Day 1
My Sister got a job in California and we decided a road trip was in order. The kids have been so excited for this adventure, but the drawback to a long road trip is the long car ride especially when C proved himself a holy terror on our last St George trip. He screamed the whole way there and the whole way back. And I mean screamed. It took every ounce of my self restraint not to lose it. Alas, screamer or not...it was time to drive.
Clearly it was time to utilize electronic devices vs games of "I Spy". We jimmy rigged our iPad to the ceiling with rubber bands. It was janky and worked perfectly. I hereby apologize for judging all people everywhere who have ever plugged their kids into electronics in the car. I gratefully join you.
I have driven by the Salt Flats once before and it did not strike me as anything spectacular, but this time it seemed pristine and sparkly and bright. We were all in awe and wanted to get out, but Steve felt we could appreciate the view from the car.
Thankfully the kids chose that exact moment to tell us they had to potty. We pulled into the next rest stop and were stunned by the glory of blindingly white salt. It was awesome and we spent the next half hour walking, running, touching, and tasting it.
My Sister was excited when we got there and had dinner waiting for us. She presented the kids each with a cup she had purchased in their honor.
She took us to a dessert place she had discovered called Vampire Penguin that she found addictive in all the right ways. Truth: it was a fun dessert. It is flavored snow with toppings. It is unlike any other dessert out there. They were all delicious except the Halo Halo. Apparently having sugary, sweetened beans as a topping is an acquired taste; one that none of us want to acquire.
Day 2
We went to church where we listened to my Sister give a talk in Sacrament Meeting. Well done!
Then the boys changed into the clothes they brought to explore Sacramento. I should have looked at what they brought.
We headed to Old Sac and loved the old western feel. We were able to ride in a horse drawn carriage.
We strolled around looking at shops.
We climbed on a train.
We rode the steam engine. Hearing a steam engine in person is a deafening experience. They are extremely loud when the steam is released.
We ended up in Candy Heaven because they allow two pieces of free candy, but you want to talk about a weird vibe. The gentleman who owns it is the Pied Piper in the flesh and has a distinctly creepy. Distance is recommended. That said..it was good, reasonably priced candy and the Ginger Cuts were heavenly.
Produce Junction was delightful and oh so refreshing. Some favorites were the watermelon slush and orange juice freeze.
Resting in the shade of Produce Junction while wearing the candy necklaces given to them for free by the fellow who was reminiscent of the Pied Piper.
When we got back we spent a long time taste testing the salt water taffy we bought at Candy Heaven.
Day 3
Steve insisted we go to San Francisco since we would be so close. I thought it was unnecessary, but I was wrong. San Francisco was great!
We started our day early in Muir Woods.The fog hung low over the road and mist curled through the Redwoods. There were very few people and we were able to explore and breathe in the damp, cool, earthy smells. It is the only National Park we've been in that requests hushed voices. It made all the difference. We were in awe.
Then we headed to the Marin Headlands to see Point Bonita Lighthouse which is a working lighthouse that is only open three hours, two days a week. I was so so excited to see a working lighthouse that I glazed over the description that said "steep and precarious". We parked and stored our valuables in the trunk and started the quarter mile hike to the trailhead. At the trailhead there was a large sign that, loosely translated, said "Do Not Store Your Valuables in Your Car" so I sent everyone ahead while I jogged back to rescue our items. It turned out to be a VERY good thing I did not accompany everyone to the lighthouse because while it was absolutely stunningly beautiful it was indeed "steep and precarious" with fencing that merely acted as a suggestion to stay on the paved path. I am PETRIFIED of heights and water and it became CRYSTAL CLEAR that I would be confronting both fears simultaneously. By the time I caught up with fam at the bridge to cross over to the lighthouse my anxiety was almost paralyzing especially when my kiddos came within three feet of the "fence". Directly beyond the fence were sheer cliffs that plummeted hundreds of feet into waves crashing against the rocky shore. The website described this particular area as "treacherous" for ships passing through soooo...that was not reassuring. It should be mentioned that everyone else was calm as a summer's morn and loved the walk, the view, and the lighthouse until I got there. I would have enjoyed it so much more if my kids were older and not trying to step on the outside of the fencing. I'm looking at you D...
Before we left for California we asked people where to go and many directed us to the Jelly Belly Factory. We even watched YouTube videos where people ate "Belly Flops" or imperfect jelly beans and provided commentary on the experience. Turns out the factory was pretty great. We got there an hour before closing and only made it halfway through the tour which was a bummer because we were learning so much about the serious world of jelly bean making. Did you know it takes two weeks to make a jelly bean? Fascinating stuff.
We ended the day taste testing Jelly Belly Belly Flops.
Day 4
Happy Birthday Sister! To celebrate we headed to Coloma, the site of the California Gold Rush. The American River where the first gold was found rushes cold and clear. It is not hard to imagine what it would have looked like in 1848.
We tried our hand at sawing logs.
The Miners Ten Commandments were humorous and interesting.
Then we meandered to the American River Cherry Company where dreams come true. That should be their tagline. It is run by a lady who lives on the property. Thirty years ago her husband turned the surrounding land into a berry farm and cherry orchard. It was pure heaven...for my Sister, M and I. To Steve and the boys it seemed like an awful lot like work. The perk was we could eat as much as we wanted while we picked. I have never understood the appeal of blackberries, but I get it now. We also picked raspberries which were delicious, but it was the marionberries that stole the show. They are a mild, sweet blackberry. Fresh off the vine and warmed by the sun, they burst with tart sweetness. We also took home several pounds of cherries. It was perfection.
Day 5
Steve wanted to go back to San Francisco so we headed that way. We drove through Davis which took us through thousands of acres of orchards and farmland. So beautiful and pastoral. I have never thought California is nice to visit, but I take it all back. I loved northern California. So picturesque. For example, we needed to get gas and I was irritated with Steve that he hadn't filled up before we left. He pulled over at the next exit and the most glorious sight was before us...sunflowers as far as the eye could see. We jumped out of the car and spent thirty minutes oohing and aahing.
This next series of photos were inspired by two gals who also stopped to get gas and stumbled upon the sunflower field. I watched in shocked fascination as they posed in the most unnatural and contrived ways over and over again trying to get an "effortless" photo, but it was the moment when one of them puckered her lips and pretended to kiss the sunflower that made me think she was trying a little too hard. I pointed it out to my Sister and she explained that was what social media has turned her generation into. (That made me sad.) Then she threw out a series of poses that are common on "insta" and other social media platforms. She did not know I was snapping as fast as she was posing.
After the sunflower field we continued on to San Francisco.
The goal was Pier 39, but we got a little lost and ended up at Pier 43 which took us down some sketchier streets. Of course at this moment, the kids had to go to the bathroom. We found one down a dim alley in an underground alcove which had to be unlocked with a code given to us by a local shop owner. Once inside, it was mostly decent, but when I locked the stall, written in sharpie were the words RIP Brittany. I suddenly had the feeling Brittany had died of a drug overdose in the same stall were I was sitting. Could have been my overactive imagination or it could have been the prevalence of drug use and homelessness that permeates San Francisco that made it a real possibility.
While we did not intend to walk so far down I am glad we did because we got to see a less shellacked part of the city. We also saw Boudin's Bakery and while we could not go in because of all the wheat in the air, it was fun to watch the friendly baker prepare chocolate chip loaves. Steve and I would like to come back someday and eat our way through San Fran.
We eventually made it to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 where we saw a few sea lions.
M is left handed and she was ecstatic when we found a left handed store.
Then it was time to get up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge. A friend told us to go to Fort Point National Historic Site. It was closed, but that did not stop us from exploring. It seemed silly to get excited over a bridge, but it was so dang beautiful. Every angle brought more delight.
Steve and my Sister explored a pier while I took the kids to run up and down the shore of Chrissy Field Beach. It was freezing, but perfectly lovely.
Next we headed over to see the Painted Ladies and totally geeked out. Watching Full House as a child and Fuller House as an adult has made me feel like part of the Tanner family.
Apparently I have innumerable brothers and sisters brought together by a television show because there were 40-50 other people doing the exact same thing as us. People were lounging on the grass, everyone pointed toward the Painted Ladies, and taking countless pictures. It was weird, creepy, and oddly fun.
Our dentist completed dental school in San Fran and gave us two tips 1) dress warm during the summer months and 2) get ice cream at Mitchell's. We took the advice to heart and while there was debate about going to Mitchell's, the kids finally persuaded us to go.
So. Glad. They. Did.
The ice cream is out of this world. The cantaloupe was incredible. The coconut was amazing. Oh my, my, my. We've never had anything like it and we would come back to San Fran for the ice cream alone. It is that good. And it looks like we'll have to come back because it is only sold within a two hour radius of the original store.
Day 6
We started the day eating oatmeal pancakes topped with strawberries and the raspberries we picked ourselves. We needed a day to chill so we decided to spend the entire day at the pool. What was awesome about having my sister there is that I never had to get in the pool once. I got to sit on a lounge chair for six hours watching everyone splash around and hearing about their swimming exploits.
At the end of the day we stopped for Frostys and drove past the Folsom State Prison which is mentioned in a Johnny Cash song. Steve insisted this was picture worthy.
Day 7
Steve felt strongly about seeing the Railroad Museum so we headed back to Old Sacramento. However, we didn't get far because there was a huge, gnarly screw in our tire. Thankfully Steve had noticed a place nearby that could fix it within two hours.
My Sister took us to Pushkins a gluten free bakery she found. They had some really neat flavor combinations and J was thrilled to get a treat with the rest of us.
The Railroad Museum was huge and the sleeper car rocked gently to simulate what it would have felt like to ride in it. Probably a good thing we don't travel by train anymore since my Sister and I were both nauseous by the time we exited.
Once we were back at the apartment, the kids and their Aunt played a game and ate a snack. Then we all watched Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse which turned out to be a surprisingly good flick.
Day 8
We packed up despite the kid's pleas to stay.
We had such a good time exploring California can't wait to visit again. Thanks for hosting us Sister!
And for posterity's sake...this is what it looks like when we plan a trip. We research, write down our ideas, vote, group them together, and do it. Wonder what our next adventure will be...
My Sister got a job in California and we decided a road trip was in order. The kids have been so excited for this adventure, but the drawback to a long road trip is the long car ride especially when C proved himself a holy terror on our last St George trip. He screamed the whole way there and the whole way back. And I mean screamed. It took every ounce of my self restraint not to lose it. Alas, screamer or not...it was time to drive.
Hiding from her brothers.
Clearly it was time to utilize electronic devices vs games of "I Spy". We jimmy rigged our iPad to the ceiling with rubber bands. It was janky and worked perfectly. I hereby apologize for judging all people everywhere who have ever plugged their kids into electronics in the car. I gratefully join you.
I have driven by the Salt Flats once before and it did not strike me as anything spectacular, but this time it seemed pristine and sparkly and bright. We were all in awe and wanted to get out, but Steve felt we could appreciate the view from the car.
Thankfully the kids chose that exact moment to tell us they had to potty. We pulled into the next rest stop and were stunned by the glory of blindingly white salt. It was awesome and we spent the next half hour walking, running, touching, and tasting it.
My Sister was excited when we got there and had dinner waiting for us. She presented the kids each with a cup she had purchased in their honor.
She took us to a dessert place she had discovered called Vampire Penguin that she found addictive in all the right ways. Truth: it was a fun dessert. It is flavored snow with toppings. It is unlike any other dessert out there. They were all delicious except the Halo Halo. Apparently having sugary, sweetened beans as a topping is an acquired taste; one that none of us want to acquire.
Day 2
We went to church where we listened to my Sister give a talk in Sacrament Meeting. Well done!
Then the boys changed into the clothes they brought to explore Sacramento. I should have looked at what they brought.
We headed to Old Sac and loved the old western feel. We were able to ride in a horse drawn carriage.
We strolled around looking at shops.
We climbed on a train.
We rode the steam engine. Hearing a steam engine in person is a deafening experience. They are extremely loud when the steam is released.
We ended up in Candy Heaven because they allow two pieces of free candy, but you want to talk about a weird vibe. The gentleman who owns it is the Pied Piper in the flesh and has a distinctly creepy. Distance is recommended. That said..it was good, reasonably priced candy and the Ginger Cuts were heavenly.
Produce Junction was delightful and oh so refreshing. Some favorites were the watermelon slush and orange juice freeze.
Resting in the shade of Produce Junction while wearing the candy necklaces given to them for free by the fellow who was reminiscent of the Pied Piper.
When we got back we spent a long time taste testing the salt water taffy we bought at Candy Heaven.
Day 3
Steve insisted we go to San Francisco since we would be so close. I thought it was unnecessary, but I was wrong. San Francisco was great!
We started our day early in Muir Woods.The fog hung low over the road and mist curled through the Redwoods. There were very few people and we were able to explore and breathe in the damp, cool, earthy smells. It is the only National Park we've been in that requests hushed voices. It made all the difference. We were in awe.
C was exhausted from waking up so early.
Love how this pic shows how large these trees were.
C dropped to the ground and started playing in the sawdust from a rotting tree.
Reverently and with wonder in his voice, he asked, "What is this I feel?"
My Sister wanted to get the kids to make silly faces.
M made a creepy face.
Which cracked her up.
We were invited to join in the fun.
Two nice ladies offered to take our picture and wanted us to wave.
Waiting to get in the car
Then we headed to the Marin Headlands to see Point Bonita Lighthouse which is a working lighthouse that is only open three hours, two days a week. I was so so excited to see a working lighthouse that I glazed over the description that said "steep and precarious". We parked and stored our valuables in the trunk and started the quarter mile hike to the trailhead. At the trailhead there was a large sign that, loosely translated, said "Do Not Store Your Valuables in Your Car" so I sent everyone ahead while I jogged back to rescue our items. It turned out to be a VERY good thing I did not accompany everyone to the lighthouse because while it was absolutely stunningly beautiful it was indeed "steep and precarious" with fencing that merely acted as a suggestion to stay on the paved path. I am PETRIFIED of heights and water and it became CRYSTAL CLEAR that I would be confronting both fears simultaneously. By the time I caught up with fam at the bridge to cross over to the lighthouse my anxiety was almost paralyzing especially when my kiddos came within three feet of the "fence". Directly beyond the fence were sheer cliffs that plummeted hundreds of feet into waves crashing against the rocky shore. The website described this particular area as "treacherous" for ships passing through soooo...that was not reassuring. It should be mentioned that everyone else was calm as a summer's morn and loved the walk, the view, and the lighthouse until I got there. I would have enjoyed it so much more if my kids were older and not trying to step on the outside of the fencing. I'm looking at you D...
A suspension bridge that swayed and creaked with each step and gust of wind.
Surrounded by rough water and craggy cliffs.
My true to life face the ENTIRE time we were at Point Bonita.
C knew how to distract me.
Walking back and refusing to let go of C.
We took a detour through the city and drove across the Golden Gate Bridge. I had thought we might walk across it, but the walk to Point Bonita changed my mind.
Before we left for California we asked people where to go and many directed us to the Jelly Belly Factory. We even watched YouTube videos where people ate "Belly Flops" or imperfect jelly beans and provided commentary on the experience. Turns out the factory was pretty great. We got there an hour before closing and only made it halfway through the tour which was a bummer because we were learning so much about the serious world of jelly bean making. Did you know it takes two weeks to make a jelly bean? Fascinating stuff.
My kids knew who this was.
They did not know who this was.
We bought 10 pounds of Belly Flops for $30. So worth it.
We ended the day taste testing Jelly Belly Belly Flops.
Day 4
Happy Birthday Sister! To celebrate we headed to Coloma, the site of the California Gold Rush. The American River where the first gold was found rushes cold and clear. It is not hard to imagine what it would have looked like in 1848.
We tried our hand at sawing logs.
The Miners Ten Commandments were humorous and interesting.
Eating a picnic lunch.
C was a regular Don Quixote when he picked up a stick and began attacking the side of the building.
Then we meandered to the American River Cherry Company where dreams come true. That should be their tagline. It is run by a lady who lives on the property. Thirty years ago her husband turned the surrounding land into a berry farm and cherry orchard. It was pure heaven...for my Sister, M and I. To Steve and the boys it seemed like an awful lot like work. The perk was we could eat as much as we wanted while we picked. I have never understood the appeal of blackberries, but I get it now. We also picked raspberries which were delicious, but it was the marionberries that stole the show. They are a mild, sweet blackberry. Fresh off the vine and warmed by the sun, they burst with tart sweetness. We also took home several pounds of cherries. It was perfection.
We followed signs like these for a long time.
Finally saw this sign.
We ended her birthday celebrations with a delicious blackberry cobbler.
Day 5
Steve wanted to go back to San Francisco so we headed that way. We drove through Davis which took us through thousands of acres of orchards and farmland. So beautiful and pastoral. I have never thought California is nice to visit, but I take it all back. I loved northern California. So picturesque. For example, we needed to get gas and I was irritated with Steve that he hadn't filled up before we left. He pulled over at the next exit and the most glorious sight was before us...sunflowers as far as the eye could see. We jumped out of the car and spent thirty minutes oohing and aahing.
This next series of photos were inspired by two gals who also stopped to get gas and stumbled upon the sunflower field. I watched in shocked fascination as they posed in the most unnatural and contrived ways over and over again trying to get an "effortless" photo, but it was the moment when one of them puckered her lips and pretended to kiss the sunflower that made me think she was trying a little too hard. I pointed it out to my Sister and she explained that was what social media has turned her generation into. (That made me sad.) Then she threw out a series of poses that are common on "insta" and other social media platforms. She did not know I was snapping as fast as she was posing.
I prefer this one. I just asked her to smile instead of strike a pose.
After the sunflower field we continued on to San Francisco.
D was bored.
The goal was Pier 39, but we got a little lost and ended up at Pier 43 which took us down some sketchier streets. Of course at this moment, the kids had to go to the bathroom. We found one down a dim alley in an underground alcove which had to be unlocked with a code given to us by a local shop owner. Once inside, it was mostly decent, but when I locked the stall, written in sharpie were the words RIP Brittany. I suddenly had the feeling Brittany had died of a drug overdose in the same stall were I was sitting. Could have been my overactive imagination or it could have been the prevalence of drug use and homelessness that permeates San Francisco that made it a real possibility.
While we did not intend to walk so far down I am glad we did because we got to see a less shellacked part of the city. We also saw Boudin's Bakery and while we could not go in because of all the wheat in the air, it was fun to watch the friendly baker prepare chocolate chip loaves. Steve and I would like to come back someday and eat our way through San Fran.
We eventually made it to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 where we saw a few sea lions.
M is left handed and she was ecstatic when we found a left handed store.
Then it was time to get up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge. A friend told us to go to Fort Point National Historic Site. It was closed, but that did not stop us from exploring. It seemed silly to get excited over a bridge, but it was so dang beautiful. Every angle brought more delight.
Gigantic barges loaded with semi trucks were constantly arriving.
Steve and my Sister explored a pier while I took the kids to run up and down the shore of Chrissy Field Beach. It was freezing, but perfectly lovely.
They thought they were so funny.
M summed up our feelings.
The hunt for shells was invigorating.
A dead crab was a real find. There was also a half eaten shrimp that washed up on shore that we tried to encourage back into the ocean. No pics of that.
Digging.
Posing.
Freezing.
Running back to the car.
Next we headed over to see the Painted Ladies and totally geeked out. Watching Full House as a child and Fuller House as an adult has made me feel like part of the Tanner family.
We were singing the theme song as we drove around and walked up the hill of
Alamo Square Park.
Steve insisted we climb to a point where we could see the cityscape behind the Painted Ladies.
Apparently I have innumerable brothers and sisters brought together by a television show because there were 40-50 other people doing the exact same thing as us. People were lounging on the grass, everyone pointed toward the Painted Ladies, and taking countless pictures. It was weird, creepy, and oddly fun.
Our dentist completed dental school in San Fran and gave us two tips 1) dress warm during the summer months and 2) get ice cream at Mitchell's. We took the advice to heart and while there was debate about going to Mitchell's, the kids finally persuaded us to go.
So. Glad. They. Did.
The ice cream is out of this world. The cantaloupe was incredible. The coconut was amazing. Oh my, my, my. We've never had anything like it and we would come back to San Fran for the ice cream alone. It is that good. And it looks like we'll have to come back because it is only sold within a two hour radius of the original store.
Practicing my social media face.
Also I was kissing my ice cream. It was that good.
Day 6
We started the day eating oatmeal pancakes topped with strawberries and the raspberries we picked ourselves. We needed a day to chill so we decided to spend the entire day at the pool. What was awesome about having my sister there is that I never had to get in the pool once. I got to sit on a lounge chair for six hours watching everyone splash around and hearing about their swimming exploits.
D jumped off the high dive for the first time in his life within the first few minutes of arriving.
There is pride in that boy's smile.
J was not to be outdone.
M thought J and D were nuts to go off the high dive, but went off the smaller diving board repeatedly to prove that she was just as accomplished as them.
C occasionally snuggled with me to get warm since the kiddie pool was not heated.
And when M got a tummyache she came over to snuggle as well.
This was the best swim trip of my life!
At the end of the day we stopped for Frostys and drove past the Folsom State Prison which is mentioned in a Johnny Cash song. Steve insisted this was picture worthy.
Day 7
Steve felt strongly about seeing the Railroad Museum so we headed back to Old Sacramento. However, we didn't get far because there was a huge, gnarly screw in our tire. Thankfully Steve had noticed a place nearby that could fix it within two hours.
My Sister took us to Pushkins a gluten free bakery she found. They had some really neat flavor combinations and J was thrilled to get a treat with the rest of us.
There is a HUGE homeless population in Sacramento and San Francisco. As we were taking this picture there was a friendly homeless gentleman sitting directly behind my Sister who rifled though his belongings until he found a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask. He quickly put it on and tried to make the kids smile for this picture. While his heart was in the right place the kids found him to be slightly intimidating.
The Railroad Museum was huge and the sleeper car rocked gently to simulate what it would have felt like to ride in it. Probably a good thing we don't travel by train anymore since my Sister and I were both nauseous by the time we exited.
We went to Produce Junction again. It was another good choice.
Once we were back at the apartment, the kids and their Aunt played a game and ate a snack. Then we all watched Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse which turned out to be a surprisingly good flick.
Blackberry shakes.
Day 8
We packed up despite the kid's pleas to stay.
On the road again.
And a mere ten hours later we were enjoying egg and cheese burritos with the cherries we brought from California.
We had such a good time exploring California can't wait to visit again. Thanks for hosting us Sister!
And for posterity's sake...this is what it looks like when we plan a trip. We research, write down our ideas, vote, group them together, and do it. Wonder what our next adventure will be...
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