Greenhouse is taking shape

My backyard greenhouse is getting its foundation. Very excited. It will have a swing in the middle for the girls with the rubber, squishy surface like playgrounds have!

Lily and Penny join in the fun!

Learn to Row day at the Cal boathouse

Cal coach Mike Teti, who I covered when he coached the U.S. Olympic 8 boat to London, had offered to let me bring a group of kids to the boathouse. It was a blast! Emma didn't want to go home.
For those of you who have read "The Boys in the Boat," you'll remember legendary Cal coach Ebright, whose statue Mike it talking about with the history.

 Jovan from Serbia (he's 6-foot-6) gave the kids a lesson about his country.

 Coach Mike was already in recruiting mode, including of Milena below with Emma. Milena is tall, her dad played basketball at Cal and she was a natural.

 Mike's wife won a rowing gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona games and every child and adult got to try it on if they wanted.

 Lily warmed up after a few minutes.

Fiona and Emma's faces, below, show they are serious about beating neighbor Chris in this race.

"See you in two months!" the girls yelled. They took turns driving the boat.

Mt. Tamalpais hike

 Emma was invited to go with Fiona and her Grandpa Bruce (Brucie Baby!) and his spouse, Kris, to go hiking at Mt. Tamalpais on Wednesday and they were gone all day for such a fun adventure, including a lunch out in Sausalito. Not bad! Wish I could have gone.

Silly face, Bruce!

The girls were all smiles again with some fresh air after getting a little car sick on the drive.

 Some tall redwoods, indeed.

Gorgeous view of San Francisco.

Thanksgiving

 Placemat making

 Lily and Penny feet!

But of course these two love fresh whipped cream!

Bubble fun

Friends are so special

 

 Top photo: Emma and Fiona, 1st grade, ages 6 1/2

 Bottom photo: Cormac and Lily, Pre-K, ages 4

  

Celebrating Suzie before she has her 2nd baby girl soon!

 Emma and Kai at their school jog-a-thon

Longtime pals Emma and Declan