With the kids on spring break,
we headed to the Bay Area to explore
some new places in S.F.,
namely the Mission District, Mission Dolores Park, the Sutro Baths,
and Lands End trails.
The Mission District is a prime example of how best
to tour the many neighborhoods of S.F.:
Park & Walk
Is this not the most beautiful pocket park EVER?
I love, love, love the colors here!
Everything is so vibrant!
Not to mention...
tasty!
These pastries are what I grew up on!
If you've never tried Mexican pastries,
they're colorful, drier in texture,
and far less sweet.
A perfect addition to our picnic basket!
On our way to the park,
a photo shoot!
Mission Dolores Park
In the heart of the city,
it has sprawling green hills,
and a throwback playground
complete with a killer old-school slide!
The first thing we did was use the facilities.
Every inch was covered in grafitti and other colorful tidbits
and it's the only time I've encouraged
my children NOT to read!
I mentioned the hills...we can't resist!
Alright, already!
It's time for some ice cream!
Down the street is a
local fave with supper yummy flavors!
What did we order today?
Salted Caramel
Brown Butter Pecan
Brown Sugar with Ginger Caramel Swirl
They never fail to impress with something different
and utterly delicious!
Time to explore!
And just be silly!
Next up:
{ Featuring what isn't even Buffalo at all, but American Bison! }
We were so excited to take the kids here,
unfortunately they thought it was lame!
All they wanted to do was hit the beach!
While Samuel forced the kids to ooh & ahh over the buffalo,
I sat in the car.
Can you guess why?
Coming back they noticed something 1000 times
more exciting than 500 + pound animals.
3 lb. rodents!
On the way we met a guy who let us peek through his
scope to see two of the rarest birds on the west coast!
I wish I could tell you what they were,
but I can't!
And they flew away two seconds later anyway!
It is beautiful here!
At the bottom of the steps and to the right is
an awesome cave.
As the waves thunder against the rock you feel (and hear)
the pounding in a surreal and almost creepy way!
Owen was anxious to get out of there,
and I'll admit,
I think we all were!
But first,
a peek at the view.
As we began to explore the bath ruins,
we saw the filming of a music video!
They quickly wrapped things up,
and just in time because
you-know-who
were on the loose!
Don't they always go in the tub?
I remember coming here with my grandparents when I was small.
It was awesome to introduce my little family
to places I used to run around as a kid!
...
Speaking of kids...
I'm totally partial,
but they are
G O R G E O U S !
Iris could play in the flowers all day,
"San Francisco's wildest and rockiest coast."
1,200 miles of California coastline trails that span over 15 counties!
It's 112 steps down...
...but well worth it!
Our kiddies are never happier than at the beach!
It was the
piece de resistance
of our trip!
It's tradition!
Up and out with a great cardio workout!
And plenty of kisses!
On the trail we met up with two brothers visiting from Michigan
(the birthplace of Samuel's mother!).
They were in awe of California,
and did a terrible job of upselling Michigan!
I quote,
"You don't want to go there."
We gave our must-see recommendations and...
...they were off!
It's fun meeting people discovering this state for the first time.
It reminds you to appreciate all that we have!
