Six Flags and More

I am not a big fan of roller coasters...not even the little kiddie rides...but every year the children get pumped up about going to Six Flags.  So thankful Michael loves to ride the rides.  I always try to find a way to stay home...baby is too small...toddler wants to ride and cannot...easier to save the money for other things...ANYthing to not go...I really am a waste of money when it comes to these experiences.

However, this year we are at a new park and it seemed like there might actually be things I could do during the day.  So...off we went to Discovery Kingdom Six Flags.  It was a good park for people like me...there were shows and animals as well as cool places to sit.  The rides were close enough to the walk ways that I was able to take a few pictures of the crew on the rides.

Michael and the older boys were quick to get on their favorite rides but got distracted by bumper cars and a swing type ride first.  Then they met us for a dolphin show (It was OK but nothing compared to Sea World so we left the show early).  Then they were off to ride the big rides.  They tried to convince Brendan to ride a smaller roller coaster (Cobra) but he decided he was having fun on his own rides.

Zaira and Brendan spent time at two different play areas and then we rode a boat ride.  It was tame for this type of ride but still made me squeamish.  Then we rode the carousel...I was fine except that it was hard to take photos in both directions and keep my balance!  We found a hot air balloon ride and helicopters before meeting back up with Michael and the older crew.  One more trip around the last of the roller coaster rides while the rest of us pet sting rays, looked for walrus, watched the penguins and walked under the sharks!

I was so glad to have the time with family but also glad for the day to be over.  I really should stay home for these things!  Glad everyone else enjoyed the rides!

Then we went to Vacaville for a hotel.  "Cow town" was the closest we have been to Texas since we left four months ago!  There were streets named Texas...the college was Austin College.  There was a Sam's Club, Chick-fil-a and Sonic.  Even the landscape was much like what we love about Texas.  When we went to Sam's the checker was from Austin!

We were able to go to an amazing Catholic church on Sunday...Star of the Sea Church.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to be there...it was beautiful in art and in spirit.  For those who are not Catholic...I cannot explain it.  For those who have fallen away from the church...you will not understand it but I pray that you will find a way to return.  For those who seek the joy of the Mass...you will wish you were there with us.  It truly brought tears to my eyes to have the blessed sacrament so beautifully worshiped.  I am sad to say that it has been a long time.  We all agreed that we want to return to this parish again soon and often.  The painting above the altar was so beautiful.  I could not resist a picture after Mass.  It felt as if she were looking down on us and giving us hope in the future.

We then left and traveled a few blocks away to visit the Maritime of San Francisco Historical Park.  This park was special because we were right on the water...on a pier...very crowded and hard to find parking but worth the effort to visit.  We walked among historical ships that were important to our history.  We were especially surprised to be a part of a horse burial at sea.  If you have never experienced it was quite thrilling (goosebumps just thinking about it!) even with a stuffed horse that has seen its better days!  We especially enjoyed the old ferry boat (Eureka), the tug boat (Hercules), and the Balcutha (old rigger ship that is over 100 years old).

We only had a little time so we tried our luck at some geocaches that were found on the Presidio of San Francisco.  I am glad we did not plan a long stay here as there was a BIG celebration taking place on the grounds.  We were thankful to find the national cemetery and pay our respects, then drive to the chapel that had some interesting murals.  Then our last stop was at Inspiration Point where we found a beautiful view of the area, including the Golden Gate Bridge.

There is still much to see in San Francisco.  Maybe that is why the old crooner sang about leaving his heart in San Francisco.  Thankfully for us...we are only a short drive (Texas traveling) from the sites.  We will be taking weekend trips here as often as we can while we are here...be ready to hear more later.