Last night was one of those nights I’d like to freeze and preserve. After dinner, instead of running back to the library, we had a few hours to spend together as a family. We chose to drive down to Point Dume, wander a few trails, and check out the view.

It was warmer than normal in Malibu yesterday, which kept us from dressing properly for our little hike to the top of Point Dume. It was downright chilly down (up?) there! Nonetheless, we walked to the top of this mini-mountain and were treated to one of the most amazing views on the planet. We saw tidepools swirling in the surf below. We saw dolphins playing together. And we watched the sun set on the Pacific Ocean.

We read that Point Dume is THE place to go see whales migrating between February and April, and you can guarantee that we’ll be there for that rare sight. In fact, Jody said we ought to make the trek down and wander the mountain trails every week!

When we returned to our apartment, Hillary wanted to throw a football around with me. She had been telling us that she had learned how to throw a spiral at P.E. class and wanted to show off her newfound talent, so we went out into the courtyard and played catch for a good long time. She’s really good!!! Malibu High has a Powderpuff team, and once they check out the arm on this girl, she just might be their future quarterback!!!

More than anything, though, playing catch with her brought back a flood of memories of doing the same thing with my dad at her age. In addition to hiking Point Dume, I want to spend many more evenings playing catch with my daughter.

Then we had a fire drill, which was interesting.

Then I went back to the library for another three hours of study.

But Thursday night was so good that even Fridays are a bit of a letdown.