Everything is all set for this year’s dinner with the Peysers, Hoyems, and Charlotte’s dad. We did a little furniture rearranging and managed to get the extra table close by. Gracie is looking forward to some company as well. The family group photo is a little late for making it on a Christmas card, but it looks great anyway. The big family group photo reminds me of the photos from Bootjack. The second photo has some funny faces. ...

We didn’t get any photos from Charlotte’s run up in San Francisco unfortunately. Now it’s time to head back to Santa Cruz and with the surf expected to still be mucho grande, we’re headed home along the coast. First stop is in Pacifica. Wow. Then in Montara, we get a nice glimpse of the waves crashing back by Devil’s Slide. And some more right on the beach. They’re not quite as big down here, but it is nice to stop by Montara. It’s been plenty of years since we lived here and it’s nice to visit. ...

Charlotte is headed up to San Francisco this weekend to do the Run Wild For A Child 10K run. Since she’s doing it on her own, I’m joining her for the trip, though not for the run itself. I hate what running does to my cycling legs. We stop for lunch in Sausalito. Looks like the weather for the run tomorrow is going to be fantastic. Today is a huge surf day as I heard a big Alaskan storm sent a big swell our way. Since I can’t enjoy boogie boarding down in Santa Cruz, we head to the Marin Headlands to check it out. We are not disappointed. ...

We missed a few weekends of fishing for unavoidable reasons, so a day off from school is the perfect time to head out to the Santa Cruz reef. We catch a few small ones, and Gabe manages to catch a very nice rockfish. Now that’s going to be some good eating!

We’re all up at George’s place for Thanksgiving this year, so that’s at least one thing I’m thankful for this year. I know our kids are all very happy to be visiting with their cousins. The big kids hang out in the family room while lots of memorable old photos roll by on George’s new flat panel television. Everyone has plenty to catch up on. There’s also plenty of kitchen action as usual. Some hot babes are working the burners, while George once again shows off his impressive carving skills. ...

Hot on the heels of Nick’s birthday as usual, Monica celebrates a big birthday herself. The cake might not be very big, but she’s gotten at least 3 birthday cakes today. A few very nice gifts from her best friends. A few special faces on her special day. I think she likes her presents. Of course a big trip to Europe, or a new car to go with her new license would have been nice. ...

Gabe and I are off for some fishing today, and I finally get my first close up view of a whale. A few of them were in about 50 feet of water just outside the harbor entrance. Gabe gets credit for first spotting them. I thought it was some dolphin at first, but then one kicked up it’s tail. It was really tough getting a photo, but this is the best I could do. Take my word for it, they were amazing. ...

It’s a big birthday for Nick. Eighteen years old means he can vote (go Obama!), still can’t drink, and goes to college next year. That special, happy, good boy is still in there. What a nice cake! Grandma Phoebe is here for his birthday and that makes it that much more special. I even managed to get one of those rare moments giving Gabe a hug. Gabe and I collided and he nearly gave me a black eye. I can’t explain the problem with Nick’s eyes. And a nice hug for Gracie too. ...

Here’s a rare glimpse for me into a day for Nick and Monica at school. Sounds like Nick had a bit of a surprise when his usual area to hang out was converted into birthday party central. Looks like Nick’s enjoying himself. Lots of great gifts and cakes for everyone to share. A few of the gifts were pretty funny. There was even a flag to mark the spot for those that didn’t know today was Nick’s birthday. ...

When you’re a standard poodle living in Santa Cruz, you’ve got to have that Santa Cruz style. A little help from Gabe and she’s looking hot. It’s so nice that Gabe has a little sister he can play with.