Page 26 - Greet HWY 68 Loop Magazine September 2025

The couple also have two golden retrievers, Solomon (10) of his father has taken on making the family stained glass
and Taveuni (4). “We always name our goldens after the islands ornaments each Christmas.” THE GREAT WIDE WORLD
where we’ve gone diving,” Michael explains. “Michael’s commitment to underwater photography “ O UR HOME IS VER Y “If you were to interview our children they would say “any
started when I was teaching marine biology and realized that E CLE C TIC , FR OM art museum is a full day of pure joy for our parents!” Through
FAVORITES it was very hard for my students who had never had access NU S A NU S A ’ S T O the years we have made a commitment to collecting local art
“Together we love to cook and always try to take cooking to the ocean to visualize the underwater world. Every year I from our trips. Our home is very eclectic, from Nusa Nusa’s
lessons at every travel destination! Our favorites are made a list of animals and interactions that I needed in order DIDGERIDOO S. O UR to didgeridoos. Our collection reflects our eclectic travels and
Italy, France, and Indonesia. Our friends who grew up in to enhance my lectures. I am forever grateful for Michael’s C OLLE C TION REFLE C T S life,” the couple laughs.
Taiwan taught us how to make different dumplings using commitment to the pursuit of excellence in underwater “We love France and Italy for the shared cultural history
the traditional method! Our family’s favorite dinner is my photography!” Kayleen proudly enthuses. O UR E CLE C TIC and food, our true love are the places that showcase the best
grandmother’s Texas Chicken and Dumplings; Michael learned “Kayleen loves to sew, make quilts and collect fabrics TR A VEL S AND LIFE.” of the underwater world! We have made 100’s of dives in the
the recipe from my Aunt Polly, and then taught it to our son during our travels. She has been involved in a project that Monterey Bay but with age we have gravitated to warmer
Alexander, who now makes it for his family. The broth is makes quilts for rescued victims of human trafficking. These water! We have sought out the most remote places in order to
homemade, and the dumplings are hand rolled out. It is worth quilts hopefully bring comfort to those who have been in see the ocean at its best: Lembeh Straits/Indonesia, Solomon
every bit of the effort!” Kayleen states. horrific situations. Kayleen was raised believing that ‘those “We love bike riding, especially during the week when Islands, Fiji. Our sons were certified at 10 and 12 and have
“Michael does woodworking, and stain glass work. He has who sleep under a quilt, sleep under a blanket of love.’ She the rec trail is quiet!” Kayleen laughs. “Michael started skiing been diving with us for years. We feel extremely grateful
made several pieces of furniture for us, and since the passing hopes her quilts convey that love,” Michael proudly explains. when he was in junior high. Having grown up in Hawaii, the to live here because of the ability to travel and dive with
idea that you would drive to where it was cold was nuts to our sons and for the ease of spending the winter skiing and
me. Michael was committed to teaching our sons to ski. When snowboarding at Lake Tahoe.
they were old enough to ski, snowboarding was the rage, so Congratulations Michael and Kayleen on retirement!
Michael took up snowboarding and the three of them spent Keep an eye out for these adventurous folks around the
years snowboarding together.” Kayleen reminisces. “I was neighborhood… or underwater!
happy to be in charge of breakfast and the cheese plates at the
end of the day! If I had any advice for young couples it would Let’s meet the great families in our community! If you want to nominate a terrific family to be
featured in the magazine, contact us! Email Laurie.Martin@n2co.com or phone 272-4620.
be “embrace your partners passions” I spent years embracing
the severe winters of Lake Tahoe, but Michael has spent years
being an enthusiastic quilt show participant!”

TRADITION
Last year we hosted our two oldest grandsons for a week of
“Gramma and Papa Camp!” We are doing it again this year, and
hope it’ll become “Cousin Camp!”
Over the years we have hosted Thanksgiving for
immediate/extended family and friends. One year we had 35
people, 7 dogs, and a cat! One of the most fun Thanksgivings
was “throwback” Thanksgiving. I added some 1960 favorites –
like a pineapple green Jello salad!”
“Both of us love Christmas and all the decorations that go
with it! Years ago, Michael started buying me Nativity Scenes
when we were traveling. We also set up an outside manger
every year that was designed by my father, with the Nativity
figures that they gave us. We have 28 nativity scenes. My
favorite is the one from Puerto Rica because it is the Three
Kings. The Three Kings are very important in Puerto Rico.”

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Kayleen is a volunteer guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
She continues to make quilts for victims of human
trafficking, always hoping with each one that another one
will not be needed.
Michael was involved for years with Boy Scout Troop 93.
Michael is an Eagle Scout as are both of their sons. Alexander
and his friend Alex started the water polo team at Palma, so
Michael coached them in the beginning. Michael was also a
volunteer National Ski Patroller at NorthStar for ten years.

26 September 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 27