Robolights!

Susan had the good idea of looking up some holiday lights in Palm Springs, so we could cap off our day of decorating. She found Robolights, which was awesome. Words cannot describe the scale of this place, which was at a private residence just a few blocks from downtown Palm Springs.

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Christmas Decorations

Traditionally we decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, or as soon as we are home after Thanksgiving, if we are traveling. This year was no exception. We had already bought a small tree and some decorations at our last stay so we were all ready for the decorating. The kids were very excited to listen to Christmas music and to decorate.

Lucia, Rose, & Mari decorating.
Elliot hanging an ornament.

RV Thanksgiving

One of the strangest things about being on the road is celebrating major holidays. Normally we spend most of Thanksgiving with family, but on the road it is just us. We try to make the most of it. Today was easy because after spending the morning doing food prep, we were able to spend the whole afternoon at the pool. It was definitely a different Thanksgiving.

Pandowdy Prep
Susan & Rose
Trying to fit through the fence.
Noodleball
The Menu
Dinner Aftermath

Halloween in Santa Cruz

Halloween in Santa Cruz

We had a fun Halloween in Santa Cruz! We asked a few locals for the best things to do and our plan ended up working out well. In the afternoon we went trick-or-treating in downtown Santa Cruz. They close down the street and all of the shops hand out candy. It was fun and crowded. 

Trick-or-treating in downtown Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Thriller flashmob

After downtown we headed back to the RV for a break and dinner, walking tacos. Then it was on to ‘The Vineyards’ a neighborhood just down the road from our RV park. Holy Cow was it busy! We saw a few people walking there as we approached and as we turned into the neighborhood it was just flooded with people. We found a nice place to park and spent about 90 minutes there. 

Trick-or-treating in Scotts Valley

This year Mari was definitely the leader, directing us where to go and keeping everyone moving. Elliot and Lucia stayed up with her. Andrew would have, but his costume forced him to move slowly so he usually lagged behind with me, Susan, and Rose in the stroller. Rose would ride in the strolled in between houses and when we would approach the house she would hop out and run up with the other kids, who were always eager to help her out. Rose ate most of her candy as we went, so we tried to skip as many houses as we could, for her.

A good shot of Elliot’s boat.

Pumpkin Carving

Last night we carved pumpkins. It took a little longer than normal because we did not have as many carving knives as we usually do. The kids had fun and Lucia especially had enjoyed helping to clean out everyone’s pumpkin. 

Oakhurst -> Santa Cruz

Today we moved from Oakhurst to Santa Cruz. It was a quick drive,  back through the agricultural valley. It is amazing how many trees, bushes, and vines we have driven past. 

There was a Halloween party at the campground which we arrived just in time for.
Mari and Elliot wrapped this girl in toilet paper. It was a race.
Elliot has been helping to get Rose to sleep lately. She had been sharing a bed with Lucia, but they were too wound up going to bed, so we had to separate them. Rose was not happy to be alone so Elliot volunteered to help. He normally reads his kindle and then when she falls asleep he moves to his bed, but it looks like tonight he never made the move.

4th of July

For the 4th of July this year we are in Cincinnati. We went to the Van Horn’s house in northern Kentucky for a fun-filled evening with the Appel clan. Andrew and Elliot went early with the Donleys to do some golfing. Susan, the girls, and I made it down around dinner time. The older kids had a blast swimming in the lake and would have done that for about 5 hours straight if we had let them. The fireworks show was a little late because they had some technical difficulties, but in the end it was quite the grand experience.

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Crazy Day

It was a crazy, emotional day today. Susan, Erin, and her mom went to the house this morning to clean. They were there for a few hours, getting everything perfect for the new owners. 

All of the Lieslands went over after Rose’s nap, to say goodbye. There were a lot of tears shed. We also had one last visit and popsicle with Rick & Donna, our closest neighbors ever. 

By dinnertime it was time to transition to the traditional May 29th affairs – our 13th anniversary. Erin & Nate watched the kids so Susan and I could go out to dinner. We ended up at Cool Basil – table 13!

Mobile
One last popsicle with Rick & Donna.
Table #13

Happy Mother’s Day!

We failed to get a picture with Susan and all of the kids today, but we did not fail in making a chocolate cake! Every Mother’s Day the kids help me make a special dessert. Every year it gets a little easier as they all pitch in to help.

Easter 2017

We had a fairly quiet Easter this year. Aunt Mary left town yesterday and the Reagens were in Minneapolis. We hunted for baskets and eggs in the morning, joined Mimi & Papa for brunch, and then spent the rest of the day enjoying the nice weather. 

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Easter Egg Hunt

Elliot, Mari, Rose, Aunt Mary, Lucia, Andrew

This morning Aunt Mary set up an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids at Pearson Park. She has been in town visiting and thought it would be fun – which it was. I think she used to visit this park with her kids when they still lived in town.