Days Two & Three with Gramma & Grampa

Since we had not completely worn ourselves out with our day in the city on Friday, we kept on truckin' through a very busy weekend. Saturday morning we went to gymnastics as usual, but this time B was putting on a much bigger performance since her grandparents were there to watch. After class, we headed to the aquarium in Monterey. They have completed their much anticipated "Secret Lives of Seahorses" exhibit since we were there last, its very impressive. Once we got our fill of sea creatures, we walked along Cannery Row and then headed up the coast for pizza in Santa Cruz (because the best pizza is really at Woodstock Pizza). In Santa Cruz we saw a man with a sign asking for a burrito ("I dream of a burrito"), so J and B introduced themselves and took him to a taco place and bought him a burrito of his choice. Turns out he was heading to Eugene to visit his daughter, and J chatted with him a bit about having lived in Eugene. The man was so grateful for the meal, and for the kindness. It was a really good opportunity to teach B a lesson in compassion and empathy. We each talked to her about how the man was hungry and that he didn't have any food so we gave him some. It seemed very simple to her, and not at all out of the ordinary. After all, we give her food whenever she's hungry and doesn't have any. It was a reminder to us that we really have to live the life lessons we want her to learn. Its not enough to tell her that the man begging in the streets is a person, the same as us, and that he deserves out compassion as we would want compassion if we were in his place. We have to show her what it means to treat that man with respect and compassion.

Sunday, we went about our normal activities to give Gramma & Grampa the real Four Fischies experience. That means the library, the grocery store and the park. It was really a delightful day and a delightful visit over all. Many thanks to them for making the trip and for spoiling all of us while they were here.