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.
Abby might not look like much of a lap dog, but that never stopped us.
The Silverback Systems holiday party was held at the Plumed Horse restaurant in Saratoga. It’s pretty rare that Charlotte and I have a chance to get really dressed up for such an event. It’s also a rare opportunity to see many of the engineers in something other than jeans and t-shirts. That’s certainly my standard attire in addition to the usual sandals.
Charlotte goes for very fast long walks in the redwoods of Henry Cowell park a few times a week. Today she’s doing the walk with Paula, Margot, Sonia, and Dyana. I often go with Charlotte on Sundays, so I know very well how incredibly beautiful these trips are. We sure are lucky to live in such a great place.
Charlotte and I do a fast long walk through Henry Cowell on Sundays. We try to do a slightly different route every time and we’re always rewarded with great views and beautiful trails. Today is certainly no different as we enjoy another spectacular winter day in Santa Cruz. Later that day Charlotte heads up to the Hollins house for the Pasatiempo art show where Valri is showing off a few of her paintings. ...