Soggy Santa Cruz

We spent the night in a great Holiday Inn Express & Suites. We were all able to fit into a nice-sized suite. Just staying a hotel is such a treat for my kids that they didn't even complain about the rain. After a wonderful breakfast and a few more hours at the hotel waiting for the rain to let up, we decided to brave the elements and visit the boardwalk. Even with the rain, there was plenty to do - mini-golfing (pirate-themed with a black light tunnel to play through), laughing Sal, arcade games, beach and the surprise hit - holding parrots.

Entering the black light "tunnel":

A stormy, but beautiful, day at the beach:

Mom in Santa Cruz:

RUN!!!

They had so much fun chasing - ahem, being chased by the waves!

We met this gentleman and his three birds on our way out. It was such a neat surprise to end our time at the boardwalk.

We ended our time with a drive along the coast (admiring the dream homes and visiting the Surfing museum) then we grabbed ice cream before cutting our visit a bit short and heading home. Next time we'll try it with some sun:-)

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Months ago, I had planned to take Mom & Dad to the coast for the long President's Day weekend. Again, my plans were thwarted by rain. We adjusted our expectations and still enjoyed an amazing time at the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium (where we are now members!).

These sea nettles were a favorite:

The Seahorses are another favorite, incredible exhibit. I was able to capture 2/3 fishy faces here:-) Our family:

Kat in the Kelp "holdfast":

Here are the kiddos at the entrance to the "Splash Zone" here they are in the same place last April.

A momentary brightness provides a great pictures op of the bay:

This big wave that crashes down regularly is a huge hit with my kids:

Dinner at El Torito (after a damp walk) was a welcome respite. Great food, great conversation, great location!!!!

And to end our day, one of the brightest rainbows I've every seen right stretched out over the bay.

Grandma & Grandpa are HERE!

We were so excited to welcome Grandma and Grandpa to warm, sunny, Almond blossom blooming central California, but alas, it was not to be. We welcomed Grandma & Grandpa to a rainy, dready, chilly California. But it was still a GREAT time. We played games at home, shopped for birthday presents of Anika (a BFC doll) & Andrew (nanobugs) , ate great meals (Lockford sausage anyone?) and soaked up the few rays of sunshine that we could.

Picnic Time

My "explorers" were so excited when Mom let them have an al fresco lunch.

Happy Birthday, Dad: cont'd

Lloyd's birthday was a nice low key Sat. We stayed at home and just celebrated by being together. Anika made him a wonderful photo book looking back at the year and we enjoyed a made-to-order ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. Yum!

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!!

Today we celebrate DAD! (Taking a page from Jen's book again!)
Here are some reasons we LOVE Daddy:

• tickler extraordinaire
• giver of "surprise rides" (mini-golf, Jelly Belly factory, zoo, sledding, bike rides. . . )
• griller of the "best" chicken
• reader of bedtime stories
• errand runner
• teacher of checkers (and chess)
• sharer of the ipad;-)
• giver of candy after Sunday evening church
• preacher of God's Word
• lover of God's people
• student of scripture
• handy man, fix-it guy
• expert band-aid applier, wound cleaner, sliver remover
• computer glich repairer
• scarer of monsters
• guitar teacher
• hug giver
• fire builder
• model rocket launcher
• . . . and the list goes on!

Happy Birthday! We love you, Daddy!