2004

George and his family stayed with us for Thanksgiving this year. Following a huge meal over Valri’s house and a restful sleep at ours, we head up to Greyhound Rock beach north of Santa Cruz. George and Ellen haven’t been to this beach before, and it’s one of our favorites. I’m sure we’ll be taking them back there again sometime soon. There were plenty of fun things to keep everyone busy. Climbing on the rocks, mining for crystals, exploring tidepools, and just soaking up the sun. ...

Charlotte takes Varli, Gordon, and Karen down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Looks like Valri is trying to make her way into one of the exhibits. Charlotte took some great photos on this trip. Everyone looks very interested in the feeding. Back at home Daisy enjoys one of her many hiding places.

We’re off to George’s house to celebrate Gordon’s 80th birthday. Gordy and his family, Karen, Valri’s family, Bea, Renee and her family, and our family will all be there for the big party. Charlotte took Gordy and his family up to San Francisco for the morning before meeting up at George’s place. Gordon and Annie join in the hotel strike. Someone must have been wondering if child labor issues were at stake as well. ...

Charlotte took Gordy, his family, and Gordon out to Henry Cowell for a walk in the redwoods. It’s a great loop trail with plenty of fun for the kids. The big tree half way through is always a treat. It’s hollow on the inside like many old redwoods, but this one is big enough for quite a few people to fit inside. It’s a bit of a crouching down effort to get in, but there’s plenty of room once you’re inside. Annie and Gordon certainly enjoyed it. ...

Gordy, Donna, Annie, and little Gordon are in town visiting for big Gordon’s 80th birthday this weekend. They’re staying with us for a few nights, and it’s sure great seeing them sometime in addition to the usual summer trip to Bootjack. Charlotte took them down to visit with Gordon at his place in Capitola. It’s always a great trip when you get to visit the beach. Luckily the rain gave us a break today. ...

Doug is over for some play time. Out front I suspect they’re taking a break from playing wall ball while they recreate a scene from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. They don’t have an octopus, but the snake works very nicely.

Monica turned 12 today and we celebrated with a dinner at a local Chinese restaurant followed by some cake and presents back home. Everyone gets so excited no matter who gets the presents. The cookies and cream ice cream cake was popular with everyone. Monica had a bit of trouble with the trick candles Charlotte used. We nearly set off the smoke alarm. I think Monica really enjoyed all her presents. Books, movies, an umbrella for school, a new backpack, a figurine, and a few others. ...

Monica is doing the Gothic witch thing this year. She came upstairs to show me her costume while I was working on the computer, and I was totally freaked out. I immediately had very scary visions of the teenager to be. Of course I calmly told her she looked great. Meanwhile Gabe is still looking cute as a button in his snake costume. Charlotte took them down to the wharf during the day as a warmup for the real event later tonight. There’s even a couple of classic Woodies behind them. Later that evening we walked around the local streets and then hooked up with the Peysers to collect a bit more candy on the other side of the neighborhood. ...

These photos were taken a few days before Halloween, or as our neighbors call it, ‘The Devil’s Holiday’. Annabel dressed up as a pink poodle for Halloween (sorry no photos of that - duh!) and got lots of candy. She smells each one for a hint of peanut butter. Annabel cannot tolerate peanut butter in any form or fashion. Funny stuff!

Another birthday arrives for the Nick man. Plenty of presents including books, Playstation games, and Lego creatures. His favorite meal includes a ridiculous amount of matzah brie and sour cream. A nice big cake tops it all off.