Alcatraz foliage

Because I knew that we weren't going to be going to the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, I took some time to photograph the plant life at Alcatraz. Between rain breaks that is...

Spring Break '11 - Alcatraz

After the Exploratorium, we headed back to Pier 39 to catch the ferry to Alcatraz. To warm us up, Jamie bought us all muffins and hot chocolate/coffee.

It, of course, continued to rain.

We all enjoyed the audio tour. I was surprised at how much the girls enjoyed it, but I should have known better. They are both big readers and in to history. And even though this was my third time visiting Alcatraz, it was a new experience for me to be with all of them. And, to have my wonderful wide angle lens on my beloved Nikon.

(I have a few things to teach my daughter about photography still. If you look at the picture above, the girls look "in" the picture. Then I asked Makena to do the same for Jamie & I below. I think she was just eager to shop in the gift shop. She likes being behind the camera, just not as much as I do for some reason.)

When we got back to the pier, the sun began to pop out. (This is totally how our trip went!) We were still all cold and wet, so we headed back to the rv.

Happy 4th Birthday Kallie Bug!

Bug's 4th Birthday was celebrated today at Out of This World Pizza.

Miss Ivie loves the little cars.

Kylah & MariaH couldn't stay out of the bouncy house.

And Logan liked tackling Uncle Jamie. Until he got caught that is.

Kallie had little plants and goodies for her guests.

And of course, cake!

Kallie still doesn't like to be sung to.

Or to blow out her candles by herself.

And these are the faces Kallie normally makes...until you ask her for a "cheese".

Then they get better.

Presents!!

We got her some recycled crayons (and other things, but they weren't as fun) shaped like teddy bears.

And she apparently really wanted the Ramona & Beesus movie that her mom, dad and sister got her.

(Loving these next three.)

And here is the goodie box that Kallie picked out for Makena. (Makena wasn't able to join us today.)

Happy Birthday Bug - we love you!