California 2010

swimming: Samuel, Miles, Calvin

On a Redwood tree in Big Basin

Calvin relaxing with Daddy

Eating S'mores by the pool

Grandpa's Tree House (in the making)

Now when most people say tree house, you think of a small structure in a tree.  But when Grandpa Call says tree house, he literally means a tree in a house: 4 stories, balcony, loft.  The kids were thrilled to be able to sleep in it the last night we were there.  Grandma wasn't so thrilled to be kept awake until 1am with shrills of laughter.  The tree house is right outside their bedroom window.

My surfer brother, Don, with his boys, Dalton and Hudson (or as Uncle Chris nicknamed them: D-Town and HudBud)

Collecting sand crabs at the beach

Grandpa at the beach

Wesley having fun at the beach

We always go to the tide pools at Natural Bridges when we go to Santa Cruz.  We went to Manreesa later, so my brother could surf.

The cousins lined up at a ride at the Boardwalk.

being silly on the kiddie coaster

Marnie and Mikaela lookin' good

Calvin enjoying the Boardwalk.  You can see the $1 soda.  That's why we always go: the $1 rides, hot dogs, and sodas.  Grandpa Call canNOT resist a good deal.

Wesley being brave with Mommy on the big swings.  I'm suppressing my fear as well as possible, so as not to scare the little one.  All I can think about on those swings is:  "PING!"...

Julia with her Aunt Marnie

Conner and Miles on the swings

Calvin with the cute blankie that Aunt Larissa and the cousins gave him.

Lindsay and Julia

We started a new tradition for saying "good-bye".  All the cousins line up for a farewell hug line.  Then, as they drive off we all run across the front lawn yelling "good-bye".  It's actually rather sweet.

My harmless husband.  Does he realize that he just took out one of the cousins?  Look how much fun he's having.

Julia with Aunt Natalie

Moab.  She's as beautiful as her Mama, Marnie.

Dirt bike rides with Uncle Dan.  Go, Samuel!

The girl cousins who made it: Lindsay, Mikaela, Emma, and Julia

Julia's smile was literally from ear to ear.  She's our little thrill seeker.

Does anyone else sense a Christmas card picture here?

Sadly, I have no group picture from the Sunday of his blessing.  But here he is in his cute little blessing outfit.

Catherine and Natalie

Lindsay's 12th Birthday Bash 

Canoeing up at Stevens Creek Reservoir.  It was all fun and games until they realized they were swimming in a bay that had a dead deer in it.  Don't ask.

Flag Raising Ceremony on Grandpa's front porch

Street Slides in San Francisco

swimming in the spa

Some of the beautiful California sights