Star of the Week

Back in September Ava was the Star of the Week in her class.  As a special treat she got to bring home Benji Bear the classroom mascot for the weekend.  She also brought home Benji's journal, so we could record something special we did with him.

Ava decided to take Benji on a bike ride on the river bike trail.  After school we got ready, packed some snacks and headed out on the trail.  Benji rode in my basket on the front of my bike.  We rode to Hagan Park and stopped at a bench by the river.  We had a snack and enjoyed the view before heading home.  Ava loved taking Benji on a ride and was excited to write in his journal.

Ava loved being Star of the Week.  She got to be the line leader and sit in a special chair during the week.  All the other kids made her a book.  They each wrote something special about Ava and drew a picture.  Ava felt so special all week and enjoyed the perks.

 

Monterey on my Birthday

On my birthday (way back in September) we went to Monterey.  We stopped by my favorite bakery, Parker-Lusseau, first.  To make sure there were enough almond croissants I placed an order for a 1/2 dozen earlier.  We picked up my croissants, cookies, and a few other pastries to try.  It was a great way to start the day.

Most of the day we spent at the aquarium.  We looked forward to seeing the new tentacles exhibit.  It was interesting and Ava enjoyed seeing the Nautilus.  I think my favorite part is still the sea otters.  I was excited to see many sea otters in the Bay through a telescope on the outside platform.  Rich and I both enjoy the outer bay exhibit.  Ava's favorite exhibit is still the penguins.

After the aquarium we ate a late lunch at California Pizza Kitchen before heading home.  Back at my parents place we finished celebrating my birthday with my favorite checker board cake.  Once a year I look forward to my mom making me this cake (from scratch).  It is delicious!  It is so good that I let everyone have one piece and then I take home the rest to eat myself.  Rich and Ava might get a little bit more, but not much.

My favorite almond croissants from my favorite bakery.  It is probably a good thing this place is in Monterey or I would probably be there once a week.

We always take a family photo in the clam shell.  It is a tradition we started before Ava.

My parents and my sister-in-law, Elizabeth, came with us on the trip.

Rich trying to help Ava see the Sea Otters in the Bay.

Ava's favorite exhibit, penguins.

The jellyfish are fun and relaxing to watch.

Ava and Rich playing in the touch pools.