More Waterfall Hikes!

Besides the Placerita Waterfall Trail, way back in Whitney Canyon is a set of waterfalls when we get a lot of rain. Colleen was up for a Saturday adventure, so she and I met up for a hike to check it out.

Whereas Placerita has one big rushing fall, this hike has a set of smaller waterfalls that get progressively harder to get to as you proceed deeper into the canyon.

 

It took some scrambling on rock to get the last one we could access.

I was proud of us! Moms getting it done.

Leap!

Even without water, this is a lovely, idyllic setting.

But water in the riverbed makes it perfect.

Local Beauty

All the rain has made for some beautiful scenery. 

Violet and I went to Placerita Canyon to tackle the Waterfall Trail. 

It didn't disappoint.

Whoops!

So much water! 

We were thankful we'd worn our rainboots, as we didn't have to negotiate the crossings but just charged right through.

A few days later, we went to check out Quigley Canyon with Stace. Not nearly as much water, but then, we've never actually seen water there at all, so to see any was fun.

Love the green hills! 

And our defiant non-smiler.
 

Double rainbow! 

Tidbits

More cat silliness.

If I fits, I sits.

Sadly, bigger brother ended up jumping from this table, sliding the puzzle off. We ended up giving up. Maybe this summer we'll get it out again.

Violet was happy to see Liana again, and they cooked up a storm. I've taken Vi to Asian markets lately, and she and Liana were able to make rice balls, with seaweed wrappers and teriyaki chicken. She made the chicken from raw, frozen meat - I was impressed with my 12-year-old.

They then made their own boba, from scratch!
 

Ellie's Birthday Party

Stace and Violet got home just in time for Ellie's 3rd birthday party on Saturday. This was her first "real" party with lots of friends and family, even Nick's mom and stepdad, who came in from out of state.
 

Ellie loves the Australian children's show Bluey, and enjoyed her Bluey-themed party. Thankfully, the rain we've been having held off for the day of the soiree, which was at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Here, Eloise is opening her gift from Cora - a hand-painted Bluey from her 3D printer!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Cora has truly developed a talent here!

L.A. Hike

Back in California, our time without Stace and Violet passed by, and on Friday, while they were on an airplane, I met up with JT, Callie and Jonah for a hike.

We tried out a county park in the middle of the city, with plenty of open space for bird watching and great views of the snowy San Gabriel Mountains.

From the other end, we could spot the downtown L.A. skyline.

Hard to see in this photo, but to the left is downtown, and on the horizon on the right, Century City/West L.A.

After our walk, we went to a Chinese dumpling restaurant, where I was treated for my birthday. Thanks, friend!
 

England Wrap-Up

For most of the time during our stay back home, the weather was overcast and rainy, but we did have a couple of  beautiful crisp days with clear skies.

During this trip, I paid a visit to Keith and Shirley Partridge. It was lovely catching up with them after nine years. This photo was taken by their grandson Aiden, Gareth's son. I hadn't seen him since he was a baby.

On our last night we all went out for dinner in Yeovil, at the Hungry Horse.  After we ate, Livi and I played a fun card game as we all sat around chatting.

Dean, yet again, proving that every village has one...

Over the Christmas holiday I started this puzzle but didn't have enough time to finish. It was a real stinker.  It's a lovely village scene, with a cottage, vintage car, motorbike and church in the background. Mum and Dad kept working on it after Vi and left to fly back to Santa Clarita.

Lisa's Birthday

Our hills have greened up so nicely with all the rain we've had lately!

On my birthday, I took a drizzly walk with Colleen through Mentryville, while Cora did an aerial/silks lesson with Cheryl.

Later, while Cora was at the dentist, I stopped by Havana Savanna Coffee for a birthday treat and saw this cute shirt. I'd have bought it for myself if it came in my size!

Cora recently got her braces off, and after her dentist appointment for some cleanup work, she's looking great!

We then met my parents for dinner at Wolf Creek - forgot to get a photo - before stopping by Walmart for some necessities, and treats... birthday ice creams...

...and adult beverages! Cheers to 44 years.

We then returned home for more Murdoch and puzzle time. 
 

New Year's Day

After our New Year's Eve celebrations, we woke up late and after some time, Dean, Jenny, Euan and Livi came over for a lovely roast lunch that Mum had spent the morning preparing. 

In the late afternoon, we headed over to Kingsbury Village Hall and took part in the first ever Lantern Walk around the village. A couple of local girls had made large lanterns out of withies and paper and were selling them for  5 pounds each. 

We bought one each for Livi and Violet, and we then set off in the drizzle for a walk around the village, through the churchyard, and back to the Hall.

Back inside to dry, we enjoyed a hot mulled cider and apple juices from Burrow Hill Cider Farm.

Meanwhile, in SClarita, Lis and Cora did not do a lot, but Lis did entice Cora to take a New Year's walk to Starbucks, through the canyon.