Halloween

Haunted Halloween house:

A magician, Dwight and last year's skeleton: 

Halloween party

 Cousins

 Success!

Balboa Park

Continuing on our vacation theme of going to new places, we spent the rest of our time in San Diego at Balboa Park. It has a fountain, so Zack was an instant fan. 

 There are a lot of different museums to check out. 

But our time was limited (when isn't it?) so we focused on the Fleet Science Museum. 

Who knew science could be so much fun? 

 This is by far my favorite picture of the day... 

 Pluck a guitar string and this happens. 

There was an entire Grossology display. Zack and I didn't explore it, but this interactive barf exhibit reminded me of some of my friends... (not because they make me want to barf). 

 This is also a cool picture, Ben is sitting on the other side of the glass and that is Zack's head on top of Ben's body, but Zack is sitting across from him. How is it possible?  Science! Of some sort. I was never very good at science. 

 

Mid-way through our zoo experience the day before, Zack needed a drink of water. Not just any water, water from a drinking fountain. Do you think we could find one at the zoo?  Luckily we found one at Balboa Park. It was as warm and metal tasting as he hoped. 

I would have loved to take Zack through the gardens, but we had to get home. We saw this cool old tree before we left. 

Maybe next time.

Sea Port Village

After the zoo we met up with Mike & Dianne who were in San Diego with Matt's cousin Lisa & her boyfriend Joel who were visiting from Australia. This is a big crew!

 I had the pleasure of sitting by and being entertained by this little cutie. 

 The restaurant was right on the ocean. Isn't that an amazing sunset?

  After dinner we came across a street magician. The guy could swallow a cigarette! He was entertaining. Much better than Mr. Muscles!

Arrg...

 Time to call it a night. 

Zoofornia

The law firm retreat included a trip to the San Diego Zoo. Yea! We've never been. Before we left, we got a little more of Coronado Island in. 

In an odd way, Coronado reminds me of Salt Lake circa 1998-ish in that there is a La Salsa and Einsteins Bagel.  Both within walking distance from the hotel. I love this place! 

 

It was a great day for the zoo, too, and not just because they were giving away free Tillamock cheese. 

A famous Francis family picture of Matt & David doing a flamingo pose: 

Our re-creation (I am not sure why our hands are that way). 

Zack was the most excited. He loves foxes and snakes. He saw both, thanks to his excellent map skills. 

 The pandas were fun to watch. This guy was lounging.

Is there an animal in this picture? I have that question for many pictures that I took at the zoo.

On the Skyfari

 Great views of the city and a relaxing way to get across the zoo.

 We met up with the cousins to eat lunch and check out the elephants, giraffes 

and rhinos. 

 A sighting of the independent and hard to find teenagers: 

The other boys left the zoo before we had a chance to take the bus tour. Noah wasn't feeling it.... our tour guide was a little eccentric. 

 

 At least Ben could appreciate the fact that we were front row on the top of a double decker bus.  

 Zack was the only kid I could convince to sit in front of this giant elephant tree. 

 I thought the San Diego Zoo was going to be gigantic, but it wasn't too bad. We saw it all and had a great time.  

Coronado Island

Question: How awesome is your job when the company pays for a family retreat to the Del on Coronado Island? Answer: super awesome. 

Years ago, when all of Matt's family lived in San Diego and Noah was just a baby, we visited Coronado Island. I loved it! It has such a romantic vibe, especially the old & historic Hotel del Coronado.  Now none of Matt's family lives in San Diego and we have no babies. But Coronado Island is still just as amazing as I remembered. 

Everyone loved staying at the Del, but Zack was in heaven. This hotel is totally his thing--what with the fancy lobby  

and what not.

The biggest score for the boy who always ends up stuck sleeping on the floor was getting his own space (and tv) in our room. 

He also enjoyed the various reading locations.

For the end of October the weather was beautiful. 

 We spent all afternoon and evening on the beach. 

 

The weather was warm but the water was cold, don't let Matt's confident expression convince you otherwise. 

Everyone from the Firm met for s'mores and to hang out. Matt works with really great people (many of whom we are related to) which makes for a fun night. 

 

  

Perfect evening.... perfect place!