The Emerald City...San Francisco, California

We arrived in San Francisco Friday evening in time for dinner. We ate at Mel's Diner, which was featured on the Food Network show, "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." Over the next two days, we visited Alcatraz Island, the Fishermans' Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, rode a cable car, drove down Lombard St. (the crookedest road), saw the famous Painted Ladies and 6 Sisters (Victorian houses from the sit-com "Full House"), drove across the Golden Gate bridge, and saw the giant Redwood trees in Muir Woods. We also ate some great seafood (especially the Clam Chowder served in Boudin bread bowls) while we were there.

The view of Pier 39 (Fishermans' Wharf) from Alcatraz IslandAlcatraz Island, famous for housing our nation's most feared criminals, including Al Capone. We are still left wondering if anyone successfully made the 1.2 mile swim to escape. Robbie, Bentley and Jordan feel certain that they could have made it alive. A view of one of the cells inside the prison
San Francisco is famous for its old-fashioned cable cars. We took a cable car back to our hotel and I felt certain it was going to be a slow journey that would take forever. I was definitely wrong; the cable cars travel quickly up and down the hills of San Francisco at speeds I didn't think possible. Kaelyn enjoyed her first cable car ride. Lombard Street (the Crookedest Road)
I can't imagine living on this small stretch of road and having tourists constantly driving down it. We saw one resident hanging out on his porch watching all the cars go by. The "Painted Ladies" (6 Sisters) featured on the show "Full House"The Golden Gate Bridge

Muir Woods

The Redwood trees were amazingly beautiful and we enjoyed our walk through the National Park.

Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

Friday after Alabama clinched the BCS Title, we hopped in our rental vans (they were crimson and white appropriately) and drove the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco. Even though the drive was close to ten hours long, it was one of the best adventures of our trip. The scenic route was beautiful and we couldn't help but stop off and snap some photos of all the views.

We stopped for lunch in a little town called Moonstone Beach at a bar and grill right on the coast. It was such a beautiful day that we were able to sit on the patio and listen to the ocean waves crash against the shore as we dined.

Enjoying the view with Kaelyn

Robbie was so excited after the Bama win, he was actually floating most of the day.

Here is the evidence.At the Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill, Kaelyn got to try her very first vegetable, peas. She ended up with peas all over PawPaw (good thing he was wearing green) and on her nose. She is not a fan of peas. One of the gorgeous views from the coastal highwayOn our drive, we spotted a village of Elephant Seals and stopped off to see them. From December to February, the males engage in "battles for dominance." Mating season is just around the corner and we witnessed some intense fighting. There were also many baby elephant seals that had just been born and it was amazing to see the mothers nursing their infants. Another scenic stop. Kaelyn enjoyed the carseat break and being outside in the warm California sun.

National Championship

Kaelyn took her very first plane ride on Wednesday, January 6th from Dallas to Pasadena, CA (with a layover in Las Vegas, NV) to watch the Alabama Crimson Tide vs. the University of Texas Longhorns play for the 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

We got lucky...It wasn't a full flight and Kaelyn was able to spread out and sleep

Stopping to smell the Roses...The Famous Rose Bowl Stadium

The Crimson Tide Arrives!

Parking for the Rose Bowl stadium is on two golf courses (which we found incredibly strange). Our parking spot was on the fairway of the 13th hole and as we unloaded, the tailgating was in full swing. After touring the outside parameters of the stadium, we found a nice shady spot to tailgate and anxiously await the opening of the gates.

Jim Knox, TV Reporter for Fox Sports Net, stopped by and interviewed Kaelyn,

"The Youngest Alabama Fan at the Game"

Kaelyn really enjoyed relaxing on the golf course with Mommy and Daddy

Big Al stopped by to tailgate with the Hudson's

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

6 Months Old

Dear Kaelyn,

It is so hard to believe that you are 6 months old today! Your dad and I can't imagine what our lives were like before you were here with us. You have brought so much joy to our family. You are such a good baby and endure all that we put you through without ever complaining. It is so much fun to watch you grow day by day. We can't believe you will be crawling soon. Wow, does time fly! We love you with all of our hearts!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

6 Month Stats

Weight: 16 lbs. 12 oz. (60th percentile)

Height: 26 inches (60th percentile)

Head: 17.5 inches (90th percentile; just blame Mom)

You are almost sitting up without any help and we can't believe how much you scoot around.

Kaelyn's First Christmas

On Christmas morning, Kaelyn woke up to her first visit from Santa with lots of toys and a huge interactive school bus with lots of gadgets. Santa even found Mom's old Cabbage Patch dolls and pulled them out of the attic to bring back some of the old times and gave Kaelyn some new clothing for them. It was amazing to see how worn out they looked, but Aunt Karlene and I reminisced over fun times with our dolls. Kaelyn also got her very first baby doll and stroller.

Kaelyn with our old Cabbage Patch dolls (they look a little worn)

Kaelyn and her first baby doll

(She really liked to eat its nose; we aren't quite the nurturing type yet)

Checking out the bus with Dad

"Daddy, you are so funny!"

Ripping into my first Christmas present (All I really want is the bow)

Everyone could have saved some money this year!

After Santa's visit, we headed over to Nana and Grandad's for the Perry Christmas exchange. Many cute outfits and fun toys later, Kaelyn was worn out and ready for a nap before the big dinner Christmas day evening. On Saturday evening, we headed to the Killian's Christmas and had more wonderful food and family time. Even though Kaelyn battled a cold over the holiday, she was a trooper and we enjoyed our time so much.

Santa and his elves made a stop at Nana's on Christmas morning to visit Kade and Kaelyn

Hanging out with Great-Grandad Killian after the gift exchange

Over the New Year's holiday weekend, we enjoyed our Christmas with the Hudson's in Dallas. Santa made another visit (wow, he's a busy man) and left Kaelyn more toys and a new umbrella stroller. With a first introduction to Great-Uncle Dale, lots of college football bowl games, and the annual Ding Dong game, Kaelyn survived yet another Christmas.

Santa's visit brought more toys for Kaelyn (we especially like our Taggie ball)

Mimi got a leopard rose hat like Kaelyn's and couldn't have been happier

(What a great Rose Bowl hat!)

Santa left our Rose Bowl (BCS National Championship tickets under the tree (look at the smile on Paw-Paw's face)

Memaw got some special time with Kaelyn (are there any beads left on that necklace, Memaw?)