We’ve got a full house this year for Gabe’s birthday. Karen is in town visiting, George is down with the family, Kim brought Jack and Lily, and Gabe has invited 9 of his friends. Time for one last peaceful photo before the madness begins. The favorite play area in our whole backyard has got to be the trampoline. The rope swing comes in a close second. After burning a bunch of energy outside, time to head indoors for some pizza, a balloon fight, and then some Playstation. ...
While I’m off riding in the mountains, Charlotte takes Gabe and Doug down to Capitola. The tide is low enough, you can make it around the edge of the cliffs. Karen seems to be enjoying herself. Quite a collection of sea creatures await the intrepid explorers. Back at the house the flowers are enjoying the sunshine.
Karen is visiting and joins her sisters for a trip down to Monterey. First a stop at MBARI in Moss Landing, then down to the Monterey Bay harbor and wharf.
Gabe is giving a presentation on George Washington tomorrow at school. We check out the look before heading off to bed, and I’ve got to say he looks very impressive. I guess this is how future presidents are made, but I am hoping he steers clear of politics.
Nick will be playing the part of the Green Knight at the school play tonight. His class gets ready for the big production. Unfortunately a lot of the pictures came out way too dark, but you get the idea. It appears that Nick’s wooden axe can’t quite make it through his neck. Turns out that pulling off that helmet is tough as well. A little fun by the tennis courts with Nick’s friends before heading back home. ...
Charlotte heads down to Gordon’s place in Capitola with kids in tow. To raise the level of fun just a bit higher, Val and Kim’s kids join in as well. You really can’t tell how cold the ocean really is from the way everyone is playing in the water. Take my word for it, it’s freezing. Nick and Gordon steer clear of the frigid waters. Then it’s time for pizza back at Gordon’s place. ...
It’s St. Patty’s day and the kids in Gabe’s class had an important project to complete. Gabe failed to catch a leprechaun last year, but he’s very determined that this year’s trap will be a success. It’s a two stage trap. The first stage has a spring-loaded door with a bunch of shiny pennies tempting the little green guy into the trap. Once inside, he’ll fall through a hole into a nice little home Gabe created for him. Bright and early, Gabe is ready to check the trap. Unfortunately a very thorough check of every corner of the trap fails to uncover his whereabouts. ...
Gordon’s really been enjoying his home away from home in Capitola. And who can blame him with such fantastic days and his wonderful daughters coming to visit all the time.
Just a few random shots while hanging out in the living room. Nick has Gabe on a leash and Abby is very jealous.
I had heard that Matt was headed down to Solvang for the 100 mile and was immediately jealous about riding in the beautiful Santa Barbara area. Then at work on Friday, Oran told me he decided at the last minute to drive down and do the ride in the morning. I was so happy to hear that Charlotte was up for a last minute weekend road trip, so off we go bright and early Saturday morning. ...