California Dreamin'
08/02/2017
A busy, whirlwind trip to California has left me a bit "lagged" and kinda foggy . . . but with great memories of 4 fun days with Erin.
As you may remember, Erin is doing a summer internship with LinkedIn -- and that's what brought me to the Silicon Valley. . . LinkedIn Intern Day last Friday.
It was really fun to spend a day on the LinkedIn campus, learning about the company, meeting Erin's "team," and being totally WOWed everywhere I looked. (What you hear about tech companies? Pretty much all true. It's like a wonderland . . . ) Probably what I liked best, though, was the Intern Fair -- where each intern presented their summer work to the rest of the company.
The LinkedIn interns work on "real," meaty projects during their tenure. They work very hard! Erin works in the engineering department -- doing internal software documentation. I think my favorite part of the day was watching Erin explain her project to engineers.
This internship has been a great experience for Erin -- she's learned a lot, lived independently in a new place far from home, and set herself up for future success. (Even though she misses Keith and her kitty terribly, and whines about her roommates incessantly.) It was great to be able to see Erin "in action." Burst-your-buttons-Mom-pride is still a Thing . . . even when your kid is a grown-up 28!
After the Intern Fair, I stuck around for the weekend so Erin and I could spend some time together and take a couple of day trips.
First, we took the train in to San Francisco and spent a day sight-seeing. (I've been to San Francisco many times, but Erin had never visited.)
In true San Francisco style, what started out like this . . .
ended up like this!
We had a great time on Fisherman's Wharf, eating sundaes at the Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory and sourdough bread at Boudins, sipping Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista, and taking a whirlwind tour of the city from the top of an open-air bus. It was a really fun day . . . plus THIS just never fails to thrill.
The next day, we decided to drive down the coast a bit on famous Highway One to visit some California beaches. We stopped in Santa Cruz for brunch (so many surfers!), and then headed further south to Monterey.
(And, no. We didn't have time to visit the aquarium. We'll save that one for next time!)
Erin loves beaches. (Loves.) So she made the most of our brief time in Monterey.
We really had a great time together, and I'm so glad to have had this chance to go out for a quick visit. (The only thing we didn't do that we had hoped to do . . . was shop for jewelry for her to wear for her upcoming wedding. Oh, well. There's still time . . . )
This week, you can be sure I'll be humming California Dreamin' all the time!
Besides a great trip to CA with lots of wonderful sights and great photos, I'm really glad you got a chance to see Erin in action. Some of my best times visiting Fort Collins have been when I attended classes that Ryan was teaching. Parents don't often get a chance to see their grown kids putting their amazing skills to work, but like you said, it's a huge "burst-your-buttons-Mom-pride" moment!
Posted by: Bonny | 08/02/2017 at 08:42 AM
I'm so glad you got to be their for Erin's presentation and then some fun tourist things, too!
Posted by: Carole | 08/02/2017 at 08:58 AM
What a fantastic opportunity! And, how fun! And, yes, those "burst-your-buttons-mom-pride" are just the best moments ever! XO
Posted by: AsKatKnits | 08/02/2017 at 09:35 AM
So much fun for you two! And man is she a natural beauty!
Posted by: Patty | 08/02/2017 at 10:09 AM
What a great trip you had!! Looks like Erin is really enjoying her summer internship. So happy you two had some time together. Welcome home!!
Posted by: Vera | 08/02/2017 at 10:20 AM
How fun to see the area through the Erin's fresh eyes. It is no wonder you felt that bursting parental pride, as Erin is quite an accomplished and independent young woman. Good job, Kym! Good job, Erin!
Posted by: margene | 08/02/2017 at 10:47 AM
Oh, what a fun trip!! I love traveling/exploring with my kids. Bursting mama buttons is never a bad thing... cool to observe Erin doin' her thing.
Posted by: Vicki | 08/02/2017 at 10:57 AM
What a great trip! Too bad you didn't get to the aquarium, but it's something to look forward to for the next time.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | 08/02/2017 at 11:57 AM
Isn't amazing to watch your children in their professional lives?! sounds like a pretty full weekend!
Posted by: Geri | 08/02/2017 at 04:11 PM
I LUV San Francisco...so glad you had such a wonderful time with your daughter...and that you shared! I laughed out loud at the photo of Erin with her hat...That's SF in summer for you! Bet you never thought that your daughter - at 28 - would be showing her ideas on a science-fair type display board! What fun!
Cheers~
Posted by: Honore´ | 08/02/2017 at 04:29 PM
A piece of my heart is in San Francisco! And isn't it wonderful to spend that time with our daughters?
Posted by: Juliann | 08/02/2017 at 10:55 PM
Real SF sourdough bread. ::sigh:: ::drool::
Posted by: kmkat | 08/02/2017 at 11:08 PM
Oh yes! Proud Mom moments are the best ... and combining them with a trip like that, well ... it doesn't get any better! (welcome home - hope the lag is short-lived!)
Posted by: Mary | 08/03/2017 at 08:28 AM