Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Reunion of friends

Last year we descended upon San Clemente to visit the Bogusiewicz family for Independence Day (and to escape the heat of Chico). This year they made the trek up the hot, hot valley in August to visit us. Always hospitable, our home chef, Rex, whipped up some doughnuts from scratch. Mmmmm .... Donuts!















After a couple days rambling around our place (sorry, too much fun to photograph) we headed down to Santa Cruz with the Bogusiewicz's. But since we were in Santa Cruz we had to drop in on Uncle Dave. He invited us into his bachelor pad where he had converted the guest room into a home theater. It was mighty impressive! Reclining theater seats, cup holders, surround sound, non-sticky floors ... It was luxury!







We followed the home theater event with a traditional sushi binge and some good laughs.







The following morning we hooked up with the Bogusiewicz's again at the Boardwalk and anticipated the arrival of another of their UC Santa Cruz alumni, Dave Lewak (and family).






Rex & Amira had to go on the Wipeout. For the uninitiated it's the spinning cars on top of a spinning disc that spins around a dark room with strobe lights. Why, yes, I believe the term vomit comet may apply here. But these two are tough.














Bumper cars! A game all the families can play!













Let's top off those rolling and spinning rides with some sugary treats. Remember, you don't want to hurl on an empty stomach.













Rex took me on the carousel. It's the one spinning ride I can handle. This was followed by a dinosaur shooting spree in the arcade. Quality mother-son time!







We followed up all that Boardwalk excitement with some beach action. There were dolphins frolicking off the shore that provided plenty of entertainment. No Sharknados were spotted. Good thing as we had left the chainsaw at home.







One did, however, need to be concerned with sand sharks. None were found but that didn't stop Valerie from digging the world's deepest hole.












Eek! A sand shark! Oh, wait, that's Amira.







We capped off the day with dinner for 12 in downtown.












Ah, the kids table ...










Uncle Dave made a special guest appearance and hobnobbed with the younger crowd. That guy can work a room.










And, finally, a picture of the three Amigos reuniting in their college town. Go Banana Slugs!













Sunday, July 13, 2014

Uncle Kevin Visits

Uncle Kevin came by Chico on his motorcycle trip Dow from Minnesota. How great it was to see him after such a long time! We are honored to be on his route!!

Here he is with Amira, Valerie & Madelyn in front of the garden.





He took us to La Hacienda for lunch. Amira was his lunch buddy.






Kevin (& Cee Cee) had shipped the old family spinning wheel down to us in the hopes that Valerie would put it to use spinning all her wool. It's a lucky thing that he showed up the same day the wheel did. The box was so big I couldn't get it through the front door!





Since Kevin had taken it apart, he was able to put it back together. We all learned a bit about spinning wheels during this operation.






Now let's not forget the giant box. That provided much entertainment. Rex & Amira made a "hot tub" out of it.







Our kids had never ridden on a motorcycle before. We borrowed a helmet from a friend and Uncle Kevin gave them the safety speech.








Maiden voyages for all three.

















Well, it was a short visit. Everyone unanimously agrees that the rides were epic, the spinning wheel is exciting and Uncle Kevin is awesome. The kids are now lobbying for a visit to Minnesota, Kevin will be happy to know.







Saturday, July 5, 2014

Getting Away From It All

Ah, heading up to the cool green of the mountains to escape the sweltering brown valley is such a pastime in July. Last year at this time we basked on the beach in San Clemente and enjoyed some fog while Chico suffered a heat wave. This year we visited the cabin for a first time in a long time. Look at it all tucked in beneath the cool greenery. We dined out on the deck every evening and looked for wild life.



We did manage to spot a bear just up the road from the cabin. We managed to snap this photo before he could complete his lunge through the back window.


A way up the street from the bear, we spotted a Falcon! (This is Rex with the Falcon for you, Scott!) Michael did them a favor and turned off their headlights for them.


Down at the beach we found even more wild life.


We pitched our tent in the public refugee camp for the day.


At this beach the day is filled with games. In this photo the girls are waiting for their eggs for the egg toss. (They lasted about two tosses).


Rex went up with Michael for the egg toss. This was followed by a refreshing dip in the chilly water for obvious reasons.


Later in the day there was hula hooping ....


Tug-o-war (Valerie & Amira below)





And the pie eating contest!


Look! Valerie finished her plate! (Also note that she was fairly efficient with the consumption of the whipped cream. Perhaps if we served that at every meal, clean up would be a snap?)


After fun in the sun all day we packed back to the cabin for some dinner and warmer clothes. Michael & Rex took the RC cars back out around the hood in the wood. Just after 9pm we stumbled over to the private beach to sneak a peak at the fireworks being put on over at the public beach. Rex found a great spot with a fantastic view.


Rex took that photo and this video.

YouTube Video

Good night explosives.

Location:Donner Lake, Tuckee, CA

Friday, July 4, 2014

July Is Here

July 1st came with the promise of Six Flags for Valerie with her friend Madelyn in lieu of the Silver Dollar fair (back in May) where they just showed goats but missed out on the rides. Madelyn's parents made the generous offer.

6 Flags offered "the Superman" ride which was reported to be an adrenal zapper.






Water rides provided refreshment.





Bat girls!!





Success!





July 3rd we went up to the cabin at Donner Lake. Kids got a new toy.





Michael & Amira took a father-daughter spin to Crawdad Land.





Valerie bagged one using string cheese as bait. Mmmm! Cheese fed mini lobsters!





Beach volleyball.











Sand art.





Something for everyone.











View upon waking from beach nap.





After dinner car races ...











And now Valerie is lobbying for a Scotty dog. I can't blame her.

YouTube Video




Location:Donner Lake