Birthday in San Francisco

Birthday celebrations continue! Yesterday was Rosie's actual birthday day and what a great day we had.

We started the day with some homemade pancakes from Daddy (Yum-O!):

Then we had a birthday call from Rosie's BFF:

Next, we loaded up into the car and headed west. First stop was to Little Saigon to Turtle Tower Restaurant. The fresh noodles and simple broth really hit the spot:

With bellies full and happy we shifted over to Union Square for a nice long walk while Rosie took her afternoon nap in the stroller surrounded by worldly travelers, shoppers, and families holiday break. She woke up and witnessed her first ice skating. It'll be a couple years until she straps on skates, I think.

We dropped the stroller off at the car and then headed on foot with Rosie in the lead. She more or less led us to Yerba Buena.

The line for the trolley was a bit ridiculous so we hit up the next best thing, the F train, old above-ground trains that they brought into San Francisco. We got a free ride thanks got a very friendly conductor who told us to use the money to buy our baby an ice cream (a bit of foreshadowing).

Next stop: Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf!

"Hear," says Rosie:

 Bubble hunter:

After a dinner looking over the bay, we headed for a special treat to sing Happy Birthday one last time. Rosie requested pink ice cream with a cherry.

And what would a trip to San Francisco be without Rosie's first trolley/cable car ride (not so crowded this time!). Rosie shmoozed with some nice people, included a little girl who shared her pictures of the aquarium and a family of teachers. It was a bumpy and iconic trip back to Union Square.

About 10 minutes in the car Rosie was fast asleep. A few minutes from home she awoke in a happy mood, singing along to Maroon 5 on the radio. When we got home we snacked on cereal and then chatted with Ba Ngoai and Ba Co in Vietnam. Rosie was in a very animated and funny mood. Before hitting the hay Rosie was sure to say goodnight to Marlin and the collective Coral. 

Such an amazing and packed day. It's hard to believe two years have passed. Every day we are amazed by how much Rosie is learning and how much her personality is growing into a kind, empathetic, comedic, rhythmic, and loving soul. Love you Rosa!