At the Water’s Edge...

We were already very familiar with this section of the canal that is surrounded by lots of small restaurants at the water’s edge.

What we didn’t realize was how many houses and businesses were also along the water’s edge.

Along the Main Canal...

Due to our late start getting down to Utrecht, we could only rent the pedal boat for one hour instead of the recommended two hours it takes to make the full circle trip. Luckily, the one-hour round-trip journey was still very interesting as Utrecht is a lovely city.

I was surprised to see a plaque of King Willem-Alexander since I didn’t spot any of previous monarchs.

 I still love seeing 17th century step-gable houses.

It was common to see bikes parked along the bridges that we passed under...

 ...as well as along the sides of the canal.

Pedal Boating for My 55th...

I was pleased that the girls flew back from California in time for my birthday. I decided that it would be fun to go to Utrecht to go pedal boating.

Although I appear to be invisible, I can confirm that I relaxed in the back sipping bubbly, while Jimmy took turns with the girls pedaling.

Backyard Pics...

The girls had a lot of fun at a nice poolside luncheon with Ann’s close friends Lillian and Tarni...

...plus Tarni’s daughter Kiley. 

Here is Ashlynn posing in her new bathing suit...

...and both girls in another set of new dresses.

Thanks Dad and Ann for hosting the girls for another fun trip to sunny California to spend quality time together.

Out and About...

The girls really enjoyed taking the train to San Francisco for the day. They walked a lot, including up Lombard Street, the world’s most crooked street...

...and to Fisherman’s Wharf to visit Boudin for the world’s best sourdough bread.      

They also visited several bookstores, Pier 39 to see the sea lions and Giant Stadium. Their adventure ended with a 1.25-mile run to catch the train. 

They enjoyed seeing Dad play at the San Jose Jazz Festival...

...where they helped entertain the audience as well.

Auntie Time...

 The girls had an adventure with Auntie Leigh that included hiking...

 ...getting manicures...

...eating lunch at a vegan Asian restaurant...

...and having a sleepover which included making pizza and playing with Louie. They also had a sleepover with Auntie Eden, which included gossiping late into the night without any photographic evidence.

Back to California...

For the first time since 2013, the girls flew together to visit my parents in California. It was Veronica’s first visit in two years, while Ashlynn was there last summer with me.

Dad and Ann were clearly happy to see them.

As in past visits, Ann spoiled the girls with beautiful new clothes...

,,,and Dad spoiled them with fantastic sushi.