Big Sur

I needed a mom break. So I went back to Big Sur - all by myself. I stayed in a little camper on someone's vast private property just a half mile off Highway 1. There was no TV and there's mostly no cell reception in Big Sur. The shower was outdoors. I had such a quiet, relaxing, and rejuvenating two days.

 I spent a few hours at the creek on the property. It was a short hike down and the water was flowing so well - a wonderful thing to see after such a harsh drought. 

Due to some landslides on Highway 1, provided by the rain, the road was closed through Big Sur. This gave me a unique opportunity to hike on it with only an occasional car or work truck driving by. What a wonderful experience. I feel reset.

Two awards!

The girl earned two awards at school - one of which was in January for being a Complex Thinker. Such a perfect award for her. She is always pondering on all kinds of things. She is often in her own world while she explores an idea. The second award was the very next month. It was the Citizenship Award. Her classmates voted on this. It is given to a student who is routinely kind and responsible (and some other things). She had been working so hard toward getting this award. I was so proud!

Staycation

On our winter break, we decided to explore a little of California. We spent a half day in Big Sur, which was wonderful. We "hiked" to McWay Falls and then sat on giant log bridges on the Canyon Trail ant Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park. The second day we played around the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.

Finally, we ended our trip with a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. No matter how many times we go there, it never disappoints.

Christmas 2016

 Christmas fell on Sunday this year. So it was fun to get pictures in their church clothes.

Slightly less fun was that I had to speak to a combined three congregation. But it worked out just fine.

We spent this Christmas at home. It was so mellow and low key. We had wonderful breakfasts and dinners and, for the first time, a real tree that we bought way too early. It looked pretty sad by Christmas Day.

So enjoyed spending time with my husband and kids.

Another Math Award

This boy is destined to be a mathematician or engineer of some sort. So proud of him.

Madonna Mountain

Another peak conquered. This time, with the class bat (stuffed, not real). These kids are awesome!

Christmas Parade

We endured the unbearably frigid San Luis Obispo temperature for the Christmas parade with friends.

 This is one of those things you just have to do as a kid.

Thanksgiving

 We decided to spend Thanksgiving Day this year at the happiest place on earth. Or at least right next door to it at California Adventure. 

What a brilliant idea. Short lines. Turkey dinners provided at just about every restaurant there. No dishes for me to clean. We had such a great time!

Amos Lee

Had a really great girl's day trip with my dear friend Melissa.

 It began with a trip to the Oakland temple.

And ended with a fantastic Amos Lee concert and a very late night drive home. Such good fun.

Sunsets

Now that we are FINALLY getting rain, we are also getting clouds. And clouds make for beautiful sunsets. So I've been forcing my kids to come and appreciate them with me.

Surfing....Sort Of

I learned to surf. I took six lessons from an instructor. He said that was a few more than most people take.

It was MUCH more difficult than I thought it would be. But incredibly fun somehow. Looking forward to this new hobby!

Ag Day!

The Boy had a field trip to an agricultural festival. He learned about raising chickens and milking cows and he got to sit inside the wheel of a giant tractor with his buddies. 

Be Still, My Soul

My son reached over and held my hand during church. When I looked down the pew I saw this. Minus The Man being on his phone during sacrament, it was so sweet I had to get my phone out and snap a picture. Love these kids!

Paintball

We were invited to go paintballing for our friend's, John, 40th birthday. Tons of fun and bruises that will last a good, long while!

When Good Friends Leave

I hate when good friends leave us.

We had a little sending off party for our friends, Lacie and Scott. They were a fun part of our group and they'll be missed.

First tooth!

Pulled it out all by herself!

Chalk Festival

Another great chalk festival at Los Ranchos Elementary!

We had our second Lip Sync Battle party. Unfortunately, I had to do it without The Man. I quite happily performed "Tacky" by Weird Al in this lovely get-up.

 Our friends, the Harris' were kind enough to offer up their barn as the venue - a far better choice than our backyard.

 Some crazy things went down. There was a little Chris Cross, a little N'Sync, some Selena Gomez, and a whole lot of fun!

Hawaii

We took the kids to Hawaii! We stayed the first four days at the Disney Aulani resort and had such a great time hanging with cousins.

 Learning to play the ukulele.

Meeting the characters around the pool.

Snorkeling and swimming.

Driving to the North Shore purely to get this amazing shaved ice.

The second four days we rented a house in Waimenalo. 

And we visited Waikiki beach.

We did a couple of hikes.

And generally enjoyed the amazing scenery and sunsets that Hawaii offers. 

What an incredible trip!