During Spring Break 2017, we had another opportunity to get together with the grandkids we don’t get to see as often. This time we met up at the Jelly Belly Factory and then got to stay with them in their home. They have a really fun tradition that when someone comes to stay, they make a t-shirt for each person. 2017’s theme was a red chicken. So, Abby and Lauren made shirts for Papa, Andrew, Lauren, and me. I think we are overdue for another visit and a new shirt!

We went to an A’s baseball game, spent a day at Natural Bridges State Beach, and, while in the San Fransico area, we went to Exploratorium and walked along Pier 39. (The Exploratorium is one of the many museums nationwide you can visit for free with our local museum membership. Our membership at Thanksgiving Point allows Papa, me, two adults, any children still living with us, as well as ALL of our grandchildren in for FREE!). While at the beach, the grandkids did some exploring. I was Hannah’s helper. Laura said, “Grandma Colleen is the best exploring buddy! She’ll carry your shells, hold your hand while you balance, and poke the squishy things in the tide pools with you.” We had a fun day creating memories.

To finish off our road trip, we went to the Sequoia National Park. We went on hikes, played in the water, and the kids built an amazing fort! Visiting the Sequoia trees has been on my bucket list for awhile. I love the trees! I love how the trees grow in groves of families and they intertwine their roots to give each other strength from the elements. While there, we saw General Sherman, “a giant sequoia tree located in Sequoia National Park…by volume, it is the largest known living single stem tree on Earth.” (Side note: Papa Rich gave me a necklace with a tree from Alex and Ani that had a card with the meaning “Unexpected Miracles.” Rich is my unexpected miracle)! One of my favorite memories from this road trip was having the two Andrew’s and in the car with Papa and me and listening to Jim Gaffigan. The boys memorized his stories and jokes and would continue repeating them throughout the trip. It was hilarious!

Where are some of the places you have visited with your grandkids?

Oakland Athletics

Jelly Belly Factory

Exploratorium

Thanksgiving Point

Pier 39

Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Alex and Ani

Jim Gaffigan

Association of Science-Technology Centers

ASTC Travel Passport Program Participants May 1–October 30, 2018

Road Trip Video by Madi McCann Spring Break 2017

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