Catalina 2012 Family Vacation

We spent a fantastic six days exploring Catalina--snorkeling, window shopping, and an interior jeep expedition. It was fun that all the children and grandchildren made it over to Avalon for a few days, making it a true "family" vacation.

Family all together--on balcony of our condo in Avalon

Stephen Davis was our underwater photographer.

He took this shot of Ryan, diving down for a closer look the stingrays--or posing for a cool shot.

Ryan, Robyn, Stephen

View of our condo complex and clear waters in background

Stephen, Jeff, Robyn, Ryan

Photo taken along our interior jeep tour of Catalina Island

Ryan is a local celebrity--he has houses named after him in Avalon

 Jeff went snorkeling every day, and almost everyone was able to snorkel

I managed to take this photo of Stephen--after first pushing the camera "off" button instead of the shutter button. That's why Stephen is the camera pro.

See the stingray?

Avalon Harbor

Clear water--Hamilton Cove

 Kelp Bass (green) and Garibaldi (orange)

Photo by Stephen

Garibaldi in Kelp Forest

Photo by Stephen

We made a big investment in time, equipment (wetsuits & snorkeling gear), accommodations, and travel--and it was all worth it for the lifetime memories.

Gap For A Few Months

A lot of great family activities are not recorded, for the past few months... Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, trip to Palm Springs with Robyn.  Grateful for these wonderful events.
From December through May, I have restricted my focus to work--with a big case going to arbitration hearing.

 Jeff, Dylan, Robyn, Rachel, Katie & Bennett (on lap)--back row

Eric, Ryan, Stephen, Austin, Christian--front row

Christmas Get-Together

Happy Birthday Grandma Marion #80!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GATHERING 

FOR MARION ON HER 80th!

On December 4, 2011 we gathered at the PV Homestead to honor Marion, our wonderful Mom and Grandma on the occasion of her 80th birthday!

 Mom shed her special light on everyone.

 Gathering at the dining room table--Greg and Nathan visible in mirror.

 Making a wish: That our family will be as happy this year

as we all are now--which is "very happy."

 You weren't supposed to bring presents...

 Mom opens her special card:

Eighty (80) Things to Love About Marion

The card expands accordion-style to about 10 feet in length--that's how much space it takes

to fit in Mom's wonderful qualities and accomplishments!

Rachel and Austin with greetings from the grandkids.

Ryan wore this special sweater: which Mom originally purchased for Dad at

Piccadilly Square, London in 1956.

Irvine Park Zoo and Train Ride November 2011

The day after Thanksgiving 

Jeff & Robyn & Kids and Grandkids

visit the Irvine Regional Park Zoo and Train Ride

 Ryan held up Bennett to see all the sights

 Robyn checks her wingspan against the Turkey Vulture

 Dylan watches Grandpa Jeff check his wingspan against the Golden Eagle

 Dylan brushes the pet goats

 Christian and Katie watch Bennett and Dylan pet the goats

 Bennett says "Oooooh," his favorite word right now

 Can we feed the sheep?

 Rachel and Austin taking it all in

 Bennett rides high on Ryan's shoulder

 Loading up for the train ride around the park

 Grandpa Jeff shows Dylan around

 Austin and Rachel watch the boys while we wait for the train to arrive

 Dylan is probably asking: "You have some candy for me Grandma?"

On the train

Gathering at the Larsen's Pool afterwards

All the boys soak in the spa

The girls enjoy a nice visit on soft chairs--a well deserved and all too brief rest

A wonderful day with a wonderful family.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving Holiday was extra special. After 35+ years of wonderful Thanksgiving Holidays at Grandpa Steve & Grandma Marion's, we we held a big family Thanksgiving at our house.  Twenty-nine people came, and we all had such a great time.

Starting Thanksgiving Morning
at the Turkey Trot in Torrance.

Gathering at the Turkey Trot

Brent's great time: 31 minutes

Mom, Stephen, Nathan, Ryan, Austin after the run

Stephen weaves his magic story time for the little ones.

GATHERING FOR DINNER

 Robyn the hostess

 The Four Boys had their own special table.

Counterclockwise from front: Dylan, Jake, Jaden, Trey

They are giving their best dinosaur roars.

 One of the four tables we set up

 The official Turkey Trot runners photo

 Family talent show time: Let It Be

 Even the little ones joined in the talent show

 Matt played Piano, while the family sang 

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Dancing to the music

 It was especially fun that Daryl and Cerise could join us

 Erin and Ryan Webber and Family doing their Circus Act

 Daryl serenades us with "Johnny Verbeck and his Sausage Machine"

Cute song with a cruel ending for Johnny.

 Nathan and Greg

Jillair announcing her piano number

IT WAS A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING

THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME AND SHARED