San Francisco 2016

We drove up to the bay area on Friday and met with my long time friend Julie, her husband and youngest son Jack who is now 8 years old. We had a wonderful visit as I have not seen Julie in a long time. I neglected to take any photos.

We stayed in an Airbnb in Berkeley. It was a back house with a bed, sofa bed, kitchenette and bathroom. It was the perfect set up for our family and it was nice to have some meals in the cottage. They also had a chicken coop in the backyard and one morning I did not like the chicken coop but that was ok.

Saturday morning was a beautiful day in San Francisco. We met some nice people who were willing to take a picture of us, of course Jacob declined. We had wonderful pastries by the bay.

Our morning activity was the Exploratorium.

Jacob enjoyed this exhibit the most; strandbeest.  Jacob teases me for taking pictures of people's backs but when he won't cooperate for a picture what choice do I have. 

I thought this was a cool exhibit; Scott Weaver's 100,000-toothpick sculpture.

We headed out for quite the walk to our lunch destination.

We walked a lot of hills that day. Jacob of course had a blast with it.

We ate lunch at Golden Boy Pizza. The walls were covered with stickers and they played heavy metal music. Jacob and I deemed it "sketchy" but of course it was fine and good pizza.

Jacob is learning to take pictures of his food too:)

The red building is the pizza joint.

We ended our day with a Cable Car ride to the museum.

It was fun watching how it all worked. Our dinner plans included meeting up with Howard and Margi. Again we forgot to take pictures but dinner included Mexican food, almost an entire challah and dessert. Balanced meal right?

On Sunday we went to the botanical gardens at UC Berkeley with Michael's friend Abe, his wife Layla and their two daughters.

Jacob was the only one who remembered to take pictures.

The gardens were beautiful despite the hot day.

At the end of our day we did go to the University campus a bit. I had never been to UC Berkeley so it was fun to see. I did not realize how old the college was, established in 1868. All in all it was a great trip and we look forward to going back especially for the food.

Semester Two Awards Ceremony

Jacob achieved the Principal's Honor Roll again this semester and yet he said he was going to try harder next year. Our little perfectionist. Many of Jacob's teachers were at the awards so we had the opportunity to chat with them and tell them what a wonderful job they are doing. 

The awards ceremony was held the same week the kids were back from their trips; Catalina for 7th grade and Santa Monica for 6th grade, so many of the awardees were absent.

Sometimes you have to sneak a picture of Jacob. We are very proud of his achievements.

This is what I will not miss of 7th grade, holes in the knees. Jacob has gone through 10 pairs of pants. If only they made Tough-skins in khaki. We are hoping that playing tag will go by the wayside in 8th grade as Jacob has turned it into a contact sport. Happy Summer!

Catalina

Jacob survived his trip to Emerald Bay, Catalina with his middle school. I would call the trip character building. He took a whopping 142 pictures but I have whittled it down to a few for you. I think he cherished his camera as it was the only "device" that he was allowed to bring.

The ferry boat ride over was a bumpy one. Jacob did not do well even with medication. 

Sleeping arrangements.

Eating arrangements.

Kayaking

Squid dissection day.

Poor squid.

Jacob said the water was very clear.

Campfire Night

The ride back was much smoother according to Jacob. He saw dolphins and a humpback whale on the trip back. Not a bad way to end a trip.

Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Our bus driver on the ride over; stick shift, wooden till and all.

Our starting point, Lazaro Cardenas park.

Our first tacos were filled with meat. Jacob ate one of these and we all liked them.

This green looking drink was good and refreshing made with chia seeds.

At XocoDivas Chocolate we tried cocoa nubs and truffles with chili. Jacob tried one of these too.

A rare posed picture with Jacob. Tacos El Cunado in which we ate taco asada.

Pier

The beach was crowded with very colorful umbrellas.

Typical Jacob picture.

Cevicheria El Guero. We tried ceviche Mahi-Mahi which I didn't care for but we all liked the smoked Marlin.

We ended at Sabor Azteca for Mexican candies but most had nuts and seeds so Jacob was not interested.

All in all an adventurous food tour and we were amazed at how much Jacob was willing to try until he ate a coconut shrimp and then he thought he was having an allergic reaction.  The tour which lasted over 3 hours was a bit too long.

Biking in Mazatlán

Our second stop was Mazatlán in which we took a bike tour of old town. Our guide Ulises was born and raised in Mazatlán and was very passionate about his city. He made a very good guide.

In this photo Jacob and I are listening to our guide Ulises.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Each of its 28 stained glass windows incorporates a Star of David which were installed in gratitude for the donation of construction funds by a wealthy Mazatlán Jewish family. 

"Awesome" profile photo.

Stats on the church.

Republic Square.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the background.

Open air taxi back to the ship.

End of another fun day.