Labor Day weekend was chocked full of new sights and plenty of family time.  We embarked on a road trip to San Francisco and the kids made sure to bring enough to keep them busy during the drive.

Ashlyn slept in while the older two were entrenched in a new book waiting for her to wake.

First stop of the day was the Golden Gate Bridge.

Since they were so eager to see everything, there are a lot of photo's from their back.

It is tall.

Heath's face says it all as we walked into the Redwood forest of Muir Woods.

The amazement didn't waver for the next three hours.

Taking a moment.

Moment over.

Another moment.

Some education.

Seeing how their wing span compares with those of regional birds.

It was exceptionally hot that weekend and our stop at Golden Gate park led us down to the beach.  It certainly was a different beach scene than we're accustomed to but that didn't stop them from running right in.

It was the perfect ending to the day as the sun set in front of them over the Pacific.

The next morning was spent near the Wharf and Embarcadero.  We learned later that day that, Lisa, who they met later that evening, was at this very sculpture many years ago to watch a surprise concert  by U2.

They made sure they saw everything.

What better to have in the morning but a little sugar.

Some science at the Exploratorium.

They were elated to get balloon animals to take along for the day.  Ashlyn - a flower and puppy, Heath - a spider and sword, Reghan - a bear and a puppy.

Reghan got her fish on the water.

Her and I shared our messy lunch.

We had to walk up Lombard Street.

And then back down for chocolate and ice cream at Ghiradelli's.

Later that evening we had dinner with our friend Lisa and walked some more, because, you know, they didn't walk enough throughout the day.

Along the way home we swung by the Winchester Mystery House.  We thought the kids would be spooked but it was just the opposite.  They were so intrigued and asked questions along the entire tour.

Reghan tried to see Ashlyn's future in her imaginary crystal ball.

And the best way to end the trip?  Earlier in the weekend Heath said how cool it would be to be able to play on a life sized chess board.  After the Winchester house tour we swung into the nearby mall to get a quick bite for lunch and as we walked up the stairs from the parking garage this was right in front of us.  Well, needless to say they got a mean game going with another family and although they  didn't win, they gave it their all.