Monica’s friend Coleen is joining us today for fun at Gordon and Charlotte’s place in Sunny Cove. They get all suited up for playing in the very cold Pacific ocean. The ice plant behind the house is looking especially beautiful this morning. Before we head to the beach, we’ve got to make a stop at the tide pool behind the house. This is better than any playground. ...
Our friends Kim and Pete and their kids Lily and Jack join us for fun at Sunny Cove. The basin behind Gordon and Charlotte’s place is a big attraction. Occasionally we have to take cover when a big wave comes over the cliff. We amass a very cool collection of creatures from the tide pool. We make a nice temporary home for them for the day. I’m sure they’ll be happy when it’s time for us to go. ...
With grandma and grandpa staying at such an awesome beach, we have no trouble getting the kids to visit frequently. Nick, Monica, Gabe, and Joe explore the beach and the rocks. It’s a little cool today, but that’s Santa Cruz. There’s a basin carved into the cliff behind their house. It’s a great place to climb around. It fills with water at high tide and is home to all kinds of great creatures. ...
Gabe chose to have his birthday at the local skating rink in Scotts Valley. The birthday boy works the wall. He’s a blast to watch. He only pushes off with his right foot, never his left. Monica, Nick, and Charlie look like they’re enjoying Gabe’s party also. Gabe’s friends are having lots of fun also. Some are shown here: Dominique, Jack, Doug, Jacki, Kayla, Maia, Timmy, Trevor, and Wyatt. ...
Gabe turned five today. It’s a school night, so the party is small, but he can’t wait for the weekend. He’ll be joining a bunch of his friends for fun at the skating rink.
Charlotte and Gordon are spending a month or so in Santa Cruz. We arranged an awesome house to rent at Sunny Cove. Valri, Renee, and Charlotte swing by to see how things are doing, and to catch a few rays. I think Charlotte is saying thank you, but I’m fine. Meanwhile Gordon looks like he’s settling in very nicely. I bet he’s thinking about when it will be time to go fishing. I’m ready when you are Gordon. ...
I never tire of looking at the faces of my family. Every little detail and expression is worth a thousand words. Posing, forced smile, concerned, and hard at work. The faces of my Gabey.
The Hoyems are over for a visit and Zach has challenged Gabe to a chess game. Gabe makes the first move and can’t contain his glee. Zachary looks very concerned about Gabe’s move. He tries hard to recall that particular grandmaster opening. There’s nothing quite as impressive as the ability of these young champions to look dozens of moves ahead.
There’s a local marine lab we like to visit when we don’t want to do the drive down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The UCSC Long Marine Lab is a quiet little place in west Santa Cruz with a nice selection of displays and interactive exhibits. Another nice day in Santa Cruz.
Karen’s in town and the girls head off to Big Sur. Karen is a birder and she always enjoys heading to California to check out different birds as compared to the ones she finds in Wisconsin. The group gets lots of shots together. Needless to say, the scenery is as impressive as you can imagine. They look like they’re enjoying the day together. After a long day outside, it’s time call it quits. Must be just like the old days growing up. ...