Linus Turns 12

After months of sheltering in place and with the state slowly starting to open up, we decided to celebrate Linus' 12th birthday in a big way.  Social distancing meant no parties with friends per the usual, so we splurged on a beachfront hotel stay in Santa Cruz.

On the way down we stopped by Watsonville for blueberry picking where High Ground Organics Farm offered socially distanced U-pick appointments.  The foggy weather was perfect for picking, giving us cover to pick a full 8 pounds of berries.

We arrived at the hotel too early for check in, but we got pool passes to lounge while our suite was being cleaned.  I spoiled the boys with mango slushies while we sat back in our cabana sipping cocktails. Despite being close to home we felt "away" and it was so luxurious after months and months of home.

By three the boys were actually exhausted from swimming and we were a little tipsy from two rounds.  Luckily the suite was ready-- and it was totally awesome.  All rooms at the Dream Inn have an ocean view and a patio, but we got a junior suite with two separate rooms.

Lolo and Lola had a great idea to meet up for fishing on the Santa Cruz pier. Despite the wind and cold the boys had fun trying to catch smelt. 

Our trip wouldn't be complete without a seafood dinner so we ordered burgers and crab sandwiches to eat on the pier.

Afterwards we strolled the Boardwalk and got funnel cakes for dessert.  Despite signs everywhere  about the face mask requirement, a full 20% of people were not wearing them, and it didn't seem like the rule was being enforced.  So, we didn't stay very long.

Back at the hotel we enjoyed wine and snacks and piled into the king size bed to watch a movie.

The morning of Linus' birthday we celebrated in the traditional way, waking him up with presents and a birthday song. We took it easy and ordered room service breakfast, enjoying the view for as long as we could.

Later on we drove down Highway 17 back to Milpitas for a small poolside gathering.  This was the first time both sets of grandparents and us got together in the same space.  We made sure we all knew the rules-- stay outside with masks on, except to use the bathroom! The kids had a ton of fun splashing around while we just enjoyed the simple pleasure of being together. The ultimate birthday treat was an Oreo ice cream cake from Mitchell's Ice Cream in San Francisco.

Linus is the sharpest of observers and never seems to miss any details.  He'll call us out for being unfair or just plain wrong and expects everyone to follow the rules.  With the sass of a teenage girl, he drives us crazy as the family contrarian. But he also has so much to give-- patience and piggybacks for his annoying baby brother, help around the house whenever I ask for it, and video game advice/collaboration with Magnus.  We are so impressed by his independence-- before the pandemic Linus walked to and from school  and took a city bus to the rock climbing gym on his own. We are most proud of his resilience, despite losing the parts of his life that were entirely his own he continues to stay positive and make the best of every situation.

The last few months Linus has changed a lot physically and emotionally. Taller than me with a faint 'stache, he's gained the ability to be embarrassed by us and cares most about spending time with his friends.  Despite being together the last 6 months this change seemed to have happened fast.  He was a boy just last this summer and now he's accelerating into his teen years. For the first time ever, I'm nostalgic about the baby my first born used to be.