A Sad Day

Today the lake levels at Georgetown were too low for us to safely put our boat in the water. We knew this day might come... the public ramps on Lake Travis are all closed due to lake levels. We had to settle for a day on the beach instead while the boat stayed parked in the lot. A sad, sad day. All we can do now is pray for rain! It's ironic, the same park was closed only two years ago due to flooding...

First Day of School

Has always been a mixture of sadness and sweetness. This year, Kelsey chose to spend the night at a friend's house so they could go together on the first day. Won't even see her this morning... Nathan was up and ready... unsure if friends would be at the bus stop, not wanting to go alone. Asked for a ride. I said "Let's drive by the bus stop just to see who's there". Sure enough, the whole posse was there. Drove back home, knowing it was better for him to be there w/ friends but also missing the chance to be the one to take him. Back home, it's quiet, peaceful. It feels good to know they are beginning another year of learning, and at the same time, sad. We had a great summer as a family -- I know those are numbered. I will miss having them around, with all their friends.

Maybe I'll actually bake some cookies today. We used to do cookies and milk after school when they were little... to talk about the day. I know they'll laugh at me, but also will not mind a few minutes with mom at the end of their day. I can't hold their hand and walk them into their classroom anymore -- but I can still be there to hear about their adventures.

Going home...

Stopped at Kartcher Caverns in AZ on the way home... we've seen a few caverns and these were not the most amazing, but they were cool. The most amazing part was they were pretty recently discovered, so not as many people have seen them. The state of AZ has done a good job of protecting them, only allowing visitors to view certain sections by private tour.

Headed home 8/9/09-- always good to be home, but not nearly as fun. Texas is a huge state. We cross the "Texas" state line and it feels good. You think "Almost there". Only another 8 hrs to home....

Nobody's as excited going home

Picnic at Kartcher caverns

Last stop Escondido

On the way down we always stop at GG's for a last visit in Escondido... and one last trip to Trader Joes before leaving California! GG could not believe how tall everyone was getting, well, the kids anyway.

Visit with GG

Night out with Kelly and the girls

Mark had a meeting but we spent one night downtown in HB checking out the scene. We had fish tacos for dinner and browsed the local artisans. The kids had souvenir money and were anxious to spend it... and Katelyn and Madison only wanted whatever Kelsey wanted. Kelsey finally chose a red sweater... and so did the little girls. Nathan chose a sweatshirt from Jack's Surf shop, and I have to wash it when he's sleeping, otherwise he refuses to take it off.

Girls in red sweaters

A pile of crab legs!

We always stay a few days at a Ramada which is right on the beach 5 minutes away from Grampa Dave's house. It gives us some free time to enjoy the beach as well as an opportunity to visit more with Grampa Dave without feeling like we have to rush off somewhere. The view is awesome- this year was so clear we could see Catalina from our balcony! Nathan in particular enjoys the free continental breakfast- all the bear claws he can eat!

Grampa Dave shared his prized macadamias with us... kids gathered as many as we could fit into ziploc bags to take home. We also got rides in Grampa's cars- his famous collection. Our last evening there Grampa Dave took us out to eat at Captain Jack's where we all had king crab legs- and stuffed ourselves silly.

Grampa Dave showing off macadamia tree