we heart powell's

We stopped by Powell's Bookstore before heading to RocRoc's birthday dinner. I really liked this book Kaemon Ze found. It's about Mr. and Mrs. God who, through trials and errors, make planet Earth in their creative kitchen.

Reading another book. (Or...more accurately: looking at another book. While we read to him every day, he is still not interested in learning letters.)

L-R: Saying "goodbye" to Gumpapa and RocRoc; walking downtown in Gumpapa's coat; dinos attack at PF Changs; reading books at Powell's; napping on RocRoc's blanket.

goobye san jose, hello gumpapa!

Son, grandson, and great-grandson visit Great-grandma Ruby. 

Gumpapa reads to Kaemon Ze at Great Grandma's home.

Back in our home, Kaemon Ze took this photo of his Gumpapa.

"Read me a story, Gumpapa!"

Note to Sara: Grandfather Twilight and monkey pajamas - gifts that keep on giving. Thank you! 

last day in san jose: after the naps

Super heroes Batman and Robin gear up for a trip to the park!

 Together, they can scale massive rocks!

 Sofia and Kaemon Ze take the horses for a ride.

"Push Daddy!"
Three loving daddies push their kids.

Getting the hang of the scooter Uncle Waz gave him.

Having a little moment to himself...

"Sack of Senna" over the shoulders. 

(I love this photo!)

Super heroes posing for the camera!

last day in san jose: pool time!

 Daddy makes a "cheeto" out of the orange play-doh.

While the kids nap, the adults jump at the chance to play a game
and discuss aspects of psychiatry. 

Another day in paradise. :)

one last goodnight hug...in her jammies

Sofia brought a pair of her pajamas out for Kaemon Ze to wear. He was THRILLED!

back in san jose...

The kiddos hit the blow-up pool and enjoy each other's ring pops.

Sunny Senna in Sunny California!

More sharing...

Seriously CUTE Senna!

Treats for the adults!

sushi man!

We got to see a lot of Whimsy's family on this trip: brother and sushi chef, Greyson (right), recently co-opened a sushi restaurant in Santa Cruz. We stopped by for lunch and a visit. Sister Bri (along with her family) -- even the CA grandparents joined us! So special!

Pretty Senna is ready to eat!

Hanging out with Kaemon Ze at the sushi bar.

 Say, "sushi!"

Juan and Sofia nibble on goodies while Greyson rolls the sushi.

The gorgeous roll Greyson made for me.

SUPER happy grandparents holding their two grandsons. Ain't life grand?

The whole group of us! What a joy!

Gumpapa and RocRoc.
After lunch, they're driving to our house for RocRoc's birthday!
We'll see them there in a few days. :)

A wonderful family.

bath time!

Bath time for Kaemon Ze and Sofia (Senna was already asleep).

 Watching our children playing together never ceases to amaze us.

A little bed time story, modern-day-style.

bonfire on the beach

 Los Amigos! What a joy to get to spend all this time with our dear friends!

We've known each other for more than 15 years - it's so amazing to me that we are on this "late-parenthood" path together. Such an unexpected blessing to have this shared experience.

Joy, on the beach.

 Senna and mama play in the sand.

 Sand is fun!

Love marks from my Whimsy Guy.

The Man.
We roasted marshmallows and make s'mores. Senna approved mightily!

A lovely (albeit sticky) moment shared.

 Juan takes it all in.

 Kaemon Ze watches the pre-teen boys play soccer on the beach.

Back to building a house with Sofia.

And what would a trip to the beach be without my son asking to be "all the way naked" to run around in the surf? Not a complete experience for him, I can assure you!

Here, I'm dusting off the sand and getting him dressed. :)