Michael at 6

Michael is 6. We drove to Legoland, near the San Diego coast, and had a great time. Growing-up in LA, fantasy parks like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm were the oases of my suburban desert landscape (Magic Mountain was too far). SoCal wharfs have traditional funhouse arcades (why are they always located at piers?) - Long Beach had a tremendous rollercoaster, Santa Monica's Pier is legendary - but Legoland came later and with a narrower demographic: Michael's peer group.The relentless sun faded some of the colors, but things were pretty intense nonetheless.

Like most other destinations, it was a DRIVE, passing the famous illegal alien signs off the San Diego Fwy. I remarked to Carolyn, "This is like going to Portland or Vancouver from Tacoma."

Face painting was particularly skillful.

Merchandising was particularly pricey: $500 for the Star Wars DeathStar? We passed.

Jack has been in serious "choo-choo" train withdrawal, since leaving Switzerland, where every town also seemed to have a merry-go-round.

We returned home for "stacking" cake (Michael's request) and presents; joined by our dear friends, the Kwongs (minus their Wheaton freshman, Zachary)

Each person makes such a unique contribution to the family. Michael is our larger than life comedian, who meets life's moments with such zest and gusto. He often prays at bedtime, "Thank You for the world."

Life at Pepperdine

We are often told we're especially blessed to work in a setting like Pepperdine; namely, ocean view and a year-round, temperate climate. It is like working where you might normally go on a vacation, with all the trappings: unique, pricey eateries, boutiques, and one grocer. Malibu is not a town, so much as a piece of narrow, coastal real estate.
Surrounded by brush, we are now in wildfire season, with regular drills. Having grown-up in the LA basin, this danger is all new to me; we had earthquake drills where we cowered under desks, backs turned to the glass windows.
Meet Pierre, who is from Bordeaux, France and meets with Michael on Fridays to keep up his French. He seems to recall vocabulary and maintains his cute accent! A soccer player, Pierre seems to keep up with Michael's activity level.

Michael's Montriond Elementary school pictures:

A signed photo as a parting gift.