Knowing that the monarch butterflies were migrating through California at the same time we would be visiting, Holly, Greta and I learned about them. We found some really fun books from the library - our favorite was “Gotta go, gotta go!” We did some other activities and I personally really enjoyed what we did! I love the monarch butterflies and I love the eucalyptus groves they stop over in. It really is such a magical event. I’m so glad the timing lined up for us to do that. We’ve been in the past… see these blog posts. 

After the butterflies we played on the beach with friends. I’m so amazed at how willing the kids (and Conor!) are to go into the water when it’s pretty chilly outside. They loved it.

We tried to visit Ranchos San Antonio on a Sunday afternoon and I was reminded of one thing I don’t like about California - too many people, not enough parking!! We drove around the parking lot for 20 or so minutes and then left. Fortunately I was able to come back the next day, and being a weekday, the parking lot wasn’t even half full. I love this place. So many good memories. I love the rolling golden hills of California

I am so glad we were able to go to the Academy of Science in Golden Gate park with my friend Kelly and her kids. It was something I really wanted to do before we moved but never got a chance to. Everything is funner with friends and I’m so grateful we could go with Kelly and her crew!

After we played at the Color Factory, we had a picnic at Dolores Park. This park has some pretty great views of San Francisco and the park itself is pretty spiffy. I loved this day. It was a perfect California day, complete with lots of traffic.

One Friday, Conor and I took the girls to Capitola beach. Capitola is such a cute little beach town. Maeve loved the sand and the water. We had a lovely day trip there and on our way home, we stopped at Gayle’s for some yummy treats!