Marc had a conference in San Francisco and the girls voted that it was the city they wanted to see most, instead of Seattle (sorry Seattle). We packed up our bags (Evie got a new suitcase on wheels) and set off for the airport for our next city adventure.
After arriving and taking the BART down to the city, the girls were eager to explore the area around our hotel (the Sir Francis Drake in Union Square), and of course, start our trip with a little ice cream.
Next stop Chinatown, where the girls insisted they weren't scared of the friendly dragon statues nearby.
Speak no evil, see no evil, hear no evil.
The next day, while Daddy worked, the girls and Mommy hopped on the bus (by the end of the weekend we were experts at navigating the bus system via Google Maps) down to the bay for a full day at the exploratorium, a hands-on science museum that we couldn't get enough of!
Check out this amazing sculpture of notable landmarks around the world!
The girls in front of a cool light screen; there was also a cool dancer showing off his moves at another one.
Ellie checking out the sand and soil samples of San Francisco.
Being caught in a tornado!
One of Evie's favorite experiences, drinking out of the water fountain made of a toilet. Her other favorite experience was playing a guessing game with her sister, not to mention the experiment called the Trust Fountain, where you have to decide whether or not to give the person across from you a sip or a squirt. At the end of the day, we took a pedicab to the Ferry Building, where we tried some delicious ice cream and picked out some yummy artisan cheese for our cheese picnic dinner before heading back home to our hotel.
The next day had a little drizzle in the forecast, so we grabbed our rain jacked but didn't let that stop us from hopping on board the cable cars! We flew past Lombard Street down to the water again, where we came upon an unexpected surprise at the San Francisco Maritime National Park.
Anchors away on board the Balcultha!
The girls enjoyed ringing the bell before we headed over to explore the steam ferry Eureka (and then ducked into a boathouse to avoid a torrential downpour).
Later that day Dad was able to join us as we explored the Aquarium on the Bay where we could walk in a tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea stars, and other animals. Here are the girls meeting the resident Pacific octopus, followed by adventures in the touch tank where we got our sleeves completely soaked while reaching out to touch bat rays and sea stars and anemones.
The next day we headed to Golden Gate park for some adventures. We took a tour through the DeYoung with other kids and later created giant art of our favorite foods! You'll see there is Daddy's giant cookie (his milkshake is being covered), Ellie's giant blueberry (also above her watermelon), and Evie's cupcakes and ice cream sundae.
After the art activity we headed up to the top floor for the amazing views of the city.
The DeYoung had a beautiful lily pad pond that the girls were tempted to dip their toes into.
Then we headed over to the California Academy of Sciences where there was so much to explore! Ellie was transfixed by the penguins who were in turn desperate to get to her new mermaid doll.
Evie found a cat to perch on outside.
Two sisters enjoying the fountain on a beautiful day.
The next day we spent the morning cruisin' around the bay and getting a close up look at the bridge and Alcatraz.
Evie had brought her new sketchbook so she could capture the beautiful views.
Ellie at the bow of the boat.
Dad and his girls enjoying a peaceful tour of the bay.
After the harbor cruise, we stopped by Fisherman's Wharf to get a closer look at the sea lions tanning on the docks. There was one sea lion who was *not* willing to share his spot with others, and kept pushing them off.
For our final day, on a tour of San Francisco playgrounds (we played at at least seven throughout the city), we ended our trip with the infamous concrete slides at the Golden Gate Park. There's no messing around on these things - you had to pick up some cardboard and throw sand on the slide to really go fast!
Evie went down the slide at least 20 times!
The kids had a great time on their city trip and can't wait to go back!
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