Charlotte and Paula are off to visit with Kim and her family in Iowa. Charlotte has really been looking forward to this trip. Kim and the kids meet them at the airport. Back at the house it’s time to start catching up. Jack has gotten into skateboarding quite a bit. Gabe would just love to have gone with Charlotte. Lunch with the girls, including a couple of Kim’s many sisters. ...

It’s such a fantastic day out we can’t resist taking Nemo out on the bay. Nothing really good, but we did catch quite a few small rockfish. This little red was really cute.

Seems like we’ve been celebrating Monica’s birthday for the whole weekend, but the real thing is actually today. So it’s time for more cake and presents with just the family. Trouble ahead now that this girl finally has a mobile phone.

We’re taking Charlotte’s dad out for a birthday dinner. George came down to join us along with Valri, Kim, and Charlie. Lots of great stories, a bit of drinking, and a good time overall. I think Gordon really liked his new grill and will make good use of it while he’s here in Capitola.

Monica is celebrating her birthday with her closest friends today. First on the agenda is fun with pottery. Monica, Sarah, Mackenzie, Clara, and Capella look like they are all having a great time. Next up is pizza, cake, and presents. I think Monica had a very good time.

Doug and Gabe are doing the mummy thing this year. It’s certainly more cute than scary, but I’m afraid Nick might give someone a heart attack. The pumpkins came out well considering all the kids gave up and Charlotte really did all the work. Now it’s time to start walking the neighborhood. Monica spent the night over at Mackenzie’s along with Sarah. They looked really awesome made up as geishas. ...

The kids and I met Charlotte over in Monterey after she finished the Big Sur Half Marathon with her friend Michelle. She finished early which blew our opportunity to visit the aquarium before picking her up. And she’s definitely too tired to start walking around for a few hours more. Awesome job on your first marathon run!

Charlotte and a bunch of her friends are off to San Francisco for the weekend to walk the Nike Women’s Marathon. The plan is actually for the half marathon, though you just know that Charlotte and Paula won’t be able to resist doing just a wee bit more. Charlotte, Paula, Sally, Janet, Micki, and Stephanie all get a glimpse of their names up in lights. A very nice touch. ...

We had so much fun last week we headed out again for more boarding over at Rio Del Mar this time. Doug also has a new wetsuit he wants to try out. It’s a small swell, but we find a few good ones. Here’s the start of a major sand city excavation. Boys will be boys.

I’m taking Gabe and Doug out for some boogie boarding over at Manresa this morning while Charlotte checks out Open Studios. The swell wasn’t too big, but boy it was a fantastic day. Charlotte meets us over at Seascape park for some lunch and goofing around. Gabe thinks he’s some kind of mutant bunny, and I think Doug is out for the hunt.