I drove out to Stinson Beach on a rainy afternoon in December. When I arrived, the house was quiet. I made myself at home with a cup of coffee, listening to the rain on the windows, and watching the beachgrass sway in the wind. It was so wonderful spending time with such an affectionate, easygoing family. They love the ocean and boogie-boarding as much as I do, and had just bought Manon her first wetsuit. Everything about the energy of this day felt right.