A Fun Week Of Distraction!

This last week, my sister Brynley, her husband Colin & their daughter Ayla came out to stay for a week! We had a blast! The days were jam packed & I slept better than I had in a while.

Therefore, I’m not going to get too wordy about it. Just going to let the photos do most of the talking.

Monday: Arrival Day

They arrived on Monday afternoon. I brought out my old Barbie collection & it was a hit with Ayla!

We then proceeded to go down to MerSea & then had dinner at Makai on the wharf.

In Barbie Land.

Showing MerSea to Colin for the 1st time.

Playground fun.

Checking out sea lions on the pier

Dinner at Makai.

Even the Barbies got to go out on the town.

Tuesday: Groceries, Barbie & Barbecue

Tuesday was more of a taking care of business day. Colin had a meeting in the morning. So Matt worked as well. Brynley, Ayla & I went to get some groceries. Later in the evening, we barbecued.

Grocies & driving at Staff of Life.

There was a Barbie brawl during lunch time. Later on, the Barbies made up & we all grilled happily together.

Wednesday: Hike at UCSC & Boardwalk

This was a pretty jam-packed day. My sis, niece & I hiked for a couple of hours around UCSC. The animals were out & about. -Yes, I have an “in” with them & got them to appear just for this occasion.

We sped home, had lunch & then frolicked all over the Boardwalk. Friends came & joined us for some rides & then dinner.

Wild turkey.

Just a fraction of the deer we came across that day.

Tall trees.

View from bluff.

Secret path.

First ride of the day!

Riding the historic carousel. Built in 1911.

The Rock 'n Roll. -Which turned out to be Ayla's favorite.

Cave Ride.

Skyline Ride.

Santa Cruz Pier/Wharf.

Looking down at the others getting face-paintings.

Dinner at Ideal Bar & Grill

Thursday: Sailing

I thought I was going to get in a bunch of video on this day. Wrong! Instead, we got some special sailing lessons from my brother-in-law, Colin! Invaluable teaching from an expert! There is no substitute for getting great instruction while on your own boat!

Friday: Roaring Camp Train-ride & Redwoods

We met up with friends again at Roaring Camp. Matt had to work all day. But we managed to make the best of it.

All aboard!

Ayla joined the other girls in throwing dirt on her face.

Secret Redwood passage.

Saturday: Heritage Day at Wilder Ranch

Spent some time at the historic Wilder Ranch on their “Heritage Day”. Later on, Brynley & I went for a local hike.

Getting the lay of the land from an Edwardian lady.

The "modern" version of churning butter.

Old fashioned bubbles.

Blacksmith.

Goats!

Chicken coop.

Colin turned into a scarecrow!

Victorian, Wilder House.

Enormous tree with squirrels' nest!

Busy day at the Boardwalk.

Sisters!

Not sure.

Sunday: Museum of Art & HIstory & Dinner Shenanigans

Ayla put her best dress on & we went out on the town. First we went to the MAH -Museum of Art & History. Then went for sushi. Tried to go to the Mystery Spot but tours were sold out until 8:30PM. So got some stuff to grill & had a fun last night at home!

The princess is ready!

Even the elevator at the MAH is fun!

Art exibit 1.

Art exhibit 2.

Ayla & I found a little boat just our size.

First time with chopsticks & she's a pro!

Elsa sighting at the harbor walk.

The marshmellow test.

She passed. However, we stayed in the room.

After dinner giggles.

It was such a wonderful week! I feel filled with joy & rejuvenated. Love my sis, my niece & brother-in-law so much! Glad they could stay a whole week. We almost got to do everything!

Our niece, Ayla/Elsa & her snow wolf.

Thanks for reading! This week, we will be back on the boat getting more things done for our upcoming voyage. We have less than 2 months until blast off! Strangely, I feel eerily calm about it. -Which of course stresses me out a little bit. 😆 See you next Wednesday!