Our Very Best: Road tripp'n Days 3-6

After our relaxing two days in Pismo Beach we headed off first thing the morning of July 4th to San Francisco. I have always wanted to visit San Fran and what could be better then watching fireworks over the bay! After a quick 3 hour drive we arrived at our hotel located in the Fisherman's Wharf area and immediately set off to see the sights. It was very crowded (as we expected) and although, I love the hustle bustle of a city I am not a big fan of tourists (ya I know we were one...but we aren't the annoying kind :) Our first stop was lunch which consisted of fish and chips and clam chowder (when in Rome). It was very yummy and very expensive...we spent more money on food then anything else the entire trip :( After lunch we walked over to Pier 39 to check out the seals and cute shops. The kids and I bought a churro to enjoy while we looked out at the bay. Aiden literally took one bite before a very large seagull swooped down and stole the entire thing! It was very funny and very gross as his wing hit my head! We definitely entertained a few bystanders with that little episode! Next, we went to the wax museum and then Ripley's Believe it or Not. The wax museum was a little disappointing compared to Madame Tussaud's in Hollywood but Ripley's was cool! There are some strange people on this planet!

After a short rest it was already dinner time and then time for fireworks. Although, I had scoped out the Pier for the perfect spot we got there a little late and it was packed! Literally standing room only. While watching firewords with 30,000 of my closest family and friends squeezed together was not ideal it was still an impressive show. I guess we were lucky to have been there on such a clear night as in years past it was so foggy you couldn't even see the fireworks. The only thing better than watching fireworks over water is watching them wearing a sweatshirt! After the show ended we fought through the crowds to get home and the kids were able to see some sights that caused a little confusion....but that's liberal San Fran for you! Always an expeirence!

With only 3 days in San Fran we decided the best way to see the entire city would be to hop on and off a double decker bus, and we were right. We saw everything we wanted to see and learned a lot from the tour guide. I was so impressed with the kids! They listened and learned a ton! They also kept up with us as we walked around and then ran to catch buses in between stops! They really are amazing travelers! Their favorite part was probably riding around the city on the Go Cars. While it was a fun and zippy way to get around I was terrified driving that tiny little car down those crazy city streets. Trent was a little upset with me that I refused to drive down Lombard Street (the crooked road) but he paid me back by taking me down a very long steep road that literally went straight down! Thank goodness for good brakes! The last outing of the trip was a bay cruise around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge. One thing we did not realize was that if you want to visit Alcatraz you have to get tickets weeks in advance. We were so bummed we didn't get to go inside the prison but at least the boat cruised around it!

On the way home we drove over the bridge and into the town of Sausalito. It is such a great town! Trent and I decided that if you have to live in the Bay area that would be the best location! Overall, we saw a ton of stuff and it was a great expeirence. I will say that personally, it wasn't my favorite big city (Chicago still has my heart) but it was interesting. Someday I will have to go back to see if it can change my mind!

Next stop....Monterey Bay!