Time in the city

  While I procrastinate on our Christmas card, let me get you up to date with our latest excursions.

  We went into SF last tuesday to explore a new part of town.  SF is quite intimidating to us.  I mean, of course there is the wharf and Ghirardelli Square, but we are not trying to play tourist.  In fact, our kids have not been there since we've moved here.  We are in search of the local vibe with boutique shops and such.  After a little research in this book, See San Francisco, we happened upon Pacific Heights on Fillmore St.  Awesome playground at Alta Plaza Park that we will play at another day, but some fun hills and stairs for the kids to conquer instead.  There were a couple of shops that I could make a house in, but The Nest could have easily one the prize.  The kids brought their wallets so they were excited to go in the shops with us.  We were able to steer one in particular clear from buying a little $26 stuffed animal (it WAS incredibly soft, but still!) and all came home with something.

  This was another wonderful day trip.  We have found ways to include the kids in being excited to explore with us, without making it ALL about the kids.  We didn't want to go to the playground, but we were happy to let them climb the stair banisters and run up and down the grassy hills.  We wanted to go look in the shops, but they would never want to do that unless they had some vested interest, like spending their own money.

 I hope you all had a nice holiday!  I can't even believe how fast that week went by, but here we are, back to the grind.

Happy Monday!