2002

It was great having family here over Christmas. I sure wish our family wasn’t quite so spread out across the country, but that is the Multer way. I can’t wait until the next time we all get together.

We’re off to Carmel today for either shopping or playing at the beach. The shopping thing appealed to Karen and Max, while the rest of us enjoyed the sand. We managed to get a photo of the whole group on the drive through Pacific Grove.

The series of storms has already taken out our power for a day and a half before my dad came to visit. Of course their visit couldn’t go by without it going out again. Everyone is trying to stay warm by the gas stove while they stare at the big TV with no picture. Time for books, games, and conversation to pass the time.

Another stormy day, so we head indoors for some rock climbing at the Pacific Edge. The kids love clambering around on the bouldering section even if it doesn’t go very high. Gabe refuses to stop climbing even when he gets tired. I have to pull him off a few times when his arms and legs start shaking. Man this is fun.

The big day has finally arrived and it’s time to start opening presents. It’s the usual feeding frenzy. We’re happy to have my dad, Karen, and Max visiting again this year. There’s a break in the storm and I can’t pass up the opportunity to go for a ride before the rain starts again. My dad seems to get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing me exhausted after a hard ride. ...

There are so many gifts under the tree, we finally give in to the begging and let the kids open a few early. Uncle Scott gave Gabe the biggest ball he’s even seen. It’s constantly blocking our hallways, but it certainly is his favorite present. Meanwhile, Charlotte, Karen, and Max strike a pose.

Before the startup bug consumed me and all my free time, I loved road bicycling. Its been quite a few years, but I finally made the commitment to make it part of my life again. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to climb the mountains again and get back the strength and endurance I built over many years of riding. I’m almost up to riding every day again and I’m feeling great. ...

The wind was really blowing during this latest storm. Plenty of power outages and trees down. The golf course in our neighborhood took a big hit with many trees having fallen. Here’s a big one that went down near the club house.

We headed out to Half Moon Bay today when most people stayed home to wait out the storm. I enjoy being outside on days like this. The waves are really rolling in and we enjoy the view from the car for a little while. The seagulls are intriguing with how they line up into the wind while standing around. There’s also no shortage of puddles to play in.

I think Charlotte has something against the look of our refrigerator. She works hard at covering every square inch with photos of family and friends. It might also be that it’s something we all look at very regularly and even the old pictures always put a smile on my face whenever I see them. OK, I really like it too.