The kids had a fall break and we were able to use that time to travel to California and visit family. They are able to visit us more often due to schedules, but when we have the chance to visit, we do our best. The kids are growing up and with college, work, etc, it will be harder and harder to visit as a complete family so this visit we used the opportunity to visit landmarks in the Bay Area. Diego had to take care of school and business. He flew up a day after we arrived. We drove and on the way there, we picked up my brother David. Matt did all the driving so we could stare out the window. Thank you Matt for driving us.
Our visit started with the Intel Museum. I did not realize how much fun it would be to visit. It was free and they had a lot of things to learn and interact. We had fun. While driving around, we noticed there was an American Firearms Museum so we stopped in. We were going to check out Winchester, but it did not work out. That will be one we can save for the next trip. It was interesting to see all the different guns over time.
Our fun continued moving us towards San Francisco. We wanted the kids to experience a trolley car ride. The rides are not extremely long but we were able to see the hills and our “driver” was funny and very nice. The weather was gorgeous as well. Matt took us to a great spot to eat lunch…Bubba Gump. It did not take long for the kids to realize it was based on Forrest Gump. We were able to sit next to a window and watch the sealions.
Our next visit was to Alcatraz. Now, I have no idea why I didn’t take a picture with the family under the Alcatraz sign, but the only thing I can think of is when you get off the ferry, the ranger calls you over and they we were off to tour the island. I remember being there one time when I was younger. They pass out headphones and devices that allow you to listen while you walk around the island. It was very nice because we could start and stop as we wanted to. The opened areas that are not always open. Matt, David, Jeo, Diego, Emilio, Demario, Jade, and I had a very good time. The views from the island were beautiful. We had a special treat while we were there. One of Alcatraz’ original inmates, Bill Baker, was there signing his book.
After we finished the island, I read that the house from the TV show, Full House, was close by. Jade loves the show. Matt drove us to the house. They were doing remodeling on the house, but that did not stop us from taking a picture in front of it. We took the kids to see Lombard street. You can’t go to San Francisco and not see the worlds crookedest street. At night, Matt and Pilar took Jeo, Jade and me to Twin Peaks and Treasure Island. The fog set in as we got to the top of Twin Peaks but was still fun and we were able to see the lights.
While we were there, we did a small birthday celebration for Jade since we were not going to be with the grandparents and uncles on her birthday.
Our Panda had puppies! She had four, 2 boys and 2 girls. Each color had one sex, so the brown set was one boy and one girl, etc. She did awesome. She went to her box when she was ready and took care of them as they came out. She had them the day before Jade’s birthday. The kids were able to choose and name their own dog.
Jade turned 12. We tell her she will always be 5 years old to us. This birthday was extra special with the new puppies also being born.
-Alisha
