Spring Break in Warm Northern California

My Christmas gift to Eric was a trip to Sonoma California to see Scotty ,his brother, who has been in a mental institution since he was 6 years old because of mental retardation. If you know me at all you would know that I hate to leave anyone home and love seeing others have a good time. So with that in mind the trip evolved into a vacation over Spring break with Brady, Tyson and Devin. Devin and Brady had never meet Scotty and Devin had had never seen where Eric grew up in San Francisco and Davis.

We spent Saturday visiting Scotty, then traveled to San Francisco to experience the Golden Gate Bridge, going to the Presidio where Eric while his Dad served as a career Army officer in World War II. This picture shows the beach where he walked out his back door, to play. After enjoying the warm sun it was off to the city to eat some authentic food at the Pacific Catch for some shrimp,fish tacos something I vowed never to try. We won't forget the sweet potato fries and delicious ice cream dessert. We then ventured down to the Piers and then across the Bay Bridge and back to the new authentic Marriott hotel.

When Eric first walked into the work place, you could tell that Scotty recognized Eric in his own simple way. This is where they work and where they were kept busy with simple tasks to earn small amounts of money. Task like shredding paper, folding and delivering towels. Scotty has a favorite chair and continues to twiddle a stick or his special brush. This is what he does best while he makes his special sound with his edentured mouth. These handicapped people live a simple life but seem to be content and happy. Great lessons we can all learn from.

Can't forget the food at Marys in Sanoma square. The boys love to eat. We had a memorable trip playing tennis in Davis, visiting at the cemetary where Eric's parents are buried, driving and walking the streets of Eric's past. This truly was a trip to remember.