San Francisco [Day 3]

Now that I think about it, there wasn't a single day of this mini-vacation that we didn't hit the ground running. Day three's itinerary included the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and Little Italy.

We started off with a big breakfast at Home Plate upon the recommendation of one of the locals. It was excellent fueled us up for what was to come. We then went to catch a bus that would take us across the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands. We sat there. And sat there. And finally asked a passing bus driver who informed us that the bus that goes across the bridge only runs on the weekends.

Great.

So we hopped on a different bus that would at least take us to the Golden Gate Bridge. When we arrived, we decided that, hey, let's walk this thing! It's not that long. I mean, we can see the other side. Well, it was quite the trek. 1.7 miles each way, not to mention the hike up to Battery Spencer once we got across. It was beautiful though. And we felt very accomplished once we finally arrived back. 

Golden Gate from the Marin Headlands

Aaron at the Marin Headlands

Golden Gate from Battery Spencer

Kids playing at Battery Spencer--it's like a giant playhouse!

Aaron, Abby, & Carson at the Marin Headlands

Sea lion playing in the water looking down from the bridge

The afternoon led us to Little Italy/North Beach for pizza at Tony's, play time at the park, and a trip to an Italian bakery. This was probably one of the only times where we really just sat with no agenda, and it was nice. Aaron and I sat on a bench at the park and watched the kids play with a sweet dog they met for probably an hour. The view was beautiful and so was the weather. And the kids were in need of some time to run and be loud without us hushing them.

The kids loved playing with the dogs at this park

By the evening, the exhaustion had caught up with Carson, so he and I stayed back a the hotel and watched a movie while Abby and Aaron went souvenir shopping and to Ghiradelli Square.

All in all, I was really amazed and happy with all that we were able to fit into our three days in San Francisco! It is a fun and unique city with so many experiences to offer. This was probably the first "urban" vacation we'd done as a family, but our kids enjoyed it and handled it like rock stars. They were great with public transportation. They really appreciated all the food, architecture, and the people. And I do need to just give a shout out to the people of San Francisco--they were so incredibly friendly. I can't tell you how many times people stopped to help or give advice or to recommend good places to eat--sometimes without us even asking. The people made us feel right at home here, and it made a huge difference. We will definitely be back, San Francisco!

San Francisco [Day 2]

We hit the ground running on day two in San Francisco. We got up early so that we could make it to the Alcatraz ferry by 8:30. Well, at this point, we I didn't really have a very good handle yet on the bus system, which resulted in us (with the assistance of one of may incredibly helpful locals) hopping a different bus and speed-walking/jogging throughout much of San Francisco. But we actually made it with a couple minutes to spare.

Hurrying to the ferry terminal

Alcatraz in the fog

Arriving at Alcatraz

Alcatraz ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. Not only was it fascinating from a historical point (there was even a guy there who had been a prisoner at Alcatraz back in the day), but the island itself was beautiful with stunning views. If you go to San Francisco, don't miss it.

The kids in the "yard" at Alcatraz.

Our little criminal.

The cell of one of the escapees complete with fake head.

 Once again, gotta get those Junior Ranger badges!

Being sworn in as Junior Rangers at Alcatraz

On the way back from Alcatraz, Aaron and the kids made friends with the ferry captain, and he invited the kids to come up and drive the ferry across San Francisco Bay. This was easily the other favorite for these guys. They were giddy with excitement!

By that point, we'd worked up an appetite, so we headed over to Chinatown to explore and find something good for lunch. Chinatown was an experience--it was like walking into a foreign country. We had lunch at House of Nanking, which we'd highly recommend, visited a fortune cookie factory, and walked the streets. It was great!

Best lunch in Chinatown! Hello, onion cakes and sesame chicken!

Chinatown!

Our 50 cent picture.

The alley where we found the Fortune Cookie Factory. See it? :)

After a couple hours in Chinatown, we headed over to The San Francisco Maritime NHP to tour some of their ships, learn a little history, and (you guessed it) earn some Junior Ranger badges!

Touring an 1800's merchant ship

Junior Rangers!

We then hopped on a streetcar over to the famed Pier 39 to see the sights and the sea lions (mainly the sea lions). It was touristy and hot, but still a fun place to walk through. We rested our aching feet by watching a magic show for a while. The sea lions were fun to see, just lounging around.

Fun at Pier 39

Sea lions at Pier 39

We packed a lot into our day, and when it was done, we all crashed pretty quickly!

Worn out at the end of the day

San Francisco [Day 1]

A few months ago, we just happened upon an incredible deal on airfare from Houston to San Francisco. It was not a trip we'd been planning, but we felt like it was a deal we couldn't pass up. (Bonus points that it just happened to be my birthday week!) 

So, January 12th we got up early early early to board our 6am flight in Houston. The kids were excited/nervous for their first flight.

Ready for their first flight! (Well, Abby flew at 18 months, but...)

When we landed, the pilot let Abby and Carson into the cock pit, which they thought was awesome, of course.

 Abby gets to check out the cockpit after the flight!

Carson gets to check out the cockpit after the flight!

We landed in San Francisco and took off! We hopped on a train, and then on a bus (we decided not to rent a car while we were there), and then we parted ways. The boys had booked a tour at the Giants' ballpark just after lunch, so they got off the bus and headed for the park, while Abby and I dropped all of our luggage off at the hotel and then went to go spend some girly time together. We walked to the Marina and then to Ghiradelli Square, where we had a huge ice cream sundae for lunch. (Why not?!)

Boys at AT&T Park (Home of the SF Giants)

Boys at AT&T Park (Home of the SF Giants)

Girlie time at Ghirardelli Square! Yes, that was our lunch.

Boys at AT&T Park (Home of the SF Giants)

We met up with the guys after their tour and walked over to the Ferry Market (deemed a sort-of food court for foodies) for a bite to eat. It was a really nice place with lots of good eats.

Ferry Market Building (It's like a food court for foodie's!)

After going to the hotel to regroup/refresh, we headed over to Fisherman's Wharf for the evening. We enjoyed playing tons of old games at Musee Mechanique and then went to get some authentic sourdough from Boudin's Bakery. (I had clam chowder in a sourdough bowl--how's that for San Francisco?!)

Musee Mechanique

Musee Mechanique

Musee Mechanique

Watching them make Sourdough at Boudin Bakery

Day one in San Francisco was really nice. I may or may  not have put us on the wrong bus (or the right bus going the wrong way) a few times, but we sort of got the lay of the land and had a wonderful time!