Point Reyes

We took a short weekend trip to Point Reyes the last weekend in August before school started back for Emily. While we enjoyed our trip, so many people had talked it up to us, that it left us slightly disappointed. Had we not been hearing how fabulous it was for two years, perhaps we wouldn't have had such high expectations. Of course there was only so much we could do in a short time with three young children. I certainly had several beaches and hikes on my "wish list" that I would have enjoyed had we had more time or had it been just Jeremy and me. Anyway, I never regret time exploring the Pacific Coast and I'm thankful we got away for a few days. However, for the record, I do think the Sonoma Coast and particularly Bodega Head was prettier than what we saw on this particular trip. :) 

Photo op at the Cypress Tree Tunnel 

I learned about the Cypress tree tunnel while researching on Pinterest before our trip. So glad I did because it was on our way to the lighthouse and we would have easily driven right past this had I not been looking for it. 

Sweet expression on Anna Kate's face

Short little hike to the Point Reyes lighthouse

On top of the fog looking down. Over 300 steps down to the lighthouse. We wimped out and only went part of the way down.

Elephant Seal Overlook Trail. Just 0.3 miles from our car. :) And yes, we did see seals! We ran out of time to also do Chimney Rock Trail which in hindsight might have been nicer than the Lighthouse Trail. 

This is how we are trying to teach our kids to love to hike. Do a short trail and make sure you give them time to play and explore their own interests. Here little Caleb enjoyed scurrying up/down this bank and playing in the dirt. 

Hanging out back at the cabin

Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore

This boat did not fair so well in Tomales Bay. Nice photo op though. :)

An easy kid friendly hike near the Bear Valley Visitor Center led back to a simulated Coastal Miwok village.

The inside of this was super cool. I think it was called the sweat lodge. It led back to a large "room" big enough for at least a dozen people to sit around in a circle. The kids loved exploring this, of course. 

Grandparent Visit

Last month Dinkney and Poppy came to visit us for a week. We did a few activities in San Francisco, traveled a couple of hours away to Santa Cruz for two nights, and enjoyed some down time in Alameda hanging out and doing "normal" life. Their visit coincided with Emily's annual ballet recital so it was especially nice to have doting grandparents to share that special event with us. They flew out on Father's Day afternoon.

(Pics are a little out of order since I also included some camara photos. Not sure how to fix that.)

We rented another VRBO in Santa Cruz. It was comfortable and clean, but we did not have the outstanding views that we enjoyed with our first two rentals. The kids' favorite part was this spiral staircase. I remember loving those as a kid, too!

We spent our first morning in Santa Cruz enjoying the views from West Cliff Dr. Gorgeous!

We spent our last day in Santa Cruz at the Beach Boardwalk. A hot day deserved an ice cold Dole Whip!

More treats at our favorite Fro-Yo place in Alameda

Beach day in Santa Cruz. We only took our camera phones. It was nice to unwind and relax, but I failed to get many beach photos. 

She was so good at the beach. Little one just did her best to keep up with us all!

We took Don and Nancy up to Twin Peaks after church their first Sunday here. The higher elevation was seriously windy and cool! I thought hoodies would be enough, but we could have used parkas! (Note Emily has on MY jacket!) The views were pretty, but the fog kept us from seeing Golden Gate and Bay Bridges and the East Bay where we live. It is truly spectacular when you can take in even more of the Bay Area.

Family pic at West Cliff in Santa Cruz

Stopped by the Surfer Museum during our walk and snapped this one.

Boardwalk Day!

Emmy and Jeremy played tour guide and took Dinkney and Poppy to Alcatraz Island.

Love the views of SF from here

The audio tour is very informative and interesting!

Poppy is super patient with the kids, but I think he secretly enjoys Legos as much as they do!

We were happy that our grandparent visit coincided with Emily's ballet recital. What at treat to get to share that with them and for them to see little granddaughter all dolled up!

These poses...

Last morning at home. We relaxed and enjoyed Father's Day donuts, opened presents, and took them to our beach for some kite flying. It was a great week!