Shumway Reunion Part 2: monterey dunes

After the 4th of July parade we made our way down to Monterey Dunes.  We’ve been coming here for reunions for quite a few years now, starting when Hazel was in my belly.  It’s so great to go back to a familiar place, packed already with memories, ready for more. I remember Charlie years ago, peter’s age, on this same board walk.  Man, he’s grown.  And boy do I miss that long shaggy hair sometimes.

 

And here’s Peter on the same walk, same age. There’s so much beauty to behold,  places to sit and relax:a cold ocean to be crazy and jump in (it was only 60 degrees out….these kids are nutty brave):  I took a swim too….just have to document that little fact….I always wanted to be a mom who would get her hair wet.  And I am (about 5% of the time).Luckily there was a hot tub to run to when you’d turned blue. Charlie tried his first artichoke.  I think he’s hooked. 

We took a little trip down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Oh, I love that place.  Especially the jellies and the open sea exhibit.  Look that that sun fish, twice the size of Peter (who was a little terrified).  Oh, the beauty under that big ocean.  I think my favorite part of our stay there was listening to these guys play the guitar and sing Shumway songs.  There’s such a long tradition in the Shumway family of music and singing and I was happy to expose my kids to more of it.   The music was accompanied by some great Shumway stories told my grandma and grandpa.  I’m pretty sure it’s something none of us will forget.    The sun came out the last night there, just in time for us to see a golden sunset.  Love that glistening light.  ^^These lovely ladies are all the Shumway #1’s.   And these strapping young fellows are the #2’s (note that they couldn’t get themselves together to take a picture at the beach like the rest of the groups….they’ve got things to do, places to be those #2’s)^^ and here are the #3’s and finally the #4’s ^^

A lot has happened over the years!  We’ve evolved from this:

To this:

We already can’t wait for next time!  Thanks G and G Shumway!