all for free. Cameron and Dirk enjoyed the "Where the Wild Things Are" attraction upstairs at the Metreon while Mom and I watched and took pictures.

We took a few family photos in front of Christmas trees and Santas to give it a real holiday feel. All in all it was a short but fun-filled weekend. Happy Birthday, Mom! I'm glad you decided to go to San Francisco instead of going sky diving. It's only slightly less exhilirating. :)