Alcatraz

We visited Alcatraz this last weekend. We rode the train down to the city and spent the afternoon there. Neither of us had been to Alcatraz before so we were pretty excited to go. It was very interesting. There was definitely a creepy vibe there, but it was so cool at the same time. We loved reading the histories of people that were inmates there. This week are going to watch the movie, "Escape From Alcatraz" now that we have been there. The views of the city from the island were spectacular. You could see both bridges and all the buildings. We definitely want to go back again and do the audio tour with former inmates narrating. Our favorite part of the tour was looking at the prison cells of the 3 inmates that had escaped through the vents in their rooms. Their vents were very small. IMPOSSIBLE to fit a grown man's body through but they had stolen spoons from the dining hall and had dug their vents out and created holes big enough to fit their bodies through. Those were the only 3 inmates that were not recaptured after escaping. Super intense. It was awesome, and we want to go again!

The City

On the train to San Fransisco

Golden Gate Bridge

Bay Bridge

Me!

Prison cell. Oddly enough, this was roughly the same size as my room in my house growing up! I felt right at home!

Thanksgiving

I know that thanksgiving has been past for quite a while, but life has been crazy! We had a great thanksgiving with my family. They came to California to see us and spend some time here. It was a lot of fun! We played games, watched a movie, went to see thw giant sequioas, and saw BYU play. Not to mention, a delicious thanksgiving dinner with Jake's brother's family. We had a great time. We are grateful for the time of year when we can focus on all our blessings.

It was really fun to go to a BYU game with my family. I got way into the game and Jake wasn't annoyed with all my questions!

I think J had way too much fun at the Calaveras state park. He kept referring to himself as a spider monkey! B had a good time too! 

All my boys! Dad, J, B, and Jake! I am so glad that everyone was able to come and spend time with us for the holidays.

Walking through the streets of Berkeley! J is such a ham!

I love this man! 

Giant Sequoias! 30 ft. In diameter! I wanted to take a picture and Jake said that it had to be with the biggest tree! It was amazing. I love all the intricate details in all of God's creations.