A fun day at the farm

A couple weeks ago, we moved from San Francisco south a ways to Palo Alto. After nearly 15 years in the city, I have to say it was a bit traumatic for me, but the kids seem to be digging the back yard! And I have to say I think I do have a talent for bar-b-que needing to be developed and explored.

The move has also made it possible for us to check out a bunch of cool new places to take the kids now that we're living in a new part of the Bay Area.

Today we went to Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. This area is literally on the bay and the trails are the berms that separate the water spaces that line the southern part of San Francisco Bay and are home to numerous migratory birds as well as other critters. It's a great place to walk till you drop.

But yesterday was what I really wanted to share. We checked out Ardenwood Farm. We had been wanting to make the drive for some time, but now that we're closer, we decided to go for it. Ardenwood is a working farm but managed by the East Bay Park Department. There's an old farm house where you can get a tour (the first tour is designed for your younger kids since the regular tour can last 45 minutes). We had a blast picking berries, checking out the farm animals and following a couple peacocks around the property.

But I have to say, the highlight of our day there was a special event we stumbled upon. They were celebrating the anniversary of the Oreo cookie...not exactly sure why...but the celebration involved a taste test for the kids visiting the farm. It was a blind taste test, so the kids lined up, closed their eyes, held out their hands and got a sample of 4 knock-off cookies, and one genuine Oreo. I'm the proud father of a son who totally nailed it! Well, I guess I'm proud...hmm, maybe I should think that through...

In any case, we're fans, and will be back to Ardenwood regularly!