Pollyann's

On our way home from Muir Woods we stopped at Pollyann's, an icecream shop my mom used to take us to. It's probably telling that one of my one few 4 year old memories is of an icecream shop.


They've cleaned it up a lot, but they still have a wheel of flavors and free cones for dogs.


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Muir Woods

We took a trip to Muir Woods to see the beautiful redwoods. Andrew and Claire bonded.


Claire found the forest very educational.


There were four kids, so we had to take a lot of breaks.


Andrew's partner Steve Vranes and his wife Becky.


The other partner, Anthony Milewski and his wife Melissa.


Ella and Abby Hatch checking out the clubhouses.


The best family photo we could scrape together.


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Muir Bears

What is a sculpted bear's love language? Is it an enthusiastic roar?


A baby bear hug?


Or the always popular kiss?


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Oakland temple

Does it seem like the temples in California are a little more stunning than the others?







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Miss Claire

Claire is smiling a lot these days.










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Sprinkles

We visited this California institution yesterday.




Ella was pleased with the merchandise




Not a bad family outing.



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Shopping

Is it just me, or has Brooks Brothers been selling the same clothes for the last ten years?



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The beach

The sun came out, so we had to take the kids to the beach.










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Back to Carmel

I couldn't resist the chance to go back to Carmel, especially since the chance was paired with free aquarium passes.

The exhibits were beautiful...


And so were the patrons ("I'm Arwawol!").


Claire found the whole experience very educational.



Ella was excited to see the "sea forsies" again. I think deep down they were glad to see her too.


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Monterey Aquarium

Ella really liked "The Splash Zone".


And "the harass mobility-challenged aquatic life zone".





Maybe she liked them too much...


I liked the fact that male seahorses bear the young. How 'bout it, science?


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Shopping in Carmel

We took the girls shopping in downtown Carmel. They were thrilled.


Ella fell in love with Thinker Toys, more specifically, a tiny bunny figure. She placed it in a tiny cradle atop a tiny piano and sang a tiny original song in a tiny voice to help it fall asleep.


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Last Beach Day

Tessa's the cutest pigmy child I've ever seen.


Stressing about UVA protection.


Annie's moves.


It was a little chilly, but since it was some people's last day we stuck it out.


Ella really liked riding the Seadoos and saying "whoo-hoo" when there was a bump.


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Sundays in the park with Dad

We're enjoying the respite between callings.







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Happy Birthday Cabin

This year the cabin turns forty. So to celebrate we all brought presents for it. Most of us brought modest gifts like a garlic press or spatulas, but Kim and Doug pulled out all the stops and replaced the leaky (splashy might be more accurate by this point) kitchen faucet.







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Whoa

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Variety Show

Every year we give the young ladies an opportunity to exhibit. But for obvious reasons we can't call it a "talent show". This year Ella was so excited she couldn't stay in her seat. We planned a dance number for her and Andrew to do together-dancing to "Beauty and the Beast". But when the time came she dropped Andrew from her act like Pete Best and performed solo.


This year saw an unprecedented rise in brother-in-law participation, thanks to repeated cojoling from the girls.


Nate's legs move so fast they're barely visible.




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Lazy Sunday

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