HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRIP FOR SEAN!

On Friday, August 20th, we drove up the 5 freeway to Hayward.  It was my grandson Sean's 8th birthday. His first choice for dinner on his birthday was Round Table Pizza.  We ate at the Round Table after we gave out our presents 1.) for both Sean and Harriet's birthdays (hers is September 5th) and 2.) from our wanderings during the summer.

The next morning, we ate breakfast at Ian and Sarah's, then drove to Alameda to take the ferry to San Francisco.  Sean had worked out all the details of his birthday celebration.  It was a wonderful plan.  I had never really thought of taking the ferry across the bay before, but it's the greatest way to travel to San Francisco.  The ferry goes from Alameda, then Oakland, then to the ferry building in San Francisco at the end of Market Street, then to Pier 41 (near Fisherman's Wharf), where we got off.  Our next stop was the Rainforest Cafe. Animatronic animals, huge tanks of tropical fish, a "thunder and lightning storm" every half hour.  It was really a load of fun - kind of Disney goes to a restaurant.  Harriet, who's 4, announced "We're really under water".  After lunch we went to the Aquarium at Pier 39.   A very nice little aquarium with lots of sharks, jelly fish, huge Pacific Bass, and a tank of anchovies.  Again, lots of fun.  We stopped at my favorite sock store on Pier 39, then back to the ferry.  The ride over to San Francisco was a bit foggy and cool.  The ride back to Alameda was gorgeous - sunny and clear.  The ferry went to Angel Island before heading back to Alameda.  That night we had a rib dinner at the Texas Road House.  All in all a great day!

We drove home this morning along with about half the population of the state, or so it appeared.  We managed to get by a burnt out pick up truck, a grass fire (caused by an upturned carrot big rig), and a dramatic crash.  Other than slowing down - we're fine.  Here's some photos.