We Went Whale Watching!

That was a great alliteration. lol A sweet friend from church treated us all to a whale watching trip. It was aMAZing! We had so much fun. It was like being in Las Vegas, the way you're watching all over, hoping a whale is going to show up, one person sees something, everyone runs to that side of the boat, then BAM! Everyone is squealing and oohhing and awing in wonder over the whale sighting.

We saw humpbacks and grey whales. We also saw dolphins, sea lions, huge pelicans and other sea birds. It was a gorgeous winter day in California. We have never done anything like this before, it was such a blessing.

She also treated us to lunch at Ruby's. Being on the water was so relaxing, it was worth missing our regular Friday Hike Day to see these wonderful creatures.

 

At one point, the dolphins were swimming toward us and seemed to disappear under the boat. It was a sweet moment when the 5yo, Kurtis was the one to first spot them, under the water, swimming alongside the boat. He was so excited and I was grateful to witness his excitement in that moment. Priceless.

We couldn't get close to the grey whale because it was a mother (cow) with her calf. The captain did not want to disturb or scare them. I had no idea that a calf can gain 25-75lbs a DAY after birth! Crikey!!

Birdy looks like such a little girl in this pic, making a funny face.

When we weren't watching for whale sightings, we were able to relax and take in the peace of the ocean. There were paddle boarders and private boats, right next to the humpback whales. I can't imagine how exciting that must have been...to be so up close and personal.

The humpbacks actually came out of the water, a few times, nose up, to get food. They also came out in a half moon formation, diving back under with a wave of their tale.

I couldn't get very good pictures with phone and a few of the best moments will remain hidden in the memory of my heart forever. I think, maybe, it's meant to be that way sometimes.

Afterward, we stopped at a little coffee shop as Christine treated us again to drinks. I had a tea latte and the server created mine with the foamy milk in the shape of a heart. Just another reminder of how blessed and surrounded by love I am, everywhere I go.

First event of the season

We attended this event last year and I made a mental note to attend this year. I love this historical site, Rancho Los Cerritos. It is decorated in the Victorian era. During the Christmas season, they decorate and host a festive event complete with pinata, hand crafts, live music and of course, Santa! They request a donation of $3 per person or $10 for a family of four or more. That's US!





It's worth it because the children (or parents?) can make lots of hand-made and old fashioned ornaments and cards. Volunteers also host a table with hot cider (or was it wassail?) and cookies. It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon and welcome the season.

The home itself is lovely and the scent of pine strong, as natural decorations are used around the house. Garlands of small seashells that would have been collected from time at the beach, pine boughs on every candle lit sconce, wreaths of pine and berries sit on side tables and hang from doors.

Oldest enjoyed listening to the live music the most. There were volunteers in each room of the house, telling how life was in Victorian times.

I met a lovely woman outside when I complimented her scarf. She told me she was visiting another country (I wish I could remember which one) when a woman fell in front of her. She rode with her in the ambulance to the hospital. She said the people wee so surprised that she did that & they gifted her with the scarf.

The afternoon cooled down quickly, encouraging us to return home. Before we left though, I got this shot of Kurtis with a very nice Santa. We don't really promote Santa but he is recognized as a classic icon of the season. (I hate that I even feel the need to explain myself.)

He's wearing footwear. It looks like he's bare foot--he's wearing flip flops.

Off to the Fair!

Family picture time. I don't know about you--but doesn't this just SCREAM "Christmas card"? I totally agree! 

We love these things...can you tell? K especially, would jump out of the stroller every chance he had, to stick his face in a cut out and get his pic snapped. There were more, we didn't even get them all. Maybe that can be our goal next year, to get a pic with *every* face cut-out 'thing'. I have a few pix from years back with each of my kiddos faces in that big tomato head.

It was different for us this year. Last year we mainly stayed in the children's section with the farm animals and participated in all the old time crafts.  We were introduced to needle felting at the fair last year and saw the same demonstrator this year. He is a nice man and does amazing work with felt and needles. This time we didn't spend much time in this section. 

There was SO much to do and see but unfortunately the place is so big we did not realize most of it until we were already on our way out. Regardless, we still had so much FUN this year. 

S was brave enough to ride a mechanical bull! It was the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. By the end, we were all in tears from laughing so hard. We can't stop watching the video of it, over and over.

We were mesmerized by amazing arial trapeze artists. These women were so strong, holding themselves up by their arms or legs on a long, dramatic red ribbon, swirling and twirling.

We enjoyed an old-time inspired acrobatic show that included a high wire walker and women that danced with flaming candle sticks.

We laughed in shock when we took off for an elephant ride! You don't realize how high off the ground you really are until the elephant begins walking away. It was Birdy, S, the toddler and myself. 

I even scored a new hat for myself, since it turned out to be really warm. The weather was nice but unexpected.

The Mr. was primarily in the mood to embrace all the crazy, deep-fried foods the fair had to offer. he was moderate about it in the end but he did get one treat.....

The whole family was able to enter for free since it was a field trip. They said we were going to have to pay for parking but we didn't.

We had a fabulous day.