We arrived home after a long flight during the night and a layover in Cincinnati. Made it home around noon. Today we are not walking along the side of a mountain or feeling the spray of an amazing waterfall. Today we are not fascinated by the tidal creatures of the Pacific ocean or exploring the sights, sounds, and smells of a new city. We are home where we enjoy simple common things like the sounds of insects and birds, the beautiful red setting sun over the little lake through the dark evening trees. We have arrived where our beds are our own and we are still together as a family. We are home.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
August 16, 2011
Our last day of this magnificent trip of a life time with our children. We slept in and got a slow start to make up for our anticipated late/long night. Ate breakfast at the Eagle Cafe on Pier 39. Oh, what a super yummy breakfast we did eat. It is a good thing that we did not spend our entire two and a half weeks in this city as we ate too much while we were here. After our meal we walked along the bay to the Exploratorium at the Palace of Fine Arts. Today was cooler and foggier than our other days in San Francisco. What a surprise to have the Golden Gate Bridge missing its upper suspension support and the islands barely visible. The weather didn't deter the hardy souls who were swimming in the bay. We learned yesterday that the brackish water in the bay is 55 degrees.
The Exploratorium was by far the largest collection of hands on scientific based experiences we had ever seen. Andrew thoroughly every exhibit by reading the information that explained each scientific experience and doing the activity, many of which explained concepts he learned about from his wonderful science teachers. He was appalled that Ellis moved quickly through each experience. Each had a great time, but in their own way.
We walked back along North Point Street and the tight houses lining the street. We learned later that the area we walked through had been destroyed in earthquake in the 1990's.
Trying to take advantage of our last eating opportunities dinner was split between the In and Out Burger and the Thai place next door. Dessert, not that we needed it, was Ghiradelli. This time we split sundaes and felt much more comfortable. Nothing left of our peanut butter sundae or the cookie bottom sundae.
As we still had more time left before we needed to head to the airport, Andrew requested a stop at the Bourdin bread store for his very own loaf of sourdough. He is anticipating several days of delicious toast. Ellis selected a visit to a candy store with the largest variety of salt water taffy on this side of the Mississippi.
How interesting it is to spend time with our wonderful and so very different children. At this point none of us are anxious to get home, but probably ready. We have had such a great time together, experiencing so much of what the west coast has to offer, yet sharing experiences together and making memories that will last a life time.
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 15, 2011
What better way to celebrate 19 years of marriage than a trip to Alcatraz! Happy Anniversary, Honey! The island holds more history than we knew serving as a strategic fort to protect the city and used in the civil war to hold prisoners before its famous 30 years as a maximum security prison. Alcatraz was overtaken by Native Americas for a span of time demanding better treatment and the return of tribal land. It is now part of the National Park Service.
We got our sourdough fix with lunch at Boubin. Their history and sourdough production was very interesting not to mention their unique loaves of bread in the shape of turtles, alligators, crabs, teddy bears. We had bread bowls of soup and sourdough pizza.
Visited the Aquarium at the Bay and really enjoyed the two tunnel aquariums. The schools of anchovies were amazing. Check out this plastic bag mockumentary we saw at the aquarium http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw . The children were highly entertained by this video. I am glad we have made an effort to use less plastic the past few years.
Dinner was delicious- Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes! Wouldn't want to miss out on this San Francisco classic!
Tomorrow evening we will head home.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
August 14, 2011
Traveled westward back to San Francisco. In order to cross the Golden Gate Bridge we headed into the city from the north. Stopped at Muir Woods National Monument before crossing the bridge. Took a shuttle into the Muir Woods as the parking lot was full. I thought that we were done traveling on narrow, steep, winding roads. I was wrong. Wow, there were a lot of people enjoying the Muir Woods area. Took a great hike along the Redwoods, ferns, and stream. Ellis selected a seedling Sequoia tree as something to remember our trip by. What a beautiful area.
Turned in the rental car and settled into our new hotel. Ate In-n-Out burgers in our room. Can't wait to see the city tomorrow.
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