Galatea

Here are some pics of the time we spent on Uncle Brad’s trawler, Galatea, while we were in Newport Beach. We originally planned to take her to Catalina, but some unforeseen engine troubles hampered that plan. Midway through the week we all thought she was fixed, but alas, not quite. That exciting story is pictured below! In the end we spent a night on the boat in her slip and the kids got the overnight boat experience, which we all really enjoyed. We’ll have to save Catalina for another time!

Lunch!

Newport Harbor Yacht Club

There were a couple paddle boards to take out

We briefly lost Silas in the harbor on the way to the Yacht Club. Jonathan took off in front of him and when he turned around he couldn’t see Silas. Fortunately, he knew where he was going and paddled in a little while later!





Galatea in Alaska

Layla loved her berth

The owner’s suite

Some art from the original owner

Midway through the week it looked like Galatea was repaired and ready to go. We got on board to take her to Catalina and meet Aunt Julie. The kids were occupied  exploring and playing games.

These tiki bars recently popped up and can frequently be spotted in the harbor

Grandpa Phil’s favorite sailboat, Synnove III

Palmer Luckey’s, (Oculus founder) yacht passing by

Uncle Brad started the engine and all seemed well for about thirty seconds. Then things didn’t sound good. The engine stalled and we were adrift in the middle of the harbor approaching ferry traffic ahead. I was impressed with how calm Uncle Brad stayed through it all. We dropped an anchor, put the dinghy in the water, and then Jonathan pushed us to the fuel station while Uncle Brad steered and I wrangled the kids and fed them Triscuits. After putting more fuel in, Galatea still didn’t run, so Jonathan pushed us back to her slip at Bay Island. I was relieved he felt comfortable pushing a large boat through a crowded, expensive harbor. He and my uncle made a good team and safely got us back without incident – in fact quite smoothly!

Checking out the engine

Putting the dinghy down




Well that was fun, let’s eat!

Making dinner

We spent the night on Galatea so the kids (okay, and the parents) could have the full experience. They were SO excited!

Good morning!

Galatea at Bay Island

At home in the galley

Little poser!

Kieron enjoyed watching the harbor activity in the morning

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Balboa Island

We had a morning with just Avery and Layla while Kieron and Silas spent the night at Uncle Brian’s. We took the opportunity to be tourists on Balboa Island.


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Fourth of July

This Fourth of July was much more fun than last year’s. All the usual festivities were back in full swing with some minor Covid protocols in place. We started the day with the neighborhood parade.












A little backyard fun

Playing at the Shepard’s house before the big fireworks show

Miles & Layla

Look who we ran into!




Back at the Shepard’s house again after the show

We lit a few sparklers back at our place at the end of the night

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Visit from the Avery’s

Nicole had a track event up north in June, so she, Andrew and Uncle Scott paid us a visit on their way there. Andrew stayed with us for a few days during the event, and we were happy to get some extra time with him. On their way back we got to visit more with Nicole and Uncle Scott. We missed Aunt Manivanh, but we were thankful for the time we got.






These boys got flipped once!






Silas, riding home in the tube

Silas and Layla went to a movie night at the Christian’s

These boys hung out one afternoon while Avery had a rowing camp

With my bro




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June

Here’s what we were up to in June. But first, in case you ever wondered what our family would look like as cartoon characters, here we are:

Avery got vaxed

The three of us took a little day trip to B’ham


Of course we went to Mallard’s Ice Cream

Outside Rumor’s Cabaret

Jonathan’s with his rowing buddies, Gabe & James. Gabe’s mom passed away and they went down for her funeral.

Fun fact: I fell in love with Gabe’s parent’s house and the way his mom decorated it when we spent one 4th of July there. Much of it has been redone in the 20 years since, but here’s part of the kitchen.

Jono, James & Joe, together again. I’m sure they didn’t get into any trouble.

Layla & Clare – besties!


Literally climbing the walls

Just a little chipmunk taunting our pets

Uno with Maggie & Layla

Playing with the new Barbie camper




Silas was thrilled to sit in James’ Tesla when he came to visit

Free dress day at ballet

Notice the three Belles

Returning library books

These two play so well together!






Hot dog!


Kitty love

Avery is always tinkering with the lighting in his room. Here’s his under-the-bed lights.

Chalk art by Layla

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