Disneyland Day 1

 It was a double surprise: we picked the younger two up early from school on Friday and surprised them with a trip to Disneyland. When we picked up Camille from school, she said calmly, "no we aren't. You guys are joking." She didn't believe us until she saw that Ben and I already had her bags packe.

Then, Audra flew to Anaheim today and gave them a second surprise! It was EPIC!

Of course, we first at the gates because we know how to Rope Drop! We made it to Radiator Springs Racers and were one of the first to ride.

I rode Incredicoaster for the first time! I thought it was fine, and I'm glad I did it. I'm sure I'll do it again...someday.

Finally, Audra joined us! Claire and Camille were so surprised, it was awesome!

All together again!

Camille's Got Game!

Camille is playing basketball for Ranch View and is having a great time, and so far they are undefeated. She's got great dribbling skills and has made several layups, and a perfect free throw. The team is full of all of her best friends, and it is truly a joy to watch her play!

 Annie, Camille, and Ivy

San Francisco

Ben and I took a quick weekend trip last weekend to San Francisco because Ben wanted to see the play "Stereophonic," which is touring across the country but is not coming to Denver. We thought SF would be a fun place to visit, so we made a weekend out of it.

We did all the main highlights (including a ride in Waymo, a driver-less taxi) and had a great time. Turns out, after almost 21 years of marriage, he's still my favorite travel buddy.

I found Alcatraz to be extremely creepy! I'm very glad we went (a bucket list item for sure) but I'm glad we didn't pay for the extended tour and I don't need to go back.

It was very foggy when we got on the boat for Alcatraz!

Ben loved the city streets

We found a great breakfast place

Our first Waymo ride. Ben LOVED it. Me, not so much.

Fisherman's Wharf

We really enjoyed being at the Golden Gate Bridge and walking mostly across it. What an absolutely magnificent structure!

The reason we came: Stereophonic. Ben listened to a podcast episode about it and wanted to go, so we did. I thought it was OK, Ben really liked it. Definitely a lot of cussing. But overall, a good time.

This is the hotel we stayed at: Staypineapple. It was a cute boutique hotel. The bed was so comfortable we came home and bought the same mattress and pillows for our bedroom.

We walked to Lombard Street. We walked down it, and it hurt our knees. It really is steep!

The roads are so steep you have to street park at a 90 degree angle.

Lombard

And, some more delicious breakfast. We love good food ;)

It was really nice to do a quick weekend getaway. We need to do more of these!