- POINT REYES LIGHTHOUSE

After our balloon adventure, we came back to our hotel, took a little nap, changed our clothes and drove up the coast to Point Reyes.

Amazing view of the coastline.

Beautiful scenery during our walk to the famous Point Reyes lighthouse.

Who is this windblown girl?

So maybe I didn't get my run in for the day, but I certainly got a different kind of workout.

View from the top.

Looking down at the lighthouse, right before we descended the 308 steps.

Each step was numbered - and we felt every single one of them!

Looking down at Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870 at the windiest point on the Pacific Coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent.

We took the tour of the inside of the lighthouse so we could see the "first order" Fresnel lens. I've never been inside a lighthouse. I leaned a lot about the whole process. I've always loved lighthouses (just take a look at our guest bathroom!)

Getting my StairMaster workout for the day!

- DRAKES BEACH

We wanted to take a walk on the beach, so we drove to Drakes beach, not far from Point Reyes. It felt good to take our shoes off and walk in the sand after climbing all those stairs at the lighthouse!

Kurt loves the beach, almost as much as he loves the mountains.

Getting artistic - before the waves wash away his work. (This was his 4th try!)

Using the self timer on my camera - I hate asking people to take our picture.

Shadow play.

- GARY CHU'S

We ended our day by driving to Santa Rosa to one of my favorite restaurants - Gary Chu's. My friend Connie first introduced me to Gary Chu's a few years ago when I met her here while she was visiting her mom in an assisted living center. We continued our tradition every time I met her here. I've always wanted to bring Kurt here. I knew he'd love it. I was right - he did!

We ordered the Peking Dinner for 2 - Egg Rolls, Won Ton Soup, Pineapple Sesame Pork, Almond Chicken and Steamed Rice. It was delicious!

What a fun night! I didn't get us lost - I didn't have to drive point A to point B (we used Kurt's GPS), and then we went shopping at the Santa Rosa Mall afterwards!

- OUR ANNIVERSARY GET-AWAY

Every year Kurt and I take turns planning an anniversary adventure. Kurt was in charge this year. We never tell each other what our plan is. We left tonight after I got off work. Kurt told me a few things I would need to pack in my suitcase, but other than that, I was completely clueless. He drove west on Highway 50. About 90 minutes later we checked into our hotel in Vallejo. We went to dinner at Red Lobster (one of my favorites) and then bought some things for breakfast tomorrow morning. Kurt says we need to wake up at 4:30 am because we have a 6:00 am adventure. I have no idea what that adventure is, but I'll find out in less than 8 hours. I'd better get some sleep now.

The lobby of our hotel - near Six Flags in Vallejo.

View from our room.

The lobster tank at Red Lobster. I opted for the Maui Shrimp and Salmon Platter. Kurt had the endless shrimp platter.

These little beauties are the REAL reason we come to Red Lobster. Their garlic cheese biscuits are heavenly!

- WEDNESDAY NIGHT INSTITUTE CLASS

The Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Institute class started tonight. I was so excited! Since being called to Primary, I've missed attending Gospel Doctrine class. My personal scripture study leaves a lot to be desired lately too. I decided that driving to the Stake Center in Cameron Park for this class every Wednesday night would be just what I needed. I love church history and look forward to learning more. Brother Barnes will be a great teacher. Tonight we learned about the development of the Doctrine and Covenants and about each of the early editions. Very interesting! Can't wait until next week!

- GOAT EXPANSION

Kurt has this week off and is busy fencing in additional area for Rusty and Rolly. He spent all day pounding fence posts into the rock-hard ground, pre-drilling each hole with a hammer drill. He's pretty wiped out tonight.

This is the area Kurt first fenced when the goats arrived 9 weeks ago. The brush was chest high. They have completely cleared everything and are ready to move on to greener pastures.

Kurt pounded 50 more fence posts today and will put about 400 feet of fence up tomorrow.

By tomorrow night Rusty and Rolly will have almost 1 full acre to enjoy!

- LABOR DAY 5K - DAVIS, CA.

This morning I met Alyssa, Alax and his mom Pam in Folsom and we drove to Davis for a Labor Day 5K (3.1 miles). It was a great day for a race. The weather was cool and breezy. We had a really fun time. It was nice to visit with Pam and get to know her a little better too.

Alyssa and Alax right before the race began.

Alyssa, Pam and Alax sprinting to the finish line. (They walked most of the race. I ran so I was able to get this picture as they came in.)

Chillin' after the race.

My finish time for the race was 30 min. 27 seconds. Not my best 5K time, but not bad considering I haven't run a race in 1 year. I averaged a 9:47 mile and came in #10 of 49 runners in my age division.