First destination in California: Koen’s Grandpa Dan and his backyard porch-swing.

Hoodies are the best. Ain’t that so, Grandpa?

Rub a dub dub, Koen’s three cousins in a tub, and who do you think they be? Mikah, Mya, and Mason!

Tub zoom.

One of Koen’s favorite past-times - and now he’s found cohorts! Mikah on sprayer, Mya on scrub brush, and Koen on sponge.

A sardine-packed bed-tent.

Searching for tractor pulls and bicycle stunts? Look no further than Auntie Amy’s back yard!

Auntie April drops by to see what all the fun is about.

Koen’s Auntie Amy generously invited the relatives to the coast, to stay at a friend’s beach house in Cayucos, thus providing Koen with his first opportunity to experience the ocean. Now, which way to the beach?

Koen and his Auntie April share a moment.

Koen and his Grandma Debbie digging their way to China.

Koen paying homage to the bodiless head of the Almight Mikah.

“OOOOOO!”

Hooray for family reunions!

Koen is endlessly fascinated by the seashore. He’s been reading about seashells, seals, and the ocean waves, and now it’s all becoming “real” - he’s picking seashells aplenty, viewing seals from the Morro Bay docks, and wading in the cool autumn ocean.

Koen’s little footprints.

Koen’s Grandpa Dan and Grandma Georgie watched him for the day at their home in Sacramento, while Amber and I drove to Berkely, took the Bart under the Bay to San Francisco, and had a lovely day in Chinatown. Lotus cakes from a packed Chinese bakery, jasmine green tea in a day-glo cafe, cheap umbrellas purchased from one of the countless chintzy tourist shops, a delicious delicately prepared dinner from the aesthetically beautiful Medicine EatStation, and romantic moments in bustling marketplaces, all made for a fantastic and rejuvenating day. Sometimes it’s so good (and healthy) to have a little time for just the two of us (we both tend to forget).