Historic Rancho Guajome Adobe

Alex, Ben and I attended "A Victorian Christmas" at the Rancho Guajome Adobe with the Pira family. It is an old rancho that was built in the 1840's and remained a working ranch well into the 1900's. It is owned by the state now and is part of the park system. Alex and Ben got to make a hand dipped candle, a corn husk doll...I made one too.... took swings at the Christmas pinata and got a bag of candy. We even made a hand dipped caramel apple, a reindeer bag and wove a God's eye for our Christmas tree. (which they did entirely by themselves!) We had a wagon ride, ate fresh grilled tacos, and watched traditional Mexican dancers. Not to mention getting to tour the Rancho and see all of the antiques! The volunteers were all in period costume, it was delightful. The Historic Rancho Guajome Adobe was decorated using natural material that a family from the 1800s would have used to make wreaths, garlands, centerpieces and other holiday decorations. This was our second year going - we will miss it next year!

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Fort Point

We then went over to Fort Point National Historic Park and had a picnic lunch and took a walk along the shore of Crissy Field. We got to help a catch crabs - and learned how to hold them so we don't get pinched. Ben said he wanted a crab trap for Christmas - I told him we would see, and he decided, " I'll ask Grandma!" Grandma, I think they are on to you! We walked over to the Presidio and saw so many neat things. I think their favorite was the looking for "treasures" along the water. They found crab shells, mussel shells, and neat colorful rocks.

Lombard Street

Dan had to go to work - so Alex, Ben, and I went on an adventure. We started out day by a drive down Lombard Street - three times. We then decided it would be fun if we got out and walked down it and up it. Very was super fun.

Jelly Belly Factory

We got to go to the Jelly Belly factory - yummy! Can you say, " Belly Flops are the BEST!" Cousin Adam, Alex, Ben, Dan, and I went up to get some delicious treats! It was so much yummy fun. While I think they are terrific today, in a week, after who knows how many pounds of eaten belly flops, I will not think they are so great, but for today! YUMMY!!

Camera

We should have never given Alex and Ben a camera - The pictures of the homeless man sleeping is their favorite. I personally like Alex's self portrait the trash can was quite good too. Enjoy their pictures!!!

Golden Gate Bridge

We took a hike around the Golden Gate Bridge and up onto it. It was so neat. I can not wait until we walk all the way across it! It is beautiful and so neat that we will be living close enough to walk on it - even ride our bikes across it!

San Francisco

Our trip started with a visit to Aunt Debbie's house to play...or jam with Cousin Adam. They had so much fun. Ben played, or um...beat on the drums, Alex sang and directed, and Adam played keyboard. Watch out Jonas Brothers - the Hascall's are coming! I think the hats are what made it so much more!

Thanksgiving At School

Alex and Ben had a Thanksgiving celebration at school today and got to wear their pilgrim hats. They looked so cute. They also got to share their turkey that they decorate. They got to make a disguise for it so it could not be found for Thanksgiving. Alex turned hers into an angel - complete with light up candle and Ben turned his into a Jedi - complete with light-up light saber. (amazing what mom can do with a battery and light bulb)

Bowling!

We went bowling for Tristan's 7th birthday. It is so funny to watch Alex and Ben. They do a great job hurling the ball down the alley, only to have it stop halfway down and either completely get stuck, or once,begin rolling back to us! They laugh and giggle the entire time!

Daddy ROCKS!

I am so glad that Ben got Guitar Hero for his birthday. I love to watch him; er Dan... well them both jam!! It is the best thing to see and makes me smile and laugh. That's my boys - they so totally ROCK!