David Multer

Today’s Disney World trip is to Epcot. Not a lot of photos, but we did really enjoy the Mission Space ride. Nothing like pulling some Gs to get your day going. In the waiting area after the ride, Gabe and I enjoy a team effort on a cool video game. Gabe and Kyle do a bit of bonding. The kids enjoy a bit of sombrero fun at the Mexico plaza at the World Showcase. This was unfortunately the last stop before the wave of sickness kicked in. Gabe started to complain he was feeling bad and needed to go home. Little did we know this was just the beginning of a cascade of stomach virus to hit everyone for the next week. I can’t say it was the best birthday of my life, but I loved being with Lynda and her family and we had a great dinner thanks to Mom. ...

Our first day at Disney World begins with an exciting shuttle bus trip from the Old Key West resort to the Animal Kingdom. Steve, Lynda, Rachel, and Monica look primed for a day of fun. There’s definitely something to be said for a park where you have a chance to actually interact with some living things other than a pile of tourists on a ride. The kids really enjoyed the python and the petting zoo. Gabe had a blast with a deranged cow that sounded as if he had seen enough people that day. ...

We’re off to Orlando to meet up with Lynda and Steve’s family at Disney World. They have a timeshare at the Old Key West resort, so it was hard to pass up on the opportunity for a first visit to Disney World and to see their cousins. We’ve been to Disneyland a few times, but never to the mother of all theme parks. We decided to spend the first day checking out the other coast, so we packed up the car and drove out to Cocoa Beach to see how it compares to the Santa Cruz scene. The beach was really beautiful, the waves were awesome, but I expected it to be warmer. It really was pretty much the same as back home, which was of course no problem for my kids. ...

Monica had a school play today she was really looking forward to. Her play was one of a few covering different historical religious stories. Her play was about the story of Purim and she was the narrator.

Another beautiful day in Capitola during a visit with Gordon. The kids always have a great time playing at the beach. Nick and I spend some time at the sword shop checking out the weapons. It’s kind of a strange shop to have in downtown Capitola, but Nick really loves it.

Charlotte loves her walks in Henry Cowell with her friends. She really loves the very long walks with Paula when she has a chance to discover some new routes through the park. She’s also got a thing for mushrooms as you can tell.

We decided this morning to head over to Capitola and do a little fishing. No boat this time, but it’s a beautiful day for some wharf fishing. Charlotte drops off Monica, Gabe, and me while she heads over to Mr. Toots coffee house to help Valri with some of her paintings that are on display. I’m sure the coffee is not really for Nick. When Charlotte and Nick are done, they head over to the wharf with Gordon. A great blue heron strikes a few poses while he waits for his lunch. ...

It’s really cold out this morning, but the rain has finally stopped. That means it’s time to head over to Hellyer and have some fun. We went through the usual drills and races including another Australian pursuit race. I was really happy with my 200m time and a couple of race finishes. Charlotte and Monica came for a surprise visit during the race part and then we enjoyed lunch together. ...

Charlotte took Gordon out to see the butterflies over at Natural Bridges state park. It’s actually the best time to see them hanging in gigantic groups from the trees, but today is was very cold and they weren’t cooperating. Of course Gordon is used to weather a whole lot colder than this back in Bootjack.

I don’t know what possessed Monica to put her coat on Abby, but I guess no reason is really necessary. She does look good in Monica’s clothes. I wonder what outfit Abby is destined to wear next. I suppose this is also what happens when your other siblings are all boys.