We started out the month of September with a bang! The Ralph family was able to come down and visit us over Labor Day weekend. Brandon had to work still on Friday, so I got to take Ruth, Brian, and Michelle to the beach. We flew kites and had a small picnic. It was a windy, but all around beautiful day.
Maggie had a lot of fun with the kite strings. 
Stepping on and off the curb with Aunt Michelle.
Swinging between Grandma Ralph and Michelle.
And just enjoying sitting on the beach together, listening to the seagulls and waves.
On Saturday we met up with Jon and Jenna, and Steve, Kathy and Samuel in San Francisco. It was the first time that we’ve really toured around the city. I really love it! There are so many pretty buildings and little details that make it an exciting and unique place.
On the pier with a boat right in the way of Alcatraz.
Turning the crank of the penny squisher. (I’m sure there’s a more politically correct name for it, but that’s what I call them.)
We were trying to find things that we walked by that would interest Maggie, so she could really experience and remember our trip. She LOVED the fence. She spent like 15 minutes there and cried when we made her leave.
Michelle took a survey and got a free mini cupcake. She let me have a bite, it was amazing!
More exploring on Maggie’s level.
Sourdough! It was only like $1.50 for that loaf. So cheap, and so good!
Sunday was spent celebrating Nathan, Jon and Jenna’s little boy. He was blessed while everyone was down to visit. Lots of family was able to come visit, and we really enjoyed eating some good food with friends and family.
Tate and Liam were so cute! (Jenna’s neighbor’s twins) They loved Twix, and just wanted to chase him and pet him had a blast just giving him a walk around the pool. They’re such adorable boys!
Monday was spent wandering and enjoying time together. We found a small red wood park near the Oakland Temple, where we found a lizard!
Maggie got to feel the pine needles with Grandma.
We went to the Oakland Temple. It is such a peaceful, beautiful place. The grounds were just gorgeous!!
The hydrangeas were my favorite, but the flowers were all so pretty!
Maggie had a hay day in the fountain. When we talk about the temple now, she always mentions it. I think she’s under the impression that it’s one of the most important parts. We’ll have to work on that. 
Monday was also Brian’s birthday. We went to Olive Garden to gorge ourselves and celebrate. Maggie entertained herself by ripping up her little menu. :)
Then, they sadly had to head back home. It stinks that life gets in the way of always doing what we want, being around the people we love more often. I guess that just means we have to treasure the moments of respite that we do receive. I’m so grateful for family. They keep me going.
