Charlotte took the long way to Bootjack this year. She’s flown out to Chicago and then heads out for the long drive north. They decided to stay a night up at Manitowoc. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum looks like an interesting tourist stop along the way.
Charlotte took the kids and friends over the hill to Raging Waters. It’s always a big hit, and this time they came back with a bit of body art. One day Gabe’s bicep will be a very scary sight.
Charlotte and Monica headed up to Palo Alto to visit a sports store and then the art museum at Stanford. The Cantor Arts Center has a great collection of Rodin. And it looks like Charlotte is hitting up this guy named David. I’m not sure I need to be jealous. It’s also a good opportunity to plant some college ideas in that active little mind of our girl Monica. ...
A quick morning trip to see if we can nab one of those elusive halibut. It’s a beautiful morning and going during the week means almost no one is out on their boat. We caught a few small fish, but still no halibut. I think we’re getting better at it though.
Charlotte and Val take the kids down to a new swimming hole that Charlotte spotted on a recent hike. Turns out it was packed, which I guess is related to this being the first day of summer and it’s 95 degrees outside. Instead they head down a very steep trail with a rope that managed to scare a few of the kids to death. The reward is what looks like a really nice swimming spot anyway. A few nice shots of the Roaring Camp train for good measure. ...
The first bonfire might have been a bit cold and gray, but it was plenty of fun. Gabe was the only brave one to put on a wetsuit and go in the water. All the kids enjoyed some beach football and digging. I’m looking forward to quite a few more of these events.
The plan was to make a trip up to San Francisco with the family, but Nick had lots of homework and Gabe wasn’t up for it. Monica and Charlotte made it a girl’s day out and visited the de Young museum. Gabe and I played some tennis and went for a bike ride around the neighborhood.
You know you’re having a tough childhood when the end of the school year is almost here and your class goes for a field trip to the beach. I can see everyone is having a truly terrible time.
Gabe did awesome at his school play about The Shortcut. He really enjoyed being a mountain man and saying his lines with a heavy southern accent. We’re still talking about Jim Bridger and their great journey.
A few shots of the latest garden action around the house. We’ve come to refer to the century plant blooming as an indication of alien plant activity. Sure looks like some kind of interstellar signaling apparatus to me.