George, Ellen, and the kids stayed with us after Thanksgiving last night. Monica got plenty of quality girl time in with her cousins, while Gabe and Zach clearly enjoyed each other’s company. I got in a great bike ride with George and we enjoyed another beautiful day in Santa Cruz.
George and Ellen are over the house for a short visit before heading over to Valri’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve got a few dishes for the meal to prepare and some relaxing to do before we go. The kids spend their time jumping on the trampoline, while George and I catch up on things out on the deck. We squeeze in a few holiday photos before we head out. You’re likely to see one of these as our holiday family photo. ...
Charlotte, Valri, and Charlie headed out to Bootjack for a visit with Gordon and Charlotte. It’s getting pretty cold out there, but they’ve certainly got that holiday spirit going. This is quite the festive truck in front of the Office Shop in Calumet. I’m not quite sure what Charlotte was thinking with this picture, but that sure is a nice pile of rocks. There’s always plenty of rocks in the U.P. ...
We originally got our cats Tasha and Daisy as part of our overall pest control program a few years ago. We had quite a bad wood rat problem, and after catching tons using traps, we wanted a better long term control mechanism. It’s also convenient that the kids always like a new pet in the family. Thankfully the weather here is so mild, they both live outside all year round. You can always count on them to show up promptly around dinner time for their food. Funny how that works. ...
Charlotte keeps telling me that she’s had enough with Char’s Natural Therapeutics as far as sales goes. But naturally there’s always just one more show or some group of people that are just dying to get a few more bath salts, oils, or eye pillows. The Bernina sees a lot of work this time of year especially with the holidays coming up.
My dad, Karen, and Max are in town for the holidays. An always popular destination is Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz for those shopping inclined. Low and behold, we run into Santa at the local sweet shop.
After a traditional Multer birthday night at for pu-pu platter at the local Chinese restaurant, we head home for presents and cake. Monica picked out a cookies and cream ice cream cake that was so good, I’m sorry we got it. The presents were a big hit as well. Charlotte made her an awesome new blanket. She also got the sheep dog stuffed animal she had been longing for, the Spiderman movie, some software for her new PC, and jewelry. Nick and Gabe got a few party favors as well. The slinky was a big hit with Gabe. ...
Monica wanted to do a road trip to Yosemite for her birthday. We headed out Friday night and got at the Tenaya Lodge late that evening. First thing in the morning we headed into the park. We first stopped at the Mariposa Grove to check out the big Sequoia trees. We often visit the big redwood trees at Henry Cowell in Santa Cruz. We stopped for the first big view of the valley. You come out of a tunnel and get blown away by the scene. No matter how many times we’ve been to Yosemite, it’s always amazing. ...
Monica’s class went on a field trip to the [UCSC Long Marine Lab] (https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu) today. The Seymour Discovery Center is like a tiny Monterey Bay Aquarium, but more focused on the work the scientist’s do at the lab. It’s a great location and always a great trip. Here’s Monica’s class assembled out front waiting for the tour to start. Since I did this trip last year, I’m free to roam around the area while the kids learn all about the lab. It’s a tremendous day outside and it’s nice to enjoy the view. I sure do love living on the bay. ...
School is over for the day, and now it’s time to play trick or treat in the neighborhood. Nick went for the scary mask this year, rather than the skeleton outfit. He’s finally outgrown it and it’s time to pass on the tradition to Gabe. Monica chose some type of spider woman outfit. I think she’s still hot on that look since playing the spider in the school play James and the Giant Peach. Charlotte and I load them up in the car and head over to aunt Valri’s house to hook up with their cousins. ...