2005 on Multer family website

New Year at the Bolger Cabin

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We celebrated the New Year up north with lots of snow and fun.

Annabel loves to work on her ‘puter’.

Visiting Universal Studios

Wed, 28 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

On the way back from San Diego, we stop in Hollywood to visit Universal Studios for the day. A quick shuttle bus from the hotel and we’re on our way.

The studio tour is a great chance to see movie making in action. The backlot is very cool. Hard to imagine so many movies filmed right here.

King Kong and the raptors are waiting for us as usual.

SeaWorld San Diego with the Mishkys

Tue, 27 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

It’s a tough choice where to go in San Diego with so many attractions and the short time we’re staying in the area. Legoland loses out by a nose and we’re off to SeaWorld. The dolphin show is a hit and it’s lots of fun watching people get dowsed. Pete sits with Gabe a few rows closer tempting fate.

The Beluga whales are so cool. The manatees aren’t too shabby either.

Road trip to San Diego

Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Time for a quick road trip down to San Diego to see the Mishky’s and a few sites. After the long drive we stop for dinner in downtown Coronado. A few shots with Gabe’s favorite animal and Elvis. A very interesting combination.

Time to catch up with Lynn and the family while the kids bond playing with their new XBox.

A very Merry Christmas

Sun, 25 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Lots of great gifts greet the family this year. Santa made Gabe very happy with a new iMac, and Charlotte got a big surprise with an iMac to replace her aging crappy PC. Monica’s new iPod was a big hit too. There was also a new Playstation 2 with games for all.

Christmas dinner at the Peysers

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

The Multer, Hoyem, and Peyser families converge on Val’s house for Christmas dinner. A few presents for Gordon before the festivities begin.

While Gabe works on his skateboarding moves.

The kid’s table is busy with lots of cousins that are growing up very fast.

Nick's self defense movie project

Sat, 17 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Nick’s got some friends over today to work on a project for school. They’re putting together a movie that shows off the self defense maneuvers they’ve learned. I think they’re practicing some of these before the camera rolls for real. But then again they may just be having fun.

Where in the woods is Shell gnome

Sun, 04 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Another hike, another gnome finds a new home in the woods. Looks like Pickle gnome is still enjoying himself.

Maria Yee Christmas party

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte’s work party is just down the street from us over at Peachwoods restaurant. It’s a good chance for me to meet the rest of the Maria Yee gang.

Where in the woods is Pickle gnome

Sun, 27 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte is out hiking today with her friend Sally and it looks like they’ve found a nice new home for Pickle gnome.

Santa rides the surf into Capitola

Sat, 26 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Santa’s got a unique style out here in California. He wears a Christmas color Hawaiian shirt, rides in an outrigger canoe, and his reindeer are surfers. Of course he’s still got the hat, belly, and jolly laugh. Quite a few people show up at Capitola beach for his visit, including Charlotte’s friend Sonia and her family. Doesn’t look like we can expect snow anytime soon.

Gordon has a great view of the action from his place. I was out on a ride this morning, but I couldn’t miss swinging by to see Santa and the family.

Thanksgiving at the Hoyems

Thu, 24 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is over at George’s place this year. Though it’s always a great time of year with family, we’re giving thanks that we’re not cooking the turkey this year. First a little warm up on the trampoline.

Though it will be raining tomorrow, today is a great day to spend outdoors.

The feast is a real pleasure as always. The kids have a great time together, though they skipped the food throwing from previous years. I’m sure George and Ellen are happy about that.

Where in the woods is Pumpkin gnome

Thu, 24 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte and I take Abby along for a hike around Roaring Camp and Henry Cowell.

A few beautiful scenes along the way.

Last time we hiked, Charlotte was telling me how she always feels like the redwoods are the kind of place where she expects to spot gnomes. I suggest we make a regular effort to place some of her gnome collection in some of her favorite places. Pumpkin gnome is the first to enjoy his new home out in the woods. Hopefully people won’t mess with them, and others can discover and enjoy these pleasant forest dwelling creatures.

Tony Hawk at Scotts Valley Skatepark

Sun, 20 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

A terrible accident recently took the life of local skateboarder Eric Costello while he was teaching some kids over at the Scotts Valley skatepark. The community has been pretty shocked by the accident as well. Turns out some local businesses like Sessions talked with Tony Hawk and arranged for him to come out with his crew for a memorial event where everyone could celebrate their love of skateboarding. Gabe was pretty jazzed to check out the legend, and it’s a fantastic day to enjoy outside.

Lunch with Gordon at the harbor

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve joined the usual lunchtime crew of Gordon, Charlotte, and Valri over at Aldo’s in the harbor. It’s such a fantastic day for enjoying the weather and the view. The food used to be just okay, but the location more than made up for it. Now they’ve got a whole new menu and the food is really excellent. I think this might be my new favorite place for lunch now.

Super low tide at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We headed home from the zoo along the coast. It’s a longer drive, but it sure is a whole lot nicer. We stopped at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Landing and was treated to an incredibly low tide.

The tide pools are probably the best anywhere along the coast.

The cold and foggy wind was really blowing today.

This time we go to the zoo

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We had so much fun in Chinatown last weekend for Monica’s birthday, that we got to the zoo too late to walk around. We’re back to San Francisco, and this time we’re here early. Early enough Charlotte needs a coffee to get jump started.

We saw a few of these very cool looking fungi.

The primate section is always depressing looking to me. I love having the opportunity to see these amazing animals, but they are way too human to be anything but free.

Stormy sunset over Santa Cruz

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We don’t get a lot of stormy weather around here. Most of the time it’s sunny skies, and in the winter it’s just gray and rainy on some days. Today we’ve had a few storm fronts blow through, but this one at sunset has to take the cake.

Gordon and the girls in Moss Landing

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte and Valri are out with Gordon for a trip down to Moss Landing for his birthday. Some nice shots on the beach followed by the usual excellent lunch over at Phil’s.

Monica's birthday

Sat, 05 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We’re off to Chinatown in San Francisco today because it’s Monica’s birthday and that’s what she wants. And since she’s formally a teenager now, we have to do everything she wants. And today that means Dim Sum for lunch.

Then a chance to pose with a collection of Peking duck.

Followed by an endless procession of tourist shops in Chinatown.

And plenty of wondering the streets of San Francisco.

Artwork and hiking with Gordon

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Valri is displaying some of her paintings over at Coffee Cat in Scotts Valley. They look great in this setting.

Then it’s off for a hike around the cliffs of Capitola with Charlotte’s dad Gordon. Looks like yet another beautiful day.

Halloween at the wharf

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s stop is the Santa Cruz wharf for some Halloween fun.

I can’t quite make out what the sea lions are dressed as.

Halloween parade in Capitola

Sun, 30 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again and today Charlotte is taking the kids and Doug to Capitola to be in the Halloween parade.

First stop is Gordon’s place to show off their costumes.

Then it’s time for the parade. It’s not a very big affair, but something small and fun for the little kids seems to be right in order.

The little bumblebee boy and dog are really adorable.

One last hike with Lynn

Tue, 25 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

One last trip to the redwoods with Lynn before she has to go.

The Multer family

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Just a few nice family photos Lynn took before she left.

Nike Women's Marathon

Sun, 23 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte, Lynn, Paula, Sally, and Stephanie are off to San Francisco for the Nike Women’s Marathon. The race starts early on Sunday, so they head up on Saturday to enjoy the day and get an early start the next morning. First it’s off to Chinatown for some dim sum.

Then over to the expo area where the race will start tomorrow.

Dinner is at Scala’s by Union Square. They spot the twin old ladies from that phone commercial. Charlotte says they are very cute and always look and act exactly the same way.

Charlotte and Lynn hiking in the redwoods

Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Lynn is here to do the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco this weekend. All those long walks in the woods with her friends have been great training for the long walk in the city. Charlotte, Lynn, Paula, and a few of the other regulars will be doing either the full or half marathon walk. Sounds like it’s going to be a really fun weekend.

A nice short three hour hike in the redwoods is just the kind of warm up the girls need.

Nick's birthday

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Nick’s birthday is actually tomorrow, but we’ve decided to do the whole cake and presents thing on the weekend before. We’ll definitely be doing the Chinese food thing tomorrow night. First a few cute shots of the pets.

Then it’s down to birthday business.

An unbelievable moment I can’t afford not to capture.

Open Studios art tour with Valri Peyser

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Chris is back home for the weekend and Monica is helping Valri with her Open Studios weekend. Be sure to check out her artwork in person during the tour.

Scotts Valley High School homecoming game

Fri, 07 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

I was busy setting up new computers for the teachers at the Middle School while Charlotte enjoyed the football game at the High School. Looks like Gabe and Doug had their own action going while the home team trounced the visitors.

Fall in the U.P. Bolger cabin

Mon, 03 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Hammin’ it up!

Would be nice to stay up here longer.

Annabel can’t seem to get enough pictures of herself and Daddy is more than happy to oblige.

Bridget catches up on some much needed ‘down time’.

Annabel took the following photos herself. First, spotlight on some funky folk sheep thing.

Still life of a lonely Ms. Kitty slipper.

Joe trying to relax, but looking nervous with Annabel holding the camera close to his head.

Keep the beach fires burning

Sat, 27 Aug 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Finally a nice day for a bonfire, though not many pictures this time. Gabe really enjoyed having Doug along for this one.

Camping in Big Sur

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 00:00:00 +0000

After a somewhat restful night at our campsite, our next stop is Pfeiffer beach. It’s a long narrow road down to the beach, but it’s quite the location. Gabe certainly enjoys climbing on all the rocks.

A hike up a path in the cliffs rewards us with some great views.

Camping in Big Sur

Sun, 14 Aug 2005 00:00:00 +0000

The boys and I are off for a camping trip to Big Sur before summer vacation comes to an end. We enjoyed a great hike at Andrew Molera park. The rocky beach reminded us of some of the beaches in Upper Michigan.

Camping in Big Basin

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

The fabulous meals continue this morning with a few wildlife guests wanting to crash the party.

We have no shortage of awesome trees on the California coast.

Camping in Big Basin

Tue, 19 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

I’m out in Boston for work this week, so Charlotte gets to take the kids camping instead of me. Looks like a great couple of days for camping in beautiful Big Basin.

I have no idea why Nick has tied Monica up with the chair.

Car camping with a tent cabin makes for some really great meals.

Bonfire at Rio Del Mar

Sat, 16 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

It may be foggy out there today, but that can’t dampen the enthusiasm of this crowd.

The end of a great trip to Lake Tahoe

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

A short hike and some tubing fun before hitting the road back to Santa Cruz.

A quick stop at Donner State Park before continuing on our journey.

Now it’s just up and over Donner Pass before getting back on the highway. I’m really glad we took this detour, the view is unbelievable. Now this would be quite the bike climb, though the downhill looks very scary.

A big day at Lake Tahoe

Sat, 09 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Lots of activities planned for today while we’re at Lake Tahoe. I brought the bike along for a ride around the lake. I get out early to beat the traffic and the heat to enjoy all 73 miles and just over 4 hours of riding. Meanwhile Gabe and Ari find plenty of sticks and rocks to play with in the back.

Charlotte, Paul, Anat, and Stephanie go for what looks like a beautiful hike.

Weekend trip to Lake Tahoe

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We’re headed up to the Twissleman’s place in Lake Tahoe for the weekend. Paula, Anat, and Stephanie have been coming up here regularly for many years with their families. We’re so happy they invited us to join them. After a long car trip with a fun stop at the Jelly Belly factory, it’s time for dinner. Unfortunately the service is horrible at the restaurant and we only manage to get out of here after two and a half hours. It sure is a nice view while we wait though.

Kids enjoy a redwoods hike and the river

Sat, 02 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Today we took the kids for a hike in the Redwoods with a nice stop at the river.I think Monica is convinced she’s an otter. Gabe enjoys painting himself using the river rocks.

Summer vacation beach day

Wed, 29 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte has been taking the kids to the beach every Wednesday afternoon as part of a neighborhood get together while the kids are out of school. They all really look forward to the trip and a chance to play in the water.

Seems like it’s also a good opportunity to play in the sand as well.

Gabe the Monterey Bay fisherman

Sun, 26 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We haven’t made it out fishing all season, but today Gabe and I are fixing that problem. Ed sets us up with the best boat on the wharf and a few special gadgets to help in our search for fish.

A few shots around our fine ship.

While Gabe focuses on the job of catching the big one.

Gabe didn’t have a lot of luck with that fish head. The otters sure had the right idea though. And the final tally was one rock fish and a whole pile of small flat fish. Looking forward to our next trip.

Boogie boarding on Father's Day

Sun, 19 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

My idea of a great day is a big bike ride followed by a family outing to the beach. After a New York style breakfast of bagels and lox, we pick up a rental wetsuit and board for Nick and head down to Rio Del Mar. I really wanted to get Charlotte out in the water too, but my main goal was showing Nick what he’s been missing. Needless to say he’s totally hooked now, and we’re shopping for yet another wetsuit.

Olallieberry picking in Watsonville

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Today we headed down to Watsonville to check out the Gizdich Ranch. After a few treats at the ranch, we stopped at their berry fields to see what looked good. We filled up on a pile of olallieberries, and stuffed ourselves while we picked. Charlotte will be making a pie later tonight that everyone is really looking forward to.

Lots of family down at the Santa Cruz boardwalk

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Ellen came down with the kids today to join in on some beach boardwalk fun. A few new rides greet them including the Double Shot, a real favorite.

A little beach time is in order following many hours of spinning and zooming.

Bonfire at Rio Del Mar

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Our first attempt at a bonfire this year didn’t work out very well, but today was a perfect day. We had a great crowd and a beautiful day.

Charlotte hiking in Pogonip

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte, Paula, and Sally are off for a hike this morning down at Pogonip. The old clubhouse is quite a site.

Nick graduates from Middle School

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Today is a very big day. Not only is it the start of summer vacation, but it’s also the last day for Nick at Middle School. Next year he’ll be going to High School, driving, dating, and other very scary things. The family gets dressed up for the big event.

There’s plenty of milling around before the event starts. Monica and Gabe aren’t very happy about all the waiting. I’m just hoping the weather holds and it doesn’t start pouring on us.

A moody summer evening

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Instead of taking a bunch of pictures showing how cute and smiley our daughter Annabel is (which is most of the time), Bridget decided to take a few sequential snapshots capturing the classic mood swings of a 3-year old. I think the squished head image resembles my mood 50% of the time. Enjoy!

Monica's school awards

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

There’s an award presentation ceremony at school today and Monica is racking up quite a few for herself. It’s been a good year academically and at track events. We’re awfully proud of her.

Hiking in Henry Cowell with the girls

Sun, 05 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte’s off for a hike with her friends and had to try out the new camera. The Minolta Dimage we’ve been using finally reached the end of its productive life. Our new Nikon 5900 looks like it will make a great little camera for everyday use. I’m still itching for a nice Nikon D50 when the photos really count. A point and shoot camera sure is convenient, but they’re always a compromise.

Another great day in Cluj

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0000

I’ll be leaving for home tomorrow after a great trip to visit with our engineering team in Romania. Everyone has been great, and I’ve enjoyed the view from my office while I’ve been here.

Sightseeing in Cluj

Sun, 29 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Time to wander around the city to see what Cluj and Romania has to offer. My first stop is the Botanical Gardens on this very hot day. Walking in the gardens reminds me of the hikes around home, though with quite a few more people. Every city has to have a great park where you can take a break from things.

Downtown is full of beautiful old buildings like the Catholic church. I missed the Orthodox church by one block unfortunately.

Business trip to Cluj, Romania

Thu, 26 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

After countless hours crammed in coach seats, the day that started in San Francisco finally ends with my arrival in Cluj, Romania. I’m not thinking very straight right now since I can never sleep on the plane. A few shots from my hotel room at the lovely Hotel Transilvania, then a quick bite to eat, followed by hopefully many hours of sleep.

Hike up to Bear Mountain

Sun, 22 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte and Paula discover fabled Bear Mountain in Roaring Camp during a hike in Henry Cowell. The girls are always in search of new paths through the woods, and today is no exception. Most people take the old steam train up to this spot, but not these intrepid hikers. A few shots from the observation post and then it’s back down to civilization.

Back home the garden is just getting going.

Charlotte's Mother's Day hike

Sun, 08 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Instead of the usual breakfast in bed thing, Charlotte’s idea of the perfect way to start the day is to go for a giant hike in the woods. Charlotte and Paula try a new route starting in Scotts Valley and going through Henry Cowell, Pogonip, and then down to Santa Cruz. The first big obstacle is getting across the swollen river. Of course they’re already plenty wet from the rain today.

SVMS track meet with Nick and Monica

Fri, 06 May 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Nick has company this year at track meets now that Monica is in 6th grade. Both of them have been doing very well with the short distance events. They both do very well with the shot put also.

SVEF Mountain Charlie Challenge

Sat, 30 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

This year’s 3rd annual SVEF century bike ride has finally arrived. It’s turned out to be an awesome fundraiser for our local schools, and a great local ride as well. Charlotte put in a ton of effort along with the usual crew and the effort has really paid off. We had more riders, and raised more money this year than ever before. This year we included raffle tickets as an option for donations. I sure would have liked to have won that Specialized bike CycleSport donated.

Monica competes at the International Games

Fri, 22 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

The sixth graders in the area hold a competition between the schools every year over at Soquel High School. Scotts Valley has the privilege of being represented as the USA every year, though I wouldn’t mind being the school that represents Wales or Jamaica instead. The big event starts with a march around the beautiful field.

There’s plenty of action for many kids, while others wait around for their big event. Monica’s events are all later in the afternoon. Paula is there with her school representing Mexico.

Charlotte hiking at Fall Creek

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte usually hikes over at Henry Cowell, but after hearing about Gabe’s field trip to Fall Creek, it was time to try out a new route. The photos are from the kiln area at the furthest point of the field trip. Charlotte and Paula headed out another few miles past this and really enjoyed the big steep section.

Gabe's wildflower field trip to Fall Creek

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Gabe’s class has been studying hundreds of wildflowers in class for some time now. All the effort is about to pay off with Mr. Sutherland’s big field trip to Fall Creek. It’s a long hike, but the kids all hang in there great. Everyone is very excited and actively identifying and discussing all the flora and fauna they find in the park. Our study group did an awesome job checking off nearly everything on our clipboard list. We even managed to identify a few items not on the list.

Beach time at Rio Del Mar

Sun, 10 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte starts a spectacular day with some of her friends walking in the redwoods. Today was a big hike all the way from Scotts Valley to Felton and back.

We round up the crew and head down to Rio Del Mar beach. Monica is a bit concerned about the rip currents down at Manresa, but this beach rocks too. Gabe even spotted a location with an already dug pit. What a big bonus! Of course there’s a bit of territorial posturing as sand is kicked onto each other’s towels. Nick, Charlotte, and I monitor the unfolding action.

Fishing, hiking, and picnicing at Loch Lomond

Sun, 03 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We’re off to Loch Lomond in Felton today before the rain kicks in later tonight. Valri brought the food and we brought the charcoal. Gordon did an awesome job working the barbecue.

Of course Gabe manages to catch a trout almost immediately after casting his line the first time. I’m left with the job of cleaning the fish since he’s now on the picnic menu.

Meanwhile I nearly catch Nick in the act of beating a tree with a stick. The park ranger would not be happy.

Charlotte's birthday celebration

Sat, 02 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte didn’t have a big party with a bunch of her friends, but quite a few stopped by the house to drop off presents and wish her the best. The family wished her a happy birthday with presents and her favorite ice cream birthday cake. Thank goodness for Baskin Robbins and Jamoca Almond Fudge!

Gabe's birthday party

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

It’s the big day and it looks like we’re going to be very lucky with the weather. The sun is starting to shine and a full double rainbow is welcoming Gabe to his first day as a nine year old.

Monica is busy with some elaborate artwork wishing Gabe a happy birthday and giving directions to our party guests at the same time.

The large crowd of very happy boys are immediately attracted to our favorite attraction, the trampoline. I don’t think I’ve ever seen quite so many people on it at the same time before.

Charlotte, Valri, and Gordon enjoy San Francisco sights

Sat, 26 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Today finds the intrepid crew climbing the hills of San Franscisco in the Pacific Heights area. A few photos of some amazingly huge homes and a building where one of Gordon’s friends used to live.

Next stop is the always photogenic Palace of Fine Arts and Exploratorium area.

Followed by lunch in Chinatown.

One last stop at the SFMOMA where Gordon contemplates a very black piece of modern art.

Charlotte, Valri, and Gordon at Fisherman's Wharf

Fri, 25 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte, Valri, and Gordon headed up to San Francisco for two days of tourist fun. Today was spent around Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiradelli Square. The lack of rain this weekend was a very lucky break.

No bonfire at the beach tonight

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte optimistically scheduled the first bonfire of the year for tonight down at Rio Del Mar beach. The series of storms making its way through the area didn’t bode well for the event, but we gave it a try anyway. We enjoyed the twilight view from the car while we had a picnic in the car. Paula and Matt stopped by for a few minutes, but no one else seemed crazy enough to give it a try. We stopped by Sea Cliff on the way back to catch the sunset. I think we’ll give it another try sometime in April.

Business in Lucerne, Switzerland

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Our next stop was in the city of Lucerne. It was much smaller than Bern and quite the beautiful location along the lake. The mountainous backdrop reminded me a bit of Boulder. Of course the expensive shops and five star hotels everywhere are in stark contrast to the feeling in Boulder.

Business in Bern, Switzerland

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

A last minute business trip to Switzerland brings me to the city of Bern. The weather was perfect in contrast to the dire weather predictions, which was quite the pleasure.

Spring arrives early and the flowers are blooming

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We had a most excellent warm spell that convinced the plants it was time to start showing off their flowers. The tulips are looking great this year too.

Another lego creation from Nick

Tue, 08 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Nick still enjoys creating his own custom creatures. I think he plans on submitting this design to Lego for some kind of contest.

Reach for the Stars auction night

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Tonight is the big “Reach for the Stars” auction to raise money for Brook Knoll elementary school. Charlotte has been helping a lot with the event, though Valri’s sounds like she’s been putting in a huge effort on this one. Everything looks ready for the big crowd and there are plenty of truly awesome items people have donated or created. Charlotte and the SVEF crew also take the opportunity to plug our upcoming fundraising bicycle event.

A visit to the Filoli Center with Gordon

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s day trip with Gordon is to the Filoli Center. Looks like a beautiful day and the flowers are in bloom.

Disney World's MGM Studios

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0000

While Gabe and Charlotte battled a stomach virus, we attempted to enjoy our last day at Disney World with a visit to MGM Studios. I didn’t get many photos as Nick and Monica started to come down with the sickness. We managed to squeeze in one trip to Space Mountain while everyone could keep their lunch down. The parade was a good chance to rest and take a few shots before heading back to embrace the horror of the worst stomach virus we’ve ever experienced. I did manage to keep well until our flight back the next morning, but did manage to keep it together for the flight. It really was a fun trip as long as I try to forget the last couple of days.

Disney World's Epcot

Tue, 08 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Disney World trip is to Epcot. Not a lot of photos, but we did really enjoy the Mission Space ride. Nothing like pulling some Gs to get your day going. In the waiting area after the ride, Gabe and I enjoy a team effort on a cool video game.

Gabe and Kyle do a bit of bonding.

The kids enjoy a bit of sombrero fun at the Mexico plaza at the World Showcase. This was unfortunately the last stop before the wave of sickness kicked in. Gabe started to complain he was feeling bad and needed to go home. Little did we know this was just the beginning of a cascade of stomach virus to hit everyone for the next week. I can’t say it was the best birthday of my life, but I loved being with Lynda and her family and we had a great dinner thanks to Mom.

Disney World's Animal Kingdom

Mon, 07 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Our first day at Disney World begins with an exciting shuttle bus trip from the Old Key West resort to the Animal Kingdom. Steve, Lynda, Rachel, and Monica look primed for a day of fun.

There’s definitely something to be said for a park where you have a chance to actually interact with some living things other than a pile of tourists on a ride. The kids really enjoyed the python and the petting zoo. Gabe had a blast with a deranged cow that sounded as if he had seen enough people that day.

Sun, sand, and rockets at Cocoa Beach

Sun, 06 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0000

We’re off to Orlando to meet up with Lynda and Steve’s family at Disney World. They have a timeshare at the Old Key West resort, so it was hard to pass up on the opportunity for a first visit to Disney World and to see their cousins. We’ve been to Disneyland a few times, but never to the mother of all theme parks. We decided to spend the first day checking out the other coast, so we packed up the car and drove out to Cocoa Beach to see how it compares to the Santa Cruz scene. The beach was really beautiful, the waves were awesome, but I expected it to be warmer. It really was pretty much the same as back home, which was of course no problem for my kids.

Monica's school play

Wed, 02 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Monica had a school play today she was really looking forward to. Her play was one of a few covering different historical religious stories. Her play was about the story of Purim and she was the narrator.

Visiting Grandpa in Capitola

Sat, 29 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Another beautiful day in Capitola during a visit with Gordon. The kids always have a great time playing at the beach. Nick and I spend some time at the sword shop checking out the weapons. It’s kind of a strange shop to have in downtown Capitola, but Nick really loves it.

A long walk in the woods with Paula

Thu, 20 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Charlotte loves her walks in Henry Cowell with her friends. She really loves the very long walks with Paula when she has a chance to discover some new routes through the park. She’s also got a thing for mushrooms as you can tell.

Fishing on the Capitola wharf

Sun, 16 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

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.

The velodrome is a blast

Sat, 15 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

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.

A little too cold for the Natural Bridges butterflies

Tue, 04 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Monica tortures Abby for no particular reason

Tue, 04 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

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.