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.