Our Last Day in the City by the Bay

We began the day by going to walk around the Oakland Temple.

After that,we headed to the San Francisco Zoo.  It is a nice zoo (but pricy).  We really loved seeing the chimpanzees because we came as they were feeding them.  The zookeeper was there to talk with us as well. She said that they do different things each day to feed them.  That day they gave them grocery bags with their food.  They get a special food that contains the necessary nutrients, and they get some additional foods that provide additional nutrients as well as variety and interest.  There were 3 chimpanzees and each seemed to know what belonged to who and they would grab their containers and then separate to eat.  They drank water (or some liquid) out of a cup.  One had a box of cereal.  It was really interesting to listen to the zookeeper.

There were lots of the typical animals but also some we don't have at our local zoo:  wallaroos, koalas, lions, and others.  It really was a fun zoo to visit.

We loved watching this baby monkey swing and play.

After we finished at the zoo, we got lunch and then headed to Ghiradelli Square to get some ice cream and also to wander around to do a bit more souvenir shopping.  Such yummy ice cream treats!  Michelle and I got some unique, handmade shirts.  Suzy bought some jewelry as did Michelle.  Alfredo got a really beautiful set of photos of San Francisco.  Gabby got a keyring and a shirt.  Ella had bought a shirt at Muir Woods and decided she wanted to save the rest of her money.

Then we took the kids and Suzy back to the hotel.  We did some of our packing and got a lot of things ready to leave the next morning.  Then Suzy stayed with the girls and played games in the hotel room while Alfredo and I went out for our anniversary.

Alfredo and I went to Jack London Square in Oakland.  We walked around for a bit to see the square and to decide where to eat. Finally we decided on a restaurant that served seafood.  Since Jack London Square is right by the water, we decided to get some good seafood.  The food was delicious!  Seriously so delicious.

A statue in Jack London Square...the plaque above describes the statue.  There was also a reconstruction of Jack London's cabin (made out of the actual wood and materials his cabin had been made out of.)

I got sea scallops because our waitress suggested them.  I was so glad I did.  They were so delicious.  I don't know what type of sauce they put on them, but it was wonderful.  I was tempted to lick my plate because it was so tasty (but I refrained).  

Alfredo got lobster mac n cheese.  It was quite tasty too.  He also ordered 4 oysters. I tried one but didn't care for it, but he really liked them.  We sat outside where we could see the water and feel the breeze (which got quite chilly, but they did turn on heat lamps which felt nice.)  It was a beautiful evening, a wonderful location and delicious food.  Quite a nice way to spend our anniversary evening.

14 Years of Marriage!  So grateful that this guy makes me laugh, works so hard, takes such good care of our children, buys me thoughtful gifts, supports me in my church callings, encourages me to work toward my dreams, and does so much to make my life better and easier.

This is totally not romantic, but I realized something on this trip.  I've been on 3 other trips this summer (Nauvoo with Michelle, youth conference, girls camp).  For the past couple of years, I have noticed that traveling tends to do weird things to my digestive system.  I tend to get an upset stomach, gas and just feel very uncomfortable...sometimes downright miserable.  I've tried several things and while a few have helped, none have solved the problem.  But on this trip, I never felt that way.  Just having him there calms my nerves enough that my digestion doesn't go all crazy on me and make me feel lousy.  And for that, I am grateful.  It made this trip so much more pleasant.

On Tuesday, we headed home.  The girls did really well again.  They played, talked, watched a movie, slept, sucked on ring pops and mostly had a pretty good time in the car. Alfredo drove and drove and drove.  So grateful that he likes to drive because I really don't like to. 

When we got home, our cute friends/neighbors who had been caring for our dog and fish, had written welcome home messages on our carport with sidewalk chalk.  They also left this cute note on our front door.  Grateful for them as well! 

Sunday in San Francisco

Sunday probably ended up being my favorite day...although every day was wonderful.

We went to sacrament meeting in a ward near Oakland and heard a beautiful testimony meeting.

Then we headed to Muir Woods.  Muir Woods is a national monument purchased by William and Elizabeth Kent and donated to the federal government.  William Kent asked that it be named after conservationist John Muir.  Muir was instrumental in getting Teddy Roosevelt to dedicate the first national parks.  John Muir said to Kent, "This is the best tree-lover's monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.  You have done me great honor, and I am proud of it."

Statue of John Muir outside the gift shop

 Muir Woods is a forest filled with ancient coast redwoods.  They are remarkable!  So tall, and so beautiful.  We rode in a shuttle up to the forest and it is a beautiful area...with two lakes near the woods.

View from the shuttle of one of the lakes

We took part of the Canopy View Trail up, and then we did a 1 mile loop walk along the Redwood Creek Trail.  It was breathtakingly beautiful and I loved the smell of the trees.  I loved being in one of our Heavenly Father's beautiful creations with my family.  Now if I am being completely honest, it wasn't all peaceful and beautiful.  Our kids don't do as much hiking as they should and Gabby quickly tired.  Both Gabby and Ella wanted to go to the beach.  So there was some whining.  But still, it was so pretty and I am so glad we went.

I thought this had good advice.

After Muir Woods, we started heading toward a beach.  On our way, Alfredo saw a sign for a scenic overlook and decided to follow that road...which led us to an outstanding view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

  There were signs saying that Rodeo Beach was on the same road as this scenic overlook, so we decided to follow the road and see what that beach was like...figuring that if it wasn't good, we would continue on to the beach we'd been planning to go to.  It ended up being wonderful.  It is a small beach, kind of tucked away.  There weren't very many people there.  And best of all, shortly after we arrived, we noticed three dolphins playing in the water.  I spent much of my time there watching the dolphins.  I have never seen dolphins in the wild before.  It was a perfect moment...sitting on the beach next to my husband, watching my children play in the water and watching dolphins as well.  It was windy and a bit chilly, but just wonderful.

The dolphins were far enough away that I couldn't get great photos of them, but I loved watching them.  So did the girls.

There was this beautiful little wetland next to the beach where birds find shelter.

Suzy took a long walk on the beach. 

It was so beautiful...and peaceful...and fun.

Sitting on the beach next to Alfredo, reflecting on our 14 years of marriage, watching our children laugh and play, watching dolphins, feeling the breeze and the salty air...it was a truly perfect moment.

The girls thought it was fun to try to push Alfredo and I into the water.    I should have put my swim suit on because I got pretty wet.

Gabby was so excited...she got a photo right when Alfredo fell into the water, thanks to Michelle.

It was a beautiful day filled with happy and pleasant moments.  I am so thankful for the memories we made, the laughter and fun we shared, and the opportunity to enjoy and reflect on the beauty of this world.  And I am also thankful for 14 years with a great husband and father.