Years ago I started what our family called, the “9-year-old trip”. The idea was to immerse our grandchildren in the favorite places, family, and history of my side of the family in the San Francisco Bay Area. When my Mom was alive she was a big part of the equation as well. We took four grandsons on this adventure over the years. Our daughter Stacy said,…“Dad, the twins are still 8 but why don’t you take them on their ‘9-year-old trip’ a little early?” Marla and I gave it some thought and came up with an itinerary. When I told Stacy about the plan she said, “I’ll come and bring our two boys as well.”

We already had an insanely busy summer with trips to Dallas, Lake Tahoe, and 3 weeks in France! In retrospect we crammed way too much into the summer! That being said, the seven of us still had a splendid trip… until Marla had to be rushed to the hospital with severe chest pains and difficulty breathing. That is a story for later. The photo above is at Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point.

Everyone was famished so we stopped for lunch at the “Joinery” in Sausalito on our way to Bodega Bay.

With seven people I needed a house large enough for everyone. I found a nice place with a view of the sea on VRBO in Sereno de Mar, about 5 miles north of Bodega Bay in Sonoma County.

The Girls were excited to check out the beach near the house.

Warning signs for Marla were apparent for months as she was feeling weaker and definitely slowing down!

“Check out the Girls!”

There is something very special about being next to the sea! The air was incredibly refreshing! Summer weather on the Sonoma Coast can often be 40 degrees cooler than inland just an hour and a half away.

“The water is soooo cold!”

I can still hear the happy squeals of delight from the twins!

Stacy is our official lifeguard. She was an All-American swimmer in high school!

Vaughan and Owen looking very happy with their first day at the beach!

I’m feeling pretty stoked myself. There is something about the negative ions of waves crashing on the beach, noisy shorebirds, and a sunny day to put a super smile on my face!

Marla and I relax before breakfast on the deck after breakfast.

Our “dream team” having family fun.

I brought my favorite sourdough bread from Acme Bakery as well as great raviolis from Genova Delicatessen in Walnut Creek.

You can tell I’m having fun with the family!

We drove up to Guerneville, a 35 minute drive north. We found this cute little place for lunch with seating next to the Russian River, The Farmhand restaurant.

I’m with my beautiful lady. The river is full of Ludwigia, or Water Primrose, an invasive Species!

Time for a group shot!

For some reason the Highland Dell Hotel behind us on the river looked….haunted!

With my guys at Shell Beach.

Our intrepid adventurers!

Owen heads down the path toward the beach.

The Girls just loved exploring the beach!

Marla was able to get down to the beach with everyone!

V & K having a ball!

Marla is such a trooper and when she wants to do something…she does her best to DO IT!

Because of COVID, The Tides Wharf and Restaurant, was closed unless you were staying with them. My top negotiator, Stacy, helped us get get in line for two tables.

A old fishing boat passes by our window.

Owen is having my Mom’s favorite dish,….Dungeness cracked crab!

Stacy takes a shot of the sunset after a wonderful day.

Next week I’ll continue our story of our fun adventure with the kids and trauma due to health issues.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.