Instead of the usual breakfast in bed thing, Charlotte’s idea of the perfect way to start the day is to go for a giant hike in the woods. Charlotte and Paula try a new route starting in Scotts Valley and going through Henry Cowell, Pogonip, and then down to Santa Cruz. The first big obstacle is getting across the swollen river. Of course they’re already plenty wet from the rain today. ...
Nick has company this year at track meets now that Monica is in 6th grade. Both of them have been doing very well with the short distance events. They both do very well with the shot put also.
This year’s 3rd annual SVEF century bike ride has finally arrived. It’s turned out to be an awesome fundraiser for our local schools, and a great local ride as well. Charlotte put in a ton of effort along with the usual crew and the effort has really paid off. We had more riders, and raised more money this year than ever before. This year we included raffle tickets as an option for donations. I sure would have liked to have won that Specialized bike CycleSport donated. ...
The sixth graders in the area hold a competition between the schools every year over at Soquel High School. Scotts Valley has the privilege of being represented as the USA every year, though I wouldn’t mind being the school that represents Wales or Jamaica instead. The big event starts with a march around the beautiful field. There’s plenty of action for many kids, while others wait around for their big event. Monica’s events are all later in the afternoon. Paula is there with her school representing Mexico. ...
Charlotte usually hikes over at Henry Cowell, but after hearing about Gabe’s field trip to Fall Creek, it was time to try out a new route. The photos are from the kiln area at the furthest point of the field trip. Charlotte and Paula headed out another few miles past this and really enjoyed the big steep section.
Gabe’s class has been studying hundreds of wildflowers in class for some time now. All the effort is about to pay off with Mr. Sutherland’s big field trip to Fall Creek. It’s a long hike, but the kids all hang in there great. Everyone is very excited and actively identifying and discussing all the flora and fauna they find in the park. Our study group did an awesome job checking off nearly everything on our clipboard list. We even managed to identify a few items not on the list. ...
Charlotte starts a spectacular day with some of her friends walking in the redwoods. Today was a big hike all the way from Scotts Valley to Felton and back. We round up the crew and head down to Rio Del Mar beach. Monica is a bit concerned about the rip currents down at Manresa, but this beach rocks too. Gabe even spotted a location with an already dug pit. What a big bonus! Of course there’s a bit of territorial posturing as sand is kicked onto each other’s towels. Nick, Charlotte, and I monitor the unfolding action. ...
We’re off to Loch Lomond in Felton today before the rain kicks in later tonight. Valri brought the food and we brought the charcoal. Gordon did an awesome job working the barbecue. Of course Gabe manages to catch a trout almost immediately after casting his line the first time. I’m left with the job of cleaning the fish since he’s now on the picnic menu. Meanwhile I nearly catch Nick in the act of beating a tree with a stick. The park ranger would not be happy. ...
Charlotte didn’t have a big party with a bunch of her friends, but quite a few stopped by the house to drop off presents and wish her the best. The family wished her a happy birthday with presents and her favorite ice cream birthday cake. Thank goodness for Baskin Robbins and Jamoca Almond Fudge!
It’s the big day and it looks like we’re going to be very lucky with the weather. The sun is starting to shine and a full double rainbow is welcoming Gabe to his first day as a nine year old. Monica is busy with some elaborate artwork wishing Gabe a happy birthday and giving directions to our party guests at the same time. The large crowd of very happy boys are immediately attracted to our favorite attraction, the trampoline. I don’t think I’ve ever seen quite so many people on it at the same time before. ...