Boxing Day Fun

 Stace and I drove out to see JT, Jim and the kids for Boxing Day. We went to Costco together, had dinner and then went to their local brewery. 

We spent the night, and woke up to this gorgeous view of the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains.

JT found that the road to Mount Baldy had reopened after the recent storms, so we decided to drive up there to get brunch at the Lodge.

We enjoyed breakfast here, and a walk around in the fresh mountain air. It was a shame Violet hadn't come with us, as she would have loved it. (Friday was rainy, and we didn't know that we'd be able to make the trip up the mountain.) 

We then went back to downtown Claremont, and got ice cream and looked at an amazing music store. Vi would have loved this, too!

When we got back home, we hosted the family to play games. It was a nice day!

Holiday Fun

 It's that time of year for fun Christmas activities. With the girls growing up, there aren't nearly as many things for us to do as when they were younger. 

But, Stace and I had fun Thursday night at the Magic Mountain Holiday In the Park Employee Night, which is something of a tradition for us now.

We didn't officially see my mom as Mrs. Claus, as she was walking out on her break, but we said hello.

We enjoyed the tamale dinner and chips, the cookies and cocoa, and the lights and characters.

The park has done an admirable job with the decor.

And, we got to ride a couple of rides. Fun night!

On Friday night, I went to Sue's house for our annual Christmas gathering. 

This year, instead of making a craft, we took part in a Favorite Things Party. Everyone brought three of the same item that is a "favorite" of ours. Then we drew names to see which lady would go home with one. So, we all went home with three items. 

I brought Honu coffee syrup and a battery whisk; I went home with various hair care items, body butter and a mascara.

Labor Day Weekend

This week, Stace and I went to Back to School Night at the girls' schools - our last for Cora! Thankfully, the timing worked out for us to make it to both schools and meet their teachers. Didn't think to take a photo, though.

On Saturday, Stace helped at the Tiny House, and in the afternoon, we went to Ventura to cool off. Cora wasn't enthusiastic about joining us, but frozen yogurt from Surf 'N Yogurt on the way home helped ease the pain.

We found this tiny beach umbrella while Stace was cleaning out the garage; we brought it, not knowing how tiny it was. We got a good laugh out of it! And, it was still helpful, a bit!

My parents came over Sunday evening and brought dinner, and we went to the pool. Cora wasn't able to be with us, as she had a prior scheduled D&D game. Forgot to get a photo again!

Then, on Monday, we celebrated Labor Day by joining Colleen and Rigo on a bike ride in Ventura. We parked at Marina Park, where we'd gone Saturday, and rode to lunch, along the waterfront, and into the town.

We even caught a gorgeous sunset! 

Just kidding... this was a selfie spot along Main Street at an art gallery. We had to be home before sunset because we had to pick up Cora after D&D!

Afternoon coffee with great company, in perfect weather.

July Fourth Weekend

 After a few temperate July Fourths, this one was a hot one, and it already felt hot when we got on our bikes to ride to the parade route. Thankfully, we found my parents and Ellie, who had a shady spot. 

Still, little Eloise was feeling too hot and bothered to smile for a photo.

Stace and I rode home (the girls hadn't come with us) and we went to the neighborhood Independence Day BBQ. I felt bad for the volunteer HOA board members manning the grills, but the food was good!

Later, after we rested and tried to cool down, we had the family over, and my friend Kelly. Mel brought chicken thighs, which Stace grilled. 

In the evening, my parents and Mel, Nick and Ellie went to see the fireworks at the mall. 

Cora didn't want to see fireworks at all, and Violet wanted to find a quieter, less crowded spot. So she, Stace, Kelly and I went to the Ironhorse Bridge trailhead, and it was a perfect location. 

We stood on the bridge and watched the Magic Mountain show to the west, and then, as we walked to the car, the city show to the southeast. We weren't alone, either, as there were groups here who had clearly set up hours earlier. Perhaps we've found a new tradition.

On Friday, we decided to flee the heat and meet up with friends in Ventura.

Rigo had left before 7 a.m. to snag a beachfront spot for their trailer, and he managed to park in such a way to save us a spot, too. 

Our friends Lynnette and James were visiting from out of state, so it was great to see them again and see their girls. 

On Saturday afternoon, we went to Colleen and Rigo's, and we all hung out again.

We brought a nectarine crisp to Colleen's house, cooked in the barbecue to save heating up the house. We also made the same dessert for July Fourth. Our nectarine trees are overflowing! And with the heat, they're ripening too fast.

Nectarines on nut butter on toast - with homegrown fruit, home ground nut butter (almond and peanut) and home-baked bread. I just need some chickens and a couple of goats! (Alas, the HOA won't go for it...)

Memorial Day Weekend

 

We had our three-day Memorial Day weekend, and Stace and Violet made it out on a beautiful Saturday for a bike ride. 

Melanie, Nick and Ellie came over Sunday, so Mel could cook Stace a lovely steak dinner for a (much belated) birthday gift.

Ellie had fun picking blueberries with Violet.

Stace and I had prior plans to see The Play That Goes Wrong at the Canyon Theatre Guild with my friend Christina. When we came home, Mel had this fantastic dinner basically on the table. It was so yummy!

Stace got quite a bit of gardening done over the weekend. Seb was helpful.

On Monday, Stace and I left early to help Jim and JT get ready to move into their new house. Stace helped with some electrical work in the garage.

I helped clean. It was great to be useful, and also great to catch up. We hadn't seen them since Christmas!

We are so pleased for them!

Jonah took part in a Memorial Day ceremony with his scout troop. 

NYE 2022

Back in California, Cora and I did a lot of relaxing while Stace and Violet were gone. We worked on a puzzle, watched Murdoch Mysteries, and she bought all the accessories needed to get her 3D mini figure printer operating.

On New Year's Eve, Uncle Nick came over so we could introduce her to one of his favorites, Ghostbusters. We watched the first two movies, and soon, we'll watch the newer one together.

Spencer wanted to sit in his lap, even though he's allergic to cats.

Later, we rang in the new year with Murdoch, our current favorite detective, and sparkling apple juice (for Cora).
 

Meanwhile, back in Somerset, Stace and Violet celebrated at Dean's with games, music, food and family.

Looks like a good time! 

Happy 2023. May God continue to bless us with joy, peace and health.

Week in Review

Our game room roof is leaking again, especially around the skylights, so with winter coming, Stace and Violet climbed up to re-seal things again.

We went to Colleen and Rigo's for dinner, and our archers got some practice in.

Friday was Veterans Day, and for the first time in years, we went to the city's ceremony at our Veterans Plaza. 

Stace, Violet and I played Bananagrams the other night, and Violet got me set up. When I turned my tiles over, this is what I found. 

Ummmm I think the odds of this happening naturally are REALLY low.

And on Monday, I watched Ellie for a couple of hours. She set up her Bluey friends before we walked them over to the park. 
 

NYE Fun!

We went to Colleen and Rigo's house on New Year's Eve to see in 2022. They have a new family member, a sweet shepherd mix named Koa. Violet loves playing with her!

Lucas likes carrying her around, and I thought I'd better try it before she's too big! At the rate she's growing, she might be too heavy to carry the next time we visit!

The adults spent some time chatting in Rigo's lovely "man cave" cabin on the back of the property, while the kids played games. Then we all reconvened to count down to the new year.

Violet's face cracks me up here!

Cheers to a New Year with good friends!
 

Post Christmas

Following time-honored English tradition - or at least Stacey tradition - we took a walk on Boxing Day.

Sadly, Cora no longer enjoys going for walks or hiking. It's like pulling teeth to get her to join. She prefers doing D&D stuff at home, inside. I hope she changes back to the outdoorsy girl she used to be, as she continues to grow up.

Anyway, we had a nice time together at Quigley Canyon.

Violet enjoyed her Christmas presents - she made a crystal hedgehog, and she carved her soapstone elephant that Nan and Pop sent her. She then used Christmas money to buy another soapstone carving kit.

Stace was off the week after Christmas. We got a lot of rain that week!

Violet and Stace worked on sailing a little boat down our gutter river.

Stace grew another beard, and then shaved an interesting facial hair look before going cleanshaven.

A cooper's hawk has discovered our bird feeder! See it here on the fence? 
 

Cora captured this photo a couple of days later, the hawk hanging out in the bush near the feeder.