New Years, the Beach & Alcatraz

This will be my final post documenting the week I had both girls in my new home in California. That is still weird to write as I pinch myself daily I’m here. It was fun and we did a ton. I’m exhausted. Either I’m getting old or my simple life is making me weak for adventure (or I have COVID…I’ll take my 100th test later this week). 

I dig these two. It hit me tonight this is the first time since I gave birth to them that I do not have a date when I will see them next. I guess this is empty nesting. I’m sure we will get something scheduled soon. 

We celebrated New Years Eve with friends of mine. I’m sure it will be a NYE my girls will not forget. Needless to say, fun was had by all. 

Although I’m a huge goal setter I have never really made NYE resolutions. But I love how January 1 forces me to reflect upon the previous year and I have to say…2021 was good to me. Yes, the pandemic still sucked ass but I learned a lot from COVID as well. I’m excited for 2022. 

The morning after NYE our plan was to drive along the coast stopping at a few beaches but it was cut short by…sleep. We had a little recovering to do from a late night. We did make it to Capitola though so Paradis could see the beach and watch the sunset. I cannot believe I live by this and cannot wait until summer! 

We were cracking up when all our phones lit up with a “Freeze Warning” alert. The temp was going to be 28°. Both girls were in flip flops and it was -30° back home!

Today was a sad one as we had to put Paradis back on a plane for Minnesota. We drove to San Francisco and first took a ferry to Alcatraz. 

Can you imagine being a prisoner and being this close to one of the most beautiful cities in our country? 





The girls were looking for collection jar goodies. We were fortunate enough to walk along the Agave Trail which is only open a couple months a year due to the area being used by birds for nesting the other months. Despite the horrible things that happened there, the island is really very beautiful.  







Annelies and I said our goodbyes to Paradis and drove back home. I took a much needed nap and dropped off the car I rented through Turo. I jumped on a bus back home and I have to say it was very soothing. I plan to write a post soon about my public transit experience, but I really do enjoy the simplicity. 



Overall the week was wonderful showing both my girls my new home. I miss them but I’m so glad we can see one another during our travels. 

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2022 brings you everything you desire. - Rae Ann