Lots of great gifts greet the family this year. Santa made Gabe very happy with a new iMac, and Charlotte got a big surprise with an iMac to replace her aging crappy PC. Monica’s new iPod was a big hit too. There was also a new Playstation 2 with games for all.
The Multer, Hoyem, and Peyser families converge on Val’s house for Christmas dinner. A few presents for Gordon before the festivities begin. While Gabe works on his skateboarding moves. The kid’s table is busy with lots of cousins that are growing up very fast.
Nick’s got some friends over today to work on a project for school. They’re putting together a movie that shows off the self defense maneuvers they’ve learned. I think they’re practicing some of these before the camera rolls for real. But then again they may just be having fun.
Another hike, another gnome finds a new home in the woods. Looks like Pickle gnome is still enjoying himself.
Charlotte’s work party is just down the street from us over at Peachwoods restaurant. It’s a good chance for me to meet the rest of the Maria Yee gang.
Charlotte is out hiking today with her friend Sally and it looks like they’ve found a nice new home for Pickle gnome.
Santa’s got a unique style out here in California. He wears a Christmas color Hawaiian shirt, rides in an outrigger canoe, and his reindeer are surfers. Of course he’s still got the hat, belly, and jolly laugh. Quite a few people show up at Capitola beach for his visit, including Charlotte’s friend Sonia and her family. Doesn’t look like we can expect snow anytime soon. Gordon has a great view of the action from his place. I was out on a ride this morning, but I couldn’t miss swinging by to see Santa and the family. ...
Thanksgiving is over at George’s place this year. Though it’s always a great time of year with family, we’re giving thanks that we’re not cooking the turkey this year. First a little warm up on the trampoline. Though it will be raining tomorrow, today is a great day to spend outdoors. The feast is a real pleasure as always. The kids have a great time together, though they skipped the food throwing from previous years. I’m sure George and Ellen are happy about that. ...
Charlotte and I take Abby along for a hike around Roaring Camp and Henry Cowell. A few beautiful scenes along the way. Last time we hiked, Charlotte was telling me how she always feels like the redwoods are the kind of place where she expects to spot gnomes. I suggest we make a regular effort to place some of her gnome collection in some of her favorite places. Pumpkin gnome is the first to enjoy his new home out in the woods. Hopefully people won’t mess with them, and others can discover and enjoy these pleasant forest dwelling creatures. ...
A terrible accident recently took the life of local skateboarder Eric Costello while he was teaching some kids over at the Scotts Valley skatepark. The community has been pretty shocked by the accident as well. Turns out some local businesses like Sessions talked with Tony Hawk and arranged for him to come out with his crew for a memorial event where everyone could celebrate their love of skateboarding. Gabe was pretty jazzed to check out the legend, and it’s a fantastic day to enjoy outside. ...