Violet's Birthday

We started Violet's birthday celebrations on Saturday, with a trip to Ojai, just the three of us. Cora had two shows, so she couldn't come with us. 

Violet found a lovely nature walk with great views. As you can see, it was a cooler, cloudy day with the threat of rain. 

After our hike, we walked the main street, and then drove to Boccali's, the Italian restaurant Violet picked. 

We shared bruschetta, an antipasto salad and eggplant lasagna. All was delicious.

We then started for home, but stopped in Santa Paula at a New Orleans cafe I've heard about called Rabalais. We had their specialty for dessert - beignets, with a latte. Ohhhh, yes please! 

Violet's actual 16th birthday was Monday, a school day. We stopped by her favorite nearby nature walk after school. 

She then went with Cora to West Ranch to work as a stage hand while Cora was stage managing Mean Girls during the start of their tech week(s). That meant for a late birthday dinner. Violet chose Bonchon, the Korean place in Stevenson Ranch. 

After dinner, we had their doughnuts for dessert.

Because Violet's upcoming Alaska trip is her big 16th birthday gift, we gave her a map of Alaska to study and admire.

Cora gave Vi some CDs from a band called The Arcadian Wild, and sweet treats.

We enjoyed being out together, celebrating with our favorite artist-animal loving-nature girl!

Ojai Day Out

 

On Tuesday, Stace played golf and had lunch with his work buddies. 

When he got home, we fulfilled Violet's request for another day trip to Ojai. I looked up hikes, and found a pretty area, but the recent rains swelled the stream into a river we weren't prepared to cross.

The sound was lovely, and we enjoyed the views as well.

We then took another walk in town, and had a nice meal at the Mexican place we've been to a handful of times. We got a primo table, near the outdoor fireplace!

On our way home, we stopped at a market and spotted Ted Danson and his wife. They have a home in Ojai.

This was a great day!