Our last day in San Francisco was decided the night before by making a list.  A list of places we wanted to see or go back to.  First on the list was Lombard Street - the most crooked street in the world.  It was very fun to drive down Lombard in our big "delivery bus!"  Ha ha!  However, walking down it and admiring the beautiful flowers is altogether another experience.  It was very nice!

The whole Johnson crew outside our beloved "bus" before walking down Lombard Street

Russ and me at the bottom of Lombard Street

Next on our list was a run across the Golden Gate Bridge.  Russ was our photographer and Olivia kept the little ones.  But, they ran in spirit I'm sure!  Russ had run along the bay with Jimmy earlier in the week.  We had a great time even if I did finish alone...walking most of the way back across the bridge.

The San Francisco Running Club

Me and Roan running across the bridge

Clay, Julie, and Jimmy running across

To cool off and calm down, we ate lunch at Subway before heading back to Muir Beach.  Muir Beach was the highlight of the Johnson kids' trip, I'm sure.  They loved climbing, exploring, and finding unusual rocks.

Olivia found a rock

Me and Leah on a huge rock

Russ and Jimmy at the highest point watching the kids play below

Leah and Russ had a fun art session with rocks as well.

Jimmy and Roan have been great all week!  We are so thankful for their generosity allowing us to join them on this awesome vacation!

Leah, Russ, and Sam posing on a rock

Thursday night, Russ and I actually stole some time alone.  We celebrated our four year anniversary while in San Francisco.  To celebrate, we walked around Union Square and "window shopped" before heading over to Pier 39 for dinner.  We enjoyed the view from there, and Russ was able to get a few shots he'd been wanting all week.  Thanks, Jimmy and Roan, for allowing us "nearly newlyweds" (as Roan called us) to celebrate our anniversary for a couple of hours!

Sailboats docked at the pier

The view of Alcatraz from the pier

Russ and I had a phenomenal time in San Francisco with Jimmy and Roan.  I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for us over the years.  It has been so much fun getting to know them better as Russ and I "grow up" years later.  Ha ha!  Thank you, Jimmy, for being such a positive role model for Russ all these years!  And, thank you, Roan, for being there for me so much over the last year or so.  I've truly come to respect you more and more for the godly woman you are!  We love you both! 

San Fran Day 5

After several days in the "wilderness," as Roan calls it...we spent the next couple of days in the city.  Roan had graciously bought us all tickets to tour Alcatraz on Wednesday.  It was extremely interesting.  We rode a ferry over to the island and took an audio self-guided tour through Alcatraz.  I learned so much!  I must admit that prior to going to San Francisco, I asked Russ to explain Alcatraz so I wouldn't look completely ignorant! Ha ha!  Now, I know more than I ever thought I would.  The kids really enjoyed it too!  They were able to walk into jail cells and take pictures.  I asked if any of them wanted to stay there, but no one was interested.

Russ and I right as we got on the island

Russ and I outside the penitentiary

Alcatraz as we left on the ferry

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the city of San Francisco.  We started at Pier 39 for lunch and to see the seals.

Then, one of the children felt under the weather...so Russ and I took Julie and Clay for the afternoon while the rest of the Johnsons headed back to the hotel for a rest.  We had a great time!  We tried on "Krazy Kaps," rode the trolley, and shopped in Chinatown.

Clay, Julie, and me in our Krazy Kaps

Russ joined in too!  He says that he didn't mean to make a face like that!

I just thought this "kap" was too cute!

Julie and Clay on the trolley

Julie, Clay, and me in Chinatown

After our afternoon in town, we ate at Boudin's while we waited on Jimmy to pick us up to meet Olivia, Roan, Leah, and Sam in Chinatown.  They had finished with their rest and were ready to join the fun.

Me and Russ with homemade sourdough bread in the shape of an alligator

We still had time to spare, so we drove over to see the Painted Ladies...otherwise known as the Full House houses!  I was super-excited!

Don't we just look like we belong on Full House?!

Once we were all back together, Jimmy drove us up to Twin Peaks for a superb view of the city!

What a great day in the city!

San Fran Day 4

Tuesday was a day full of outdoor exploration nowhere near civilization!  Actually, we did find a small town with a population of 30!  Our first stop was Limontour Beach.  Russ caught a couple of great photos.

The beach

Russ did a great job capturing these moments throughout our trip!

After a long ride up the mountain, we stopped to pick up a picnic lunch from a random deli in Olema, CA.  They were delicious!  Then, we traveled over to Point Reyes at Limantour Beach for a picnic.  It was beautiful weather and the perfect day for a picnic!

Jimmy and Roan's family enjoying their picnic lunch

Me on Limontour Beach - notice the fleece coat and scarf on the beach!

On our way back down, we drove through quite the surprise - a dairy farm.  The Johnson children studied dairy farms this year in school, so this was a nice treat for them.  Many of these cows were READY to provide milk!  Ha!

We drove over to other parts of Point Reyes next.  This was a huge area, and I think we explored just a bit of it.  

Russ at the area around Point Reyes Lighthouse

The elephant seals at Drakes Beach

Russ and Jimmy found out about an even better spot to see the seals.  The park ranger told them that she usually doesn't tell people about these spots.  We were special, I guess.  We got very close to them!  Some closer than others!

Russ got too close for me!

I decided to give myself a little more space between me and the elephant seal!

Following our busy day at Point Reyes, we drove back into town over the Golden Gate Bridge.  And, I must say it was beautiful at night!

San Fran Day 3

So Day 3 of San Francisco was filled with fun activities.  One of the fun things we did was tour the Jelly Belly Factory.  The Johnson kids absolutely love Jelly Bellies, and I must admit that I do too!

Before taking our tour.  All visitors must wear these hats or else you will be stuck wearing a hairnet!

Jelly beans hung from the ceiling.  There were also portraits of celebrities and presidents made from Jelly Bellies.

Jelly Belly gift shop

After our tour, we headed to the Jelly Belly Cafe where all our food was shaped like jelly beans!

I ordered pizza, of course!

Even the burgers were jelly bean shaped!

After such a fun morning, it was time for Muir Woods!  I was amazed at the size of the trees!  We walked through the park and took lots of pictures.  However, you really need people in the pictures to truly see how massive these trees are.

The group at the Muir Woods entrance

Julie and me across the ravine between two Redwoods

Just to show you how big the trunk is

Russ is probably finding a photo opportunity. Ha ha!

Once the redwood experience was over, we went straight to Mount Tamalpais.  We hiked our way to the top of that mountain.  I just had to tell Roan I could not be responsible for any children going over the edge!  I was a nervous wreck!  She just laughed and headed up the rocky climb!  The kids did great, and they loved every minute of it!  The view from the top was incredible!

Taking a rest along the hike

Jimmy and Russ "on top of the world!"

Me and Russ...the only picture where I wasn't hanging on for dear life!

Have I told you lately that I'm scared of heights!?  Ha ha!  Great day enjoying God's incredibly amazing creation!!