We decided this morning to head over to Capitola and do a little fishing. No boat this time, but it’s a beautiful day for some wharf fishing. Charlotte drops off Monica, Gabe, and me while she heads over to Mr. Toots coffee house to help Valri with some of her paintings that are on display. I’m sure the coffee is not really for Nick. When Charlotte and Nick are done, they head over to the wharf with Gordon. A great blue heron strikes a few poses while he waits for his lunch. ...

It’s really cold out this morning, but the rain has finally stopped. That means it’s time to head over to Hellyer and have some fun. We went through the usual drills and races including another Australian pursuit race. I was really happy with my 200m time and a couple of race finishes. Charlotte and Monica came for a surprise visit during the race part and then we enjoyed lunch together. ...

Charlotte took Gordon out to see the butterflies over at Natural Bridges state park. It’s actually the best time to see them hanging in gigantic groups from the trees, but today is was very cold and they weren’t cooperating. Of course Gordon is used to weather a whole lot colder than this back in Bootjack.

I don’t know what possessed Monica to put her coat on Abby, but I guess no reason is really necessary. She does look good in Monica’s clothes. I wonder what outfit Abby is destined to wear next. I suppose this is also what happens when your other siblings are all boys.

Taking the boys out for their haircut has become kind of a ritual for me. We head out to the barber where I get my usual #5, Nick gets his usual, and Gabe gets the spiky cut. He’s always very proud of his new look and is never shy about posing for a picture with the new doo.

I think Nick is trying to get Nibbles to spill the beans about Santa. It doesn’t look like he’s talking though. Everyone patiently awaits the tearing open of the presents. We didn’t go as overboard as in most years, which was a nice change. I think Gabe enjoyed getting his new fishing books from grandpa. I know Monica loved her new feety socks. Max and Nick really enjoyed the Nerf blow guns. Max demonstrates the superior kung fu technique. ...

Charlotte took Ira, Karen, Max, and the kids down to the ever popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. A lot of the water life shots came out fuzzy, but I think the effect is kind of nice. I hear Gabe was a bit of trouble during the trip, but the family photo reveals none of the trouble earlier in the day.

Charlotte took everyone to downtown Santa Cruz for a bit of shopping and such. I’m not sure if they actually bought cookies to go with these photos in front of the best smelling place on Pacific Avenue. Though that honor may be in jeopardy with the recent arrival of a Coldstone Creamery just down the street. Of course Noah’s Bagels is pretty awesome as well. A late night swim over at La Madrona’s is a nice way to top off the day. Max and Gabe are looking for trouble in the hot tub. ...

After so many years of riding road bikes, I finally decided to give track riding a shot. Since I’ve been planning on getting into racing this season, it occurred to me that racing at the track might be a whole lot safer than a criterium, and the races are a lot more frequent. It’s a bit of a drive to the Hellyer Park Velodrome in San Jose from Santa Cruz, but I really am very lucky to live this close to one. Not a whole lot of velodromes in the USA. ...

Charlotte took Valri and Gordon over to San Jose to visit the Rosicrucian museum. They’ve been making regular visits to a variety of local landmarks while their dad is in town. The museum and library really are unique and well worth the visit. Monica’s class was just there on a field trip a week or so ago. Sure wish I could join in on one of these trips sometime.