Equinox

Summer began for us in La Republica Dominicana. I forgot my camera on the trip, but I did add the link (D.R. Trip) to the video I took with my iPod. My brother took the photo above of all the grandkids with Ralph and Brenda, who generously took fifteen of us to the Caribbean island for their 49th/50th wedding anniversary celebration. Below is a photo of Humboldt and I snorkeling...on our way to swim with the sharks and rays. Humboldt refers to the Dominican Republic as "Paradise" and is still talking about it. The Dreams resort and the whole trip were truly incredible.

Meanwhile in June in California, Fred was busy working with Mark the Builder on the addition to our house. The final inspection is now imminent... Fred is finishing up details (he just built and installed some beautiful oak doors on the new closet), and I'm working on painting the new siding and trim on the exterior. (siding not featured in photo, but we went with hardiplank)

Another July photo below...While the interior sweltered in the heat, we had to bundle up on the beach. Here's one of our boating buddies with Humboldt on the spit at Big Lagoon. I think it was our only paddling day that was foggy from start to finish.

One day this summer, Fred used some leftover building materials to start creating a fort for Humboldt. It is now finished and being used by a local super hero, "Super Speedy Boy." It has many features which you'll just have to come see to appreciate. There is even a hook for a super hero cape.

One of my favorite hang-out spots in the summer is the Fish Hatchery in Blue Lake. After feeding the salmon fry, we soak up the wonders of nature in the Mad River, preferably with friends.

In August, we enjoyed a visit from Jaime and Natasha. Here they are riding the really big slide with Humboldt at the County Fair in Ferndale. Humboldt enjoyed all the attention he received from his aunt and uncle from Santa Cruz. Lots of book reading and, of course, some baseball.

My wonderful husband made a chiffon cake for our birthdays. This is a combination batter/foam cake which most of us would not ever attempt to bake; here it is cooling upside down in the air. Chiffon cake is awesome. And it tastes just as good the next day. It's too delicious to last any longer than that.

Between his trips to Belize and Alaska, Jeffrey came for a visit. Here he is with Humboldt on the Madaket, a 100+ year-old boat that gives tours around the bay. Uncle Jeffrey was also enticed by said five-year-old to read a lot of books and play some baseball!

Kindergarten started the very end of August. Humboldt is enjoying going to Union Street Charter School. He says he could stay in kindergarten for the rest of his life if they'll let him.

Below is a photo of one of Humboldt's oldest friends and also a kindergarten classmate. She is quite a horse girl and was willing to share her new Iceland pony, Blicka, with Humboldt. The pony's 25 and just amazingly sweet and cute. He even lets the kids clean his hooves.

Well, I guess I won't be blogging in October, because we'll be busy following the San Francisco Giants in post-season play. This photo of ATT Park in September was published in the Chronicle. The division title has been clinched, and the playoffs start next week. Go Giants!