Tidepooling

We went tidepooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve a couple of weeks ago, since it was the last really low tide for the summer.  Unfortunately, we didn't see as many creatures as we normally do, but everyone had fun nonetheless.  We saw quite a few crabs, lots of hermit crabs and some periwinkles, but no sea stars.  All of the anemones were closed up, probably because it was super low.  We had a fun time.  Alex and Ryan liked exploring together and Julia was so enamored with Charlotte, as always.  Beautiful weather, no fog and lots of fun!

Tidepools

We have not been to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve for awhile and yesterday there was a very low tide, so we decided to head over that way and take in some tidepooling and take advantage of the opening of Dungeness crab season as well.  We saw quite a few sea stars, anemones, urchins, hermit crabs and tiny fish.  It was much busier than any time we have ever been there, but then again, it was a gorgeous November day, so who wouldn't want to be there?

Apple Picking at Chileno Valley Ranch

On Sunday we visited Chileno Valley Ranch, where we picked a bunch of different varieties of apples.  We hadn't been there for three years, so we were surprised at how popular their ranch has become.  Last time we were there it was very low key and there were very few people there besides our family, but this time it was quite busy and they had added some attractions around the farm.  Their apples are unique varieties and are really tasty.  Definitely a pretty place to visit in the Fall!

Pumpkins at McCelland Dairy Farm

On Sunday, we drove up to Sonoma County and visited McClelland Dairy Farm on the way back home.  They had pumpkins on the vine, so Alex and Julia enjoyed checking out all of the choices and picking a special one each.  They also had a viewing area for the dairy cows, who were being milked at the time, which the kiddos enjoyed.  Add in a hay maze and a giant sandbox filled with wheat kernels and you have two happy kiddos.  To top it off, we had some hot chocolate and a pumpkin milkshake as a treat.

Ano Nuevo State Park

We had a fun little trip down to Ano Nuevo State Park today.  We stopped in Pescadero for lunch on the way there and then went on a hike down to the beach to see the elephant seals which are currently in the molting period.  We were able to get quite close and observed them while enjoying the gorgeous day.  Our trip back took quite awhile because of alot of traffic through Half Moon Bay and San Francisco, but we broke it up by stopping in San Mateo for ramen at Himawari.  We sampled some delicious dishes and then headed back on the road and finally got home in time for bed.  Everyone had fun and as you can see, they love "Auntie" Livia!

Chrissy Field

The kiddos and I spent some time at Chrissy Field today on our way to pick up Livia, who will be visiting us for a bit...yay!  We enjoyed the sand, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a nice sunny day.  Plenty of windsurfers and kite surfers, as well as dogs and people to watch while we were there.

Hike in Briones

We took a three hour family hike yesterday in Briones Regional Park and everyone was a trooper!  We went a total of 4.85 miles and took  the Old Briones Road trail up to the lookout point and after taking a snack break and watching the cows enjoying the lagoon below, we headed further up and then started a descent back down via the Mott Peak Trail and then the Black Oak Trail.  We saw lots of cows, some pretty wildflowers and some birds, including hawks, turkey vultures, ducks, coots and a Great Grey Heron.  It was a gorgeous day to get out and enjoy the beautiful park.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

 Julia and Alex looking at the tidepool exhibit

 Julia wanting to get closer to the birds.

 Looking out on Monterey Bay

 Alex with an orca replica.  A favorite, these days.

Jellies!

Last Saturday, we took a day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  We stopped in Gilroy for "brunch" at a Mexican restaurant on the way down, where Alex ate a breakfast burrito about the size of his head ;-)  Once we arrived at the aquarium, we spent a few hours looking around at the many exhibits.  The kiddos seemed to enjoy everything, but Julia especially liked the "moon jellies" and Alex's favorite part was seeing the live sharks and the killer whale replica.  

Sandhill Crane Thanksgiving

Since we had an early Thanksgiving, we spent our actual Thanksgiving in Lodi with the sandhill cranes.  As has now become a bit of a tradition around Thanksgiving, we made our annual trip to McDonald's too.  Once a year is really enough for that place ;-)  The weather was alot nicer this year than is year's past, so we didn't even need our hot chocolate.  Alex and Julia both enjoyed seeing all of the birds and taking turns with the binoculars.  Julia was also, of course, impressed with the moon, which is something that she loves to see these days.  It is always amazing to me how beautiful the sight of these birds coming in for the night is.  The sounds in addition to the sight are truly amazing and the pictures just do not do them justice at all.  This will definitely be a tradition that we stick with because it is always so enjoyable.