Camping Joys

Early this week, I looked at the camping reservations web site for Carpinteria State Beach, and was surprised to see a cancellation for a beach front site.

Yes, please!

We didn't have plans that we couldn't skip out on, so I booked it.

And boy, was it worth it! We got ourselves ready Saturday morning, and took off after picking up Cora from karate.

We got the site set up, and the girls then took off for the sea. The waves weren't good like the prior week, but the sand was perfect.

We ate an easy dinner of hot dogs before heading up to take in the sunset.

This view never will get old.

We used what was left of the campfire for smores, and then took a nice nighttime walk around the campground.

We were all in bed before 9:30, falling asleep to the sound of the waves.

Our breakfast the next morning was in jeopardy when we found that the fire wouldn't stay lit and our air pump for the mattress, which doubles as a fire-accelerator, wouldn't work.

But all worked out, and we took our hot breakfast to the beach.

After packing up and checking out, we walked to the overlook where you can see the harbor seals. Those giant slugs are so cute!

It was a great overnight trip. I love these moments together.

Week in Review

Violet got her big back-to-school wish fulfilled this week, when she rode off with Cora to school.

She's been wanting to ride to school since that day last spring when I was sick and they had to ride together.

They rode together to school, and then Cora left her and moved on to the rest of her ride. Then, at the end of the day, Cora picked up Violet and they got home safely, in one piece and on two wheels. Four wheels.

Cora loves her school library, and checks out interesting reading material for her quiet moments at school. History is her favorite subject.

One day this week, Cora lost her electronics privileges. That afternoon, spent hours working on a new story she'd crafted in her head.

She pulled Violet in to draw some characters.

Clearly, we should ban video games and mindless YouTube watching more often.

Violet's class created their 3-D clay maps of California Friday, and for the first time, I got to help in her fourth grade class.

Later Friday, I took Violet and her friend Victoria to their school's movie night. They watched Secret Life of Pets 2.

Weekend Fun

Stace and I helped our friend Dinorah celebrate her birthday Saturday, as she hosted a lovely brunch.

The ladies - Mary, Jen, Dinorah, me, Dinorah's sister and Sue.

Stace tried his first Bloody Mary, and I had a try of his. Definitely an acquired taste!

It was a nice "date" morning.

We then went over to Cora's karate Dojo to see her awarded her yellow belt! We're so proud of her.

On Sunday, we went to gorgeous, amazing Rincon beach in Carpinteria again. It was the final game of the regular season, so I brought my trusty mini radio to catch the play by play.

We wanted to come to Rincon because we knew we could take both the boogie boards and the surfboard; surfing isn't allowed at every beach.

And, she's up!

And she's up, and celebrating!

Just kidding... she's about to fall backwards! But I love the photo nonetheless.

And, this might be when her fall coincided with the fins hitting her in the head, ending her surfing for the day.

Stace was happy to get some riding time in, too. He's still got it!

Another Disney Day

Cora's school had a half-day on Thursday, so we took Violet out of school a little early and headed to Disneyland. We met up there with our friends, and Grandma came along for the fun.

We finally got to see the new Star Wars Land! It was pretty cool. You definitely feel like you're in one of the movies.

Here's the outside of the main ride (the only ride that's open at the moment - one more attraction is still under construction).

The girls rode with our friends, and here they all are, waiting for their turn to pilot the Millennium Falcon. Cora's holding her ticket that gave her access to one of two pilot's seats. Violet got to be other pilot.

Mom and I rode together - she was a gunner, I was a lowly engineer (with apologies to Stace, not all engineers are lowly - but on this ride, you don't do much from the engineer's seat). 

Violet rode again, and got to be a gunner - thanks, Sue, for the photo!

Here's the bazaar area, featuring eateries and gift shops. As with anything Disney, the attention to detail is remarkable.

Um, you might need to take off your glasses first!

We then walked through the other side of the land, and came across Chewbacca, working on the Millennium Falcon. He seemed like he needed some help, so my mom offered him her nail file.

Chewie took a liking to Mom, and led her away. It then became clear that he was trying to communicate with her - I figured out his code - and we all realized that the actor inside is a friend of Mom's from Fright Fest. He also works for Disneyland during the week.

Pretty cool!

One last hug before we said farewell to Star Wars Land.

We then went on Splash Mountain - well, the kids and I did! The other moms waited, safe and dry. We in the back did fine, but Sophia, Trent and Ryan were pretty darn wet when we exited.

I love how Cora, Jack and I have the same expression! Sad that we can't see Vi - she's right next to me, behind Jack.

We then had dinner, rode Thunder Mountain and a couple of other rides, and saw the Main Street Electrical Parade before getting on the road.

The girls did have school Friday, so we tried to get home at a decent hour. Decent, meaning before 11. Uggh! But, just one school day to go before the weekend!

Tidbits

Stace and I got together for lunch in the week; we're going to try to do this more often, since we can.

Cora's friend Violet came over Friday afternoon to play, and the girls had a great time together. Now that they're in junior high, it seems even more special to have friends like Vi and Vivian, who Cora's known since kindergarten.

Our Violet has started tennis classes again. She last took tennis a few years ago, and enjoyed it, but gave it up after one session. We were all happy she wanted to give it another shot.

 Cora has been good about not using Violet as a karate punching bag... But Cora and Violet had a fabulous time playing with swords on Sunday.

They played for so long, and didn't end up in tears or anger! Winning.

Weekend Waves and Water Fun

We made a trip to Ventura on Saturday after karate, to meet up with our friends Rob, Michelle, and Brooke.

We brought bikes instead of swimsuits, but it's always great to get your feet wet.

Cora wanted to show our friends the take-downs she's learning in karate. Lucky girl has her dad to help out.

We got the bikes out and rode to the pier, where we had Beach Tacos for dinner. Then we played near the pier until it started to get late.

This was one of about a dozen attempts to get a selfie with all of us!

Violet's bike got a flat, so on the way back, she rode Brooke's bike with Rob and Stace, while we other ladies walked back.

Brooke and Cora both started middle school in recent weeks, and they're both tree climbers.

We enjoyed frozen yogurt together before heading home for the night. It's always great spending time with these guys!

We went up to the pool Sunday evening, where we heard those words you never expect to hear from your children: "Why can't you be a normal horse?!?"

Lots of laughter.

We've had a lot of emotion the last few weeks, but there are the bright spots of laughter and love interspersed.

Good times. Supporting each other. Literally and emotionally.

Love these three so much!