Nate and Julie riding AirTrain in SFO

Hands down, the best free train ride in the Bay Area. Especially when you're riding up front.

Orange County Fair

 

As much as I dislike Orange County, I was told the county fair's wine competition is one of the more active and organized of the state's fairs. I also heard the judging standards were higher than Wine Maker magazine, so I wasn't expecting anything. A month after submitting, a packet arrived at our doorstep: silver medal. Actually it's the same giant badge they award prize rabbits and cows, perfect for living room decore. Next up: San Mateo county fair.

Google Summer Picnic

 

 

 

 

Last year at this time we were in Seattle and Portland, so we marked our calendars this year for the Google Summer Picnic. The Shoreline Ampitheatre was divided into the kids section and adult section, with the kid's "Circus" section open only from 2-4pm. Smack dab in the middle of nap time. We braved the heat and tiredness anyway, just enough time to grab some sugary treats, do a couple of rides, make some crafts, and find our way back to the car. Whew. Nate was all excited to hit the ferris wheel in the main grounds, but Gina and I were tired enough for both of them.

Moving Mrs. Martin

 

The official move to The Forum took place on Thursday. A truck was rented, and Julie/Nate helped out by carrying cardboard and rolls of wrapping plastic.

Bird Day at School

 

More Zoo Pictures

 

 

 

Bear Day at the Zoo

 

 

 

 

We joined our friends and their two daughters at the San Francisco Zoo for "Bear Day" early one day last week. When it opened, we beelined it to the new Grizzly Bear exhibit where zoo keepers were hiding honey and apples around outdoor exhibit space before the bears entered. We took a train ride, of course, and were able to pet snakes, salamanders and turtles.

Berry Picking

 

 

 

in foggy Pescadero

Fourth of July Parade

 

 

 

 

New Archway

BEFORE:

 

AFTER:

 

Uncle Dan comes for a visit.

 

At the Ramp

 

We said farewell (for now) to Kurt and Patty at The Ramp the day before they moved to Chicago. At least this gives no better excuse to vacation out in Chicago and to explore the Rock Island Line.

Model Trains

 

 

 

 

Yesterday we visted the Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Point Richmond, a trip we've been saving up for almost a year. Richmond isn't an area you normally associate with desired day trips, but in the middle of the large park we knew the model railroad association is open weekends in the summer. It was much larger than we expected: a large warehouse filled with 40-50 different trains, all running on tracks resembling western US towns over bridges, through cities, and up mountains 25' high. Nate at one point started rubbing his eyes saying, "Ask me what I'm doing." Okay Nate, why are you rubbing your eyes? "I'm so happy, I'm crying" he said.