This past week my kids had the week off school and my hubby took some time off of work. It was a really nice break, overall. Relaxing. One thing I was determined to do was to take them all down into San Francisco so we could play tourist for the day. Growing up in the Bay Area, I, like so many others, never really take the time to see the sights. San Francisco is a great city – lots of fun to be had – but honestly it tends to be underutilized by those who’ve always lived here. So on this day we took the time to see the sites. The kids thought it was almost as fun as Disneyland! The only thing we didn’t get to do this time around that everyone really wanted to do was to take the ferry to Alcatraz (never done it!). Maybe next time!
We started out in Union Square and after a quick lunch, took one of the world famous Cable Cars all the way down the line to the Hyde Street Pier location.
Once at Hyde Street Pier, we boarded the ships they had docked and on display. I quickly learned that in my old age, I’ve become extremely sensitive to movement (yeah, the minor sway of a large docked ship had me turning pale and green – yuck!). The kids loved it though! You can see Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid in the distant skyline as seen from one of the ships.
Next we headed down to the beach in front of the docked ships. I wish we had more time to stay and play. It was such an incredibly warm and beautiful February day in the city!
Finn had fun drawing pictures of Mommy (and his name) in the sand.
Next stop – a short walk to Ghirardelli Square, where no trip is complete without some ice cream from the famous factory itself!
Perhaps the MOST fun of the entire outing was when we got lured into a Street Performer’s magic show. The kids were just dying with laughter! Of course, our little Ali is quite the funny girl herself. I think she made the performer laugh about as hard as he made her laugh! He finished up his act by swallowing a sword which I then had to pull out of his throat. So gross! My husband thought this was hilarious and video taped the whole thing. I’m sure it will surface on YouTube for the purpose of embarrassing me eventually. My eldest daughter, Caitlin, didn’t want to get pulled into the action so she’s trying to hide off to the left behind a street lamp. Look at her! I think she was crying from laughing so hard! So funny!
It was starting to get late and cold but we still had plenty to do. Ali gave her little brother Roan a ride on her back as we walked down the the Wax Museum (which I wouldn’t recommend except for easily impressed children).
We then walked down to Pier 39 to see the famous sea lions, a nice evening view of Alcatraz and it’s lighthouse, and the sites and shops of the Pier itself.
And finally, we finished off the night with dinner at the Rainforest Cafe – always a favorite of my kids’. It was a great day! See you next week with another Mine on Monday and don’t miss my upcoming newborn post in the next few days!
