2025 - Fall Break Family Vacation to San Francisco
This October, my wife Chelsey and I took our daughters Emma and Maddie on a five-day family vacation to San Francisco during their school fall break. We wanted a mix of fun, learning, and new experiences, and San Francisco was the perfect destination. We visited Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, and took a ferry out to explore the historic island of Alcatraz. The tour of Alcatraz was both fascinating and a little eerie, offering incredible views of the bay and skyline along the way.
The girls loved riding the famous cable cars that climb San Francisco’s steep streets, and they were thrilled to take the BART train to visit my brother Robert and his family in Orinda. Some of the most unexpected highlights for Emma and Maddie were feeding the pigeons along the pier and spotting Waymo, the self-driving cars that glide quietly through the city. Seeing a car drive itself was an unforgettable moment for them.
Our San Francisco trip turned out to be one of the best family vacations we’ve taken together. From the city’s stunning scenery to the small, joyful moments with the kids, it was a reminder of how valuable it is to pause from the routine and create lasting memories as a family.
Vacation Updates From The Murdock Family!
Summer Boating on the Water at Jordanelle Reservoir Utah
This summer has been all about sunshine, family time, and spending weekends out on the water. We bought a Moomba Mobius boat and have been enjoying every moment at Jordanelle Reservoir in Utah. I have always loved boating since I grew up wakeboarding competitively and even appeared in a few professional wakeboarding videos. Now it is exciting to start teaching Emma and Maddie how to ride and experience the same sport that has been such a big part of my life. Watching them laugh and learn out on the water has been incredible.
Owning a boat does come with its share of costs and surprises. As the saying goes, the best day of owning a boat is the day you buy it, and the second best day is the day you sell it. Even with the expense, every outing on the water feels worth it. The sunshine, the waves, and the time together as a family make boating one of the best parts of our summer.
snorkeling boat tour on the four winds
Family Adventure in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole
This summer, our family took an unforgettable trip to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We spent three nights camping beneath the stars in the Tetons and two nights relaxing in a cozy Jackson Hole hotel. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking the mountain range rose up behind our campsite like something out of a painting. We hiked, took in incredible views, and spotted wildlife all around us, including elk, deer, and even a real bear wandering near the treeline.
One of our favorite days was spent exploring Jenny Lake, where we paddled along the shoreline and later boarded a ferry across the water to reach a hiking trail that led deep into the park. Each morning brought a new adventure, from setting up our tent together to watching the sunrise over the peaks. Every moment reminded us how much we love the outdoors and the calm that comes with being surrounded by nature.
The highlight of the trip came when we took a float trip down the Snake River in an eight-man paddle boat. It was pure excitement and laughter as we hit the Lunch Counter rapids, one of the biggest sections on the river. The energy, the teamwork, and the rush of water made it a memory we’ll never forget. Grand Teton and Jackson Hole gave our family the perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and togetherness, everything a family vacation should be.
2022 Maui Hawaii Trip
road to Hana - Upper Waikani Falls
Myths of Maui luau
Family Fall Break in San Francisco | Murdock Family Travel Blog
Nicholas Murdock FAMILY BLOG
Company Summit in Argentina
This fall I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Argentina for our company’s international summit. The trip lasted six days and combined business, connection, and a little exploration. I first arrived in Buenos Aires, where I spent the night soaking in the city’s energy before flying the next morning to Santa Fe, home to our company headquarters.
During the summit, we spent several days in meaningful meetings focused on our company’s direction, the future of AI, and how we can continue improving the way we serve our clients. The collaboration, ideas, and energy from the entire team were inspiring. One of the most memorable moments came on our final day in Santa Fe when we celebrated a retirement for one of our longtime coworkers. The event was heartfelt, full of laughter, and a true reflection of Argentina’s warm and welcoming culture.
After the summit, I returned to Buenos Aires and spent two more days exploring this beautiful city. We took a bus tour that passed through historic neighborhoods, colorful architecture, and vibrant local markets. The food, the people, and the rhythm of the city made it an experience I will never forget. Argentina left a lasting impression on me, and I’m already looking forward to going back.