Over the past few weekends when Tom has come out to E Nicolaus to help Justin with the landscaping project, I’ve heard Tom say to Justin, “You’re just like your grandfather.” Meaning MY dad, Ed. And then I got my own example.

One evening, Justin told me he was going to Anders’ house down the road to look at some irrigation pipe. He came home with this

and a good story. “Mom, I got such a good deal. New pipe like this sells for $3.50/foot, used it’s $1.25/foot. At first Anders said $8/pipe, but at the end said $5/pipe was good enough. That’s only 25 cents/foot!” My dad knew the prices of everything and recognized a good deal when he saw one. Although that attribute may have skipped a generation, it’s alive and thriving in Ed’s grandson.

Every Saturday morning, Sophia and Avery go to a gymnastics class at Tricks.

I love these words, “Mom, come look at my masterpiece. Bring your camera.” (Fist pump) Yes!

Justin hired two laborers to hand-dig these trenches.

Tomorrow, he’ll rent a mechanical trencher.

Time for a beer!

Scheduling conflicts for Thais and Lenin meant Grandma got to take Sophia to soccer practice. Made me happy!

Keeping the troops happy.

The head turned side to side and the eyes blinked.

A picture from last night. Avery and Sophia went to their first sprint car race with Uncle Justin in Placerville. Thais and Lenin were also there. Avery sat on Uncle Justin’s lap the whole night, riveted to the action on the track.

Greg is cousin Phyllis’ oldest son. He lives in one half of a duplex on the Sacramento River just a few miles from downtown. To say the least, the setting is fantastic!

A big lawn for lots of different games.

Kevin, a friend from Greg’s high school days, and Roxanne live in the other half of the duplex.

A steep ramp down to the dock on the river.



Phyl’s younger son, Chris, did the barbecuing.

Fun party, Greg!

Avery’s partner this week was cousin Leo.

This is for you, Tom and Paula in Alabama. Justin’s waiting for Tom to come try it out. There’s a small race track nearby on a friend’s property where everyone goes to race and have fun.

The First Tee program at Lank Park Golf Course.
Technically, at 3 1/2, Avery was too young but the organizers decided to let him try. And he’s doing great.

There are three 30-minute stations.