We tresspass into someone's historical home! (oops!)

A caboose donated to the Pinole Historic Society and Museum.

July 25, 2007 Wednesday
On the drive home from work, I decided to enjoy the sun and the outdoors with Kai, so I stopped in Pinole at the Bayfront Park. Near the entrance was this gated grounds with antiquities on display in the front yard. And behind them loomed, apparently, a very old mansion.


Ruins from a ship raised in 1976.

This was not easily seen in the overgrowth. Sorta creepy this plaque dedicated to the mayor of Pinole who had long passed away in 1999.

I was a bit confused if this mansion was open to visitors, due to the odd cars on the driveway, the unkempt grounds and the antique display. But then I saw a sign that indicated this was the Fernandez Mansion erected in 1894, Pinole city's birthplace. And this house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

So we made our way up the stairs through the yard. Kai didn't mind- he had a snack of goldfish crackers to keep him busy.

And I saw the front door was open and clarinet music was drifting through. We climbed another flight of stairs to the front door and walked into the foyer. I could see old decor and antiques were everywhere, interesting cluttered as it was. A watchful cat sat at the end of the hallway, and Kai excitedly called out "BALL", to which he pointed out a globe sitting in an adjacent room. I turned around and a young teenager stood there with eyes wide and looking at us while with clarinet in hand.

.

I asked if she was hired to play music as part of the show or if she lived here. She confirmed the latter- she had lived here for 5 years now. I apologized and she said it was OK- a lot of people had walked through the door thinking it was open for viewing and that they only show the house once a year.

.

Hmmm...then maybe she should keep her front door shut?

After leaving the premises, we took a stroll at Bayfront along the waters edge and enjoyed the acrobatic feats of the swifts that flew all around. I'm surprised we didn't get bird crap on us. And we stopped to watch the trains go by, as Kai appears to be mesmerized by it.

Brennan's 3rd Bday and later off to Pinole Beach

Kai and birthday boy Brennan play with the mega toy train table set up in the living room.

10 June 2007 Sunday
Brennan's 3rd Birthday in Crockett, CA.

While Brennan opens his gift from Kai, Kai is out on the patio test-driving Brennan's Volkswagon. Brennan talks real well and tells me (and shows me on his fingers) exactly how old he is! Smart boy!

"Pansy" Joel, who was very proud of his 6-foot lily. I call him a pansy, he calls me the "Cyber Troll". We have a well-balanced friendship, as you can see. He knew he was gonna be on the blog so he posed. Psst...he is really a model in disguise from the paparrazi's. I've got proof... hmmm?

G-Q Joel on his wedding day, which I took 3-years ago. Ok Marla, please do not salivate on my child's blog!
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Outdoor fun at the Pinole Shores, Pinole, CA.

We didn't stay very long at the birthday due to other commitments. We were to meet up with the Bienert's for some beach fun. Of course, we had to cross the railroad tracks first.


Kai looks one way, Greg the other for any trains. That's daddy Rolf in the background.
It's just a funny shot, of daddy's running across the railroad tracks.

This beach is just soooo peaceful! haha (ironic laughter)

Lukas throwing sand at daddy Rolf.

Kai and Lukas are into some mischief we are not sure what it's about yet.

Kai tackles Lukas this time.

Going home: Kai refuses to get in the stroller and chases after daddy instead.

Video: Kai and Lukas joking around.

The day just wasn't over yet. Kai and daddy Greg washed the cars while mommy stood around and ate a chocolate dipped banana from Trader Joe's.

Video: Kai washes the Volvo.