A Day by the Bay

When good friend and now acclaimed children's book author, Dorina, invited us to her book signing in the Bay Area, we did what we do best and made a day trip out of it. Yesterday we spent the morning in San Francisco at Pier 39 and then the afternoon in Stanford to meet up with Dorina and her family.

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On Pier 39 your senses go into overload. There is loud, live music, street performers, protesters and, of course, the seals barking. There are the smells of salt and fish, hot dogs and fried things. People, random rides and attractions, a farmer's market and a myriad of tourist shops make a rainbow of colors. To just stroll down the pier is an experience. Ella really really loved it.

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(Ella is asking what the seals are singing. She came to the conclusion that it was "Jesus Loves Me" and proceeded to bark out the song with them-- didn't get that in the video, though.)

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Delia loved standing at the end of pier to watch the sailboats and motorboats cruising in the bay.

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At Books Inc., Dorina and her book were celebrated with a presentation and signing. We got to hear her read Cora Cooks Pancit and interact with her audience, showing us a real bag of Pancit noodles and even sampling some Pancit she made for the occasion. Delia was on a personal mission to collect every copy of the now-familiar book that the store had on display. Ella was delighted to have Dorina write a special message in her book. Ella and Meilani also enjoyed some story time with Ericlee.

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I was just happy to see my friend. Once the signing concluded, we got a little chance to chat as our families walked around the Stanford campus together.

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