Napa

Mum was soon heading back to Australia, and we had one more outing planned - Alcatraz.  Unfortunately in September & October the US Federal Government halted all funding to national parks and it was temporarily closed.  But no problems, plenty of other places to go and with the kids having a pupil free day it was perfect to explore Napa (without the weekend crowds).

Our kids are pretty used to visiting wineries, they have visited many over the years, but Sterling Winery really wins the prize for luring in 8 year old boys.  Upon arriving in the car park we took a gondola up the hill to the winery, Cameron thought he had truly arrived in style.

Of course the adults are very well catered for, and we enjoyed a sit down tasting. The picture below tells the story.

Pairing good wine and food is a challenge in Napa, winery restaurants don't comply with the outdated legislation.  A picnic and local produce was a good option but it did remind us how good we have it in Australia.  

Americas Cup and San Fran

I've written about the Americas Cup in earlier posts, but it really was an amazing event to be part of.  Mum made 2 trips into the city, and she caught plenty of sailing action.  Mum even saw the final race where Team USA snatched victory from the Kiwi's.

The city also turned on some brilliant spring weather, and the famous fog was no where to be found.  The pictures below are taken from the car - driving down the 'crookedest street in the world', and across the Golden Gate Bridge.

With the kids in school, Mum and I ventured into the city to ride the famous cable cars (Cameron didn't know what we were getting up to).  Getting on a cable car is quite a process - but thanks to some friendly advice from a local we bypassed the very long queue and walked up the street to the next stop.  Now when I say friendly advice from a local - picture a homeless person with great initiative and communication skills, who for the price of a dollar bill passes on this pearler of advice to anyone who will stop for a chat.

On the Cable Car - I don't know who the girl in the blue dress is!

Fishermans Wharf

Halloween Preparations

In the lead up to Halloween I appreciated that it was an event that everyone loved.  I did not however anticipate the preparations, decorations and the amount of candy on offer.

So if you are reading this blog in December, you can imagine Christmas lights and decorations on houses.  Well imagine the same but a much spookier theme - tomb stones in front yards, orange lights in trees, spider webs and spiders handing from pillars and balconies ….. and the list goes on.  Mum, Brad and the kids got into the spirit one day - and carved their own lanterns.  Messy, but fun.

On Halloween, the kids had a parade at school and finished at lunchtime.  Why - to go home and get ready for the trick or treating later in the day.  The costumes are pretty varied and you see everything from tooth fairies, to princesses, to zombies and ghosts.

Hayley dressed as Snow White with a difference, and Cam dressed as a Zombie.  For a kid who rarely dresses up, he pulled it off really well.  

In the evening we went to a party, and kids trick or treated together.  (I was following with friends, and a glass of wine in hand.)  The amount of candy is pretty overwhelming - I think we have some left, but much of it was donated (to the troops stationed overseas).

Yosemite

Yosemite must be on the travel list of all visitors to California, and rightly so.  It is breathtaking.  But what I find unbelievable is the number of Californians who have never been!   

We spent a weekend in Yosemite (which is not enough, but it's what we had) and we were lucky to see it in rain and glorious sunshine.  We arrived in the midst of a downpour, and after a summer in Alamo we were unprepared.

But the next day we awoke to this ….

Sunshine and the bluest sky.  

Driving around the valley floor, and up into the mountain we stopped many times to admire the view, and take photos (lots of photos).  We even saw a bear, which was another highlight.

If you are coming to California, add Yosemite to your list.  But let me provide you with some guidance about where not to stay…..  

Time Flies - Cameron turns 8

Wow, I can't believe my last blog was when the kids started school!  Cameron turned 8, Mum & Di visited and we are coming up to 6 months in the US of A.

In Cameron's usual style he didn't a party, he definitely does not get that from me. But he did invite some friends from school over for an afternoon of games & swimming.  It's pretty different for the kids to celebrate their birthdays in the summer. 

So here is the cake, with the fabulous Betty Crocker icing.

And the boys ...

Kaelan, Danny, Sam, Cameron & Ewan
Spot the sun smart Aussie!

On the same weekend we spent the day at Sausalito, on Don & Claire's boat.  Don is a work colleague of Brad's, and they'd just taken delivery of a beautiful boat.

We were living the dream that day, and Brad started dreaming about buying a boat when we get back to Perth.