Carole is putting on a monster seder this year with family coming from all over. It was great seeing Albert and his family along with dad and Max. Emily and her family came from England as well. We all missed Scott and his family, but our thoughts were with them. The kids had loads of fun getting really muddy by the lake. While everyone else contented themselves with fun and conversation inside. ...
The plan was to head out to Liberty Park and catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, but fate had different plans for us today. Turns out you can’t climb up into the statue since 9/11 and since we’ve all been to the base before, it’s kind of hard to see the point. Don’t ask me about the problem with the rental car. At least it’s a nice view from here. We then decide to head into the city for the day. ...
We’re happy to be spending lots of time with Lynda and her family while we’re visiting. Gabe and Kyle had loads of fun together. It was great seeing Steve’s family and hearing how things have progressed over the years.
The family is heading out to Grandma’s place near Philadelphia for Passover. We’ll be spending the week visiting grandma, Lynda, and the rest of the family. We’ll also be heading out to New York for a Seder with Carole and a whole pile of people. Scott and his family had to cancel at the last minute because of Bridget mom’s death. We’ll really miss them on this trip and will be thinking of them. ...
We’ve got a small break in the weather and I’ve got to squeeze in a trip before we head out for spring break. I’m not sure we’ll be able to get in any fishing, but Gordon and I are off to Soquel Hole to see what’s up. Here we are on our very first launch. Other than forgetting to remove the transom straps, things go very smoothly. Unfortunately the weather and water isn’t very smooth and it’s a rough ride out to the hole. No fishing on this trip, but chalk it up as a great learning experience. ...
The next day in Yosemite brings a beautiful day. Looks like Monica and Doug are excited about another day in the snow. I vote to extend the seven wonders of the world to include this place. A well fed coyote roams the valley. And the crew heads to the Ahwanee for some lunch. The girls take Gordon on a walk to the base of lower Yosemite falls. ...
Charlotte and Valri took Gordon out to Yosemite to check out the spectacular sites. Gabe and Doug were joining them, but Gabe got really sick the day before so Monica filled in. It’s looking a bit nasty out, but the views just get more impressive. It’s been a while since my kids have seen the snow.
Unfortunately I missed out on Gabe’s birthday party this year since I was on our Tour of King City bike ride. While I pounded back the miles for three days, Gabe’s friends started by enjoying some pizza. Of course I’ll be back by the time his real birthday arrives. Charlotte picked up one of those helium balloon kits, and it sure was a big hit. Now the balloons and kids move into Gabe’s room for some out of control play. Gabe is so funny how he hangs back and avoids the rough stuff. ...
My friend George put together a three day bike ride that started in Watsonville, headed down to Carmel, then over the mountains to King City, and then finally back through Hollister returning home. Tony and Jeff made up the rest of our tiny peloton, with Erik saving the day with ride support. Our first day was a beautiful ride along the coast and then out to Carmel Village. The next morning was a bit wet and windy, but it calmed down quite a bit by the time we got rolling. The hot tub last night really helped prepare everyone for another long day of riding. ...
Charlotte and I managed to talk the kids into joining us for a hike out in Felton for our anniversary. It’s a great day and I knew the route would be loads of fun for them. Gabe particularly enjoyed the sandy trenches as expected Still very happily married after 18 years! Whereas Gabe looks like the long hike is making him a bit tired. We stop at the top of Bear Mountain to check out the Roaring Camp train. ...