Favorite Places

Stace was off work from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day, which was fantastic. He kept busy, but we also got to spend some nice time together as a family. 

On Boxing Day, we took Violet to Vasquez Rocks, one of her happy places. We also go to talk to all of our family in England, gathered at Karen and Martin's home.

 

And on Saturday, after Stace helped at the tiny house, the three of us headed to Santa Barbara, just for the heck of it. First stop was coffee in Summerland, a new favorite after our mini vacation there in April.

We got tacos and then went to the marina for Japanese at another place we like. We ate, watched the water, and enjoyed the views of the lit boats.

We had ideas of playing fun, silly games together on Christmas, but it's always too full of eating and gifts. 

So, Mom and Dad came back over a couple of days later, and we had a snacky dinner and played games. One game involved a blindfold, a bag of gift bows, a bowl, a pair of tongs and a timer. The other involved putting all the bows on the coffee table, and working in teams to blow the bows across the table, into the bowls placed on the floor. It was fun and silly.

Fun, Full Weekend

Violet and I did some PE at Vasquez Rocks on Friday afternoon, at her request. It was a gorgeous day.

We stopped for coffee drinks at San Fernando Coffee Company on the way home. 

That night, I had dinner with Christina and we saw a mystery play at The Master's University.

On Saturday, Vi got some more PE credit, taking a long bike ride with Stace. While near the mall, they came upon this hawk by a bridge, chowing down on a squirrel. Nature in action.

Meanwhile, Cora went to a big drama competition at Calabasas High with more than 60 schools, and I was able to chaperone. She took part in a musical theatre scene. Here, she is resting during this big day, and rehearsing lines with Mackenzie, who plays the second Stage Manager in Our Town.

That evening after we got home, we adults went to Fright Fest with Colleen, Rigo, Lucas, and our friends Christina and Eric.

It's always good hanging out with Lorraine-Lurane.

On Sunday afternoon, we got together with the same friends at River's End Pub on the other side of the valley. The bbq here is so good! Stace and I shared this humongous rib and sides.

Stace and Rigo drove their classics.

I found a new bread recipe that worked really well with my fresh-milled flour. Success! 

Violet and Liana went to a fun youth event at her church while we were at River's End. 

A good week!

Black Friday hike

On Black Friday, Stace and I went out and got a few deals. He was excited about this one - two batteries for his rechargeable battery tools, plus a tool, for $199.

Later in the day, Stace and I took Violet to Vasquez Rocks, but Cora didn't want to go. We strongly urged her to get outside for some fresh air, so she sent this photo of herself on a little walk in our neighborhood. 

See! It didn't kill her!
 

Violet liked these beautiful leaves we came across. She has a great eye for natural beauty.

Vasquez was glorious. 

We even came across some Mandalorians! 

Many, many people were out taking family photos - and other photos - at these amazing rock formations. It's a popular spot for people taking their Christmas card photos. I don't know if the Star Wars couple was also posing for Christmas? Hmmm...

Boxing Day Fun

JT, Jim and the kids came up on Boxing Day and spent the night with us. We had a great weekend together!

We showed them our lovely canyon walk, all decorated for Christmas.

Everyone had fun using Cora's new VR headset. And Cora taught the kids how to play Dungeons and Dragons, and led them in a quest.

We feasted, with bubble and squeak and roast beef for dinner Saturday, and a fabulous English breakfast Sunday morning, courtesy of JT.

Later on Sunday, we went to Vasquez Rocks.

These lifelong friends are a blessing!
 

Doing What We Love

Violet has been painting a lot lately. She has plenty of artwork to hang when we redo her bedroom!

She entered the painting on the top left in the school art contest and won first place for her age group!

Much to my mom's relief, Magic Mountain figured out a way to put on Holiday in the Park. It's a literal drive-through event, with patrons driving a route all over Magic Mountain to see all the pretty lights, hear music and see costumed characters. 

Mom is sometimes Mrs. Claus, and sometimes a dancing elf. Magic had an employee family night Thursday before the event kicked off for the public, so we drove through with Grandpa, Mel, Nick and Ellie.

Pretty! Festive!

Over the weekend, the weather was gorgeous, and we went up to Vasquez Rocks.

Picnic on a rock.

Later Sunday, Stace and I sneaked out for a final meal out, as the news had come out that even OUTDOOR dining was to be banned soon. We went to a little Asian place, and enjoyed our parking lot dinner.
 

Weekend Fun

 After three months of not touching this adorable baby, we've made a conscious decision to no longer follow the government's idea of only associating with people who live in our household.

All the research we've seen reiterates that the coronavirus is dangerous for the elderly with preexisting conditions, and is most often very mild in the young and healthy. I'm not going to let my niece grow up right in front of me without holding her. So, when Melanie and Nick stopped by Friday, we washed our hands, and cuddled this 5-month-old!

Stace had driven his MG to work, so he put Ellie in the passenger seat - but he did NOT take her for a spin! I think she looks a little suspicious.

 And, in our continued progress toward getting back to normal, we had Kelly, Yass and Char over on Saturday night. Char brought his projector, and the kids watched Jumanji on the garage door.

It was so good to hang out, after so many months! And it was nice having our new furniture to enjoy

Kelly really enjoyed seeing Cora's art board and her story-boarding area for the novel she's writing.

On Sunday, Stace and Violet had a daddy-daughter lunch date at Vasquez Rocks.