Monica has been working so hard for her school play. She’s finished the performances at school, and only tonight’s play for parents remains. Gabe shows a bit of his own impressive acting skills. While Monica and her class show Gabe how it’s really done. And the players take their well earned applause. The party afterwards is a bit of a mob scene. We’re so proud of our fairy queen. ...

Monica and Charlotte join me for some cold, early morning criterium racing. The weather has been great this year for the first chance to get in some racing. Hopefully this year I’ll have more opportunities to get in some good events. It’s great having the girls along to cheer me on.

The birds have been going crazy over the berries in the bush outside our front window. They’ve been making a racket and we recently noticed that they’ve been gorging on them so much that they’ve been crashing into the window regularly. The bushes are full of robins and cedar waxwings getting wasted on ripe berries. While Gabe and I log some quality Playstation time.

Today we’re off the Stanford for a bit of sightseeing and some shopping. First stop is the campus. Charlotte has us pose for some fun shots with these statues. Then some exploring around the church and nearby buildings. Then it’s over to the museum to enjoy the Rodin statues. Max did his own version of Rodin during one of his many phone calls.

Now my idea of a nice day is either a bike ride, or a hike. First it’s a short and steep climb up a sandy hill. And then lots of milling around while enjoying the view. Gabe is not happy about the effort. Charlotte takes everyone back down the hill, while Max, Nick, and I push on. Not many photos, but we wound up doing a big, hard loop right up until it got dark. I couldn’t resist a mushroom picture for Charlotte, but I never did find any of the gnomes to show the boys. ...

The living room is a busy place this morning. Santa stopped by sometime last night and left lots of goodies. Happiness all around. Time to play with some of the new toys and enjoy a little breakfast. Karen cooks up another bread a day for everyone to enjoy. While Gabe practices with his new toy on his dad. Thanks a lot Nick for the sniper shot that ends it all. ...

A trip to the boardwalk is a must while Ira, Karen, and Max are in town. A little glimpse of the local wildlife. And then some wild times over at the arcade.

Ira, Karen, and Max are visiting from North Carolina for the holidays. We missed them last year, so it’s good to have them staying with us again this year. A bit of the usual hanging and watching movies, followed by a trip to the New Leaf Market for bread supplies. I’ve challenged Gabe to a championship wall ball match. He’s the skimmy champion at school, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to test my mettle against him. It was tough going, and I fell way back a few times. I made a great rally towards the end, but I was finally crushed by the master. I can’t wait for the rematch. ...

Charlotte and Valri are off with Gordon to check out the services over at Stanford Memorial Church. I hear a rabbi holds services there too, but it’s a little hard to imagine for me. I definitely need to head up here with Charlotte sometime.

This year we’re at Val’s again with the Peysers, Hoyems, Gordon, and Gloria. Most of the crew is hanging out upstairs, while the boys enjoy a Halo fest downstairs. This year’s place setting includes cup-o-chicken. George decided to hold an interview session with each of the kids. They called it the seat of embarrassment. Nick didn’t sit long enough for anyone to even get a picture. People are starting to mill around the food area as dinner time approaches. ...