Point Mugu Hike

March 24th, 2009

We knew it would be a difficult hike. About five miles long in some rough terrain, and we were right. It was a beautiful, amazing, and difficult hike (with little ones, for sure) ! We were joined by Ruth (this hike was her wonderful idea!), Darrell, Nick, Alina, and their daughter. The day was overcast but warm, and we all got some sun. We want to go back and actually hike up Point Mugu Peak next time!

Chumash Trail head After hiking for only a few minutes, the view was already amazing, even with the fog! Darrell up ahead with the older kids who were RUNNING up that steep incline! Taking in the view Ian got to ride all day! See how steep it was? And Raven kept trying to go back and forth from the front of the line to the back. comin’ up goin’ up We made it to the top! summit See that reward! I love this series. Daddy looking back from where we came… Ian’s following Daddy and they look together. You think they’d be beat after that climb, but no, they wanted to explore while we rested! Thank you Ruth for taking them! munchin’ an apple silly boy Seth is being chased by girls already! Of course he doesn’t mind in the least! Nick and Alina ugh. stagnant water where monstrous mosquitos bred, and the dog enjoyed a dip. roots and a dirt wall for climbing? the tree is better climbing! eew. that tank was nasty. scary rusted, jagged metal. Of course I lagged behind snapping photos of flowers. and to wait up for Seth. On to find a picnic spot! Rest! Seth at lunch Ian looking for flowers Hi precious! Jerome gathering sticks of dead mustard plant. a game of throwing sticks :-) On the trail again Seth seemed revived… but held things up a bit. That’s better. :-) in my mind, I could see the ridges and peaks as if there were no clouds at all. the boys left the trail to cut a corner and join Darrell! happy boys :-) Seth was helped immensly by Raven’s tug. beautiful California grassland! Ian woke up very animated after his nap on Daddy’s back. He was pointing and talking and just being cute. He walked this way for a long time. At the top, right before our last descent back to the cars. Thanks for the picture, Ruth! We love you! And you have great ideas for hikes! going down After I caught up with Seth we slid together down the rest of the way to the parking lot. part of the face of Mugu Peak

Peter mapped our hike on USA Track and Field. According to that, it was
almost 6 miles.  He put water marks where we stopped for a snack and lunch:

http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=280336

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Kite Joys

March 22nd, 2009

Last week Uncle David brought two kites for the boys that had been left at a park where he works. Oh, the joy of flying a kite! It was a perfectly blustery day and we had a little daylight left after nap time so we hopped over the wall to the park.

Thank you for thinking of the boys, David!

I love the running boy, the sun flare, and the rotation of the shot (which happened accidently). Unfurling the kites! Ian running to catch up Peter getting the kite in the air for Jerome while giving instructions. Ian stopped to watch the kites and never went any closer. Jerome’s kite went really high! Look at that JOY! learning to go against the wind Seth’s turn with the bigger kite. It stayed in the air easier than the smaller one. He got his kite going pretty well, too. Seth would run every which way not really caring about the direction of the wind. and making airplane noises? :-) Ian wanted to go swing! and he wanted to sit backwards so he could watch the kites! then Seth joined us! my arms got a workout pushing them together. our view from the swings Everyone at the park enjoyed watching the kites fly. Ian decided not to go down the big slide. This one was more his size. He went down it several times squealing as he climbed up the stairs for another slide! I noticed Jerome following directly under the kite… walking in crazy circles, waving, and maybe hoping to catch it? Totally oblivious to anything but that kite. Until I called his name. :-) loved the light on this one, and how you can see the kite string. Time for a roll down the hill! Ian didn’t try it, but he walked with them. I remember trying to roll straight down a hill when I was little and being frustrated that my body always went sideways. (Ofcourse, I can’t float, either. :-) ) Ian tries so hard to communicate without words. And does pretty well, too! One last flight before going home. Almost home, Seth is picking dandylions for Mommy. :-) (Yes, I let him go out in his Power Rangers suit, he thought he was Iron Man.) He looks so small and alone, but in reality, he just had a hard time ending the fun. :-)

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Spring Equinox

March 20th, 2009

Our yard is surrounded by three orange trees in blossom and with the slightest breeze smells of heaven come wafting through the open doors and windows. The birds are singing all day long, and crickets and frogs take up the notes at night.

I love Spring!

A LIGHT exists in spring
Not present on the year
At any other period.
When March is scarcely here
 
A color stands abroad        
On solitary hills
That silence cannot overtake,
But human nature feels.
 
It waits upon the lawn;
It shows the furthest tree        
Upon the furthest slope we know;
It almost speaks to me.
 
Then, as horizons step,
Or noons report away,
Without the formula of sound,        
It passes, and we stay:
 
A quality of loss
Affecting our content,
As trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a sacrament.~Emily Dickinson

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Rebekah, Six Months

March 16th, 2009

Noel and Rebekah came over for an afternoon of pictures  last week. We shared lunch together, watched the boys play outside, Rebekah napped while we picked oranges and then we had a little photoshoot with a happy baby!

Spending time with these two reminded me of something I copied into Ian’s baby book.

“Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother’s heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, her lifelong prayers.” ~Elizabeth Prentiss

Here are my favorite shots from our afternoon together:

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AWANA Grand Prix 2009

March 14th, 2009

Today at the Grand Prix race Jerome told Jane that he’s been looking forward to this day so much and that he had a lot of fun! Peter and Jerome put a lot of hard and careful work into his car and had some great times together.

Waiting for the races to begin. Jerome’s car is up for his first run… And there it goes! (On the red track) So fun! I think this is his face he makes when he’s trying to swallow a huge smile. :-) And he won first place for design in his group! (Same award as last year, actually) I’m glad you had fun, baby!

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