Today we make a quick decision to head to the zoo. We needed to get out of the house, get out of the heat of the Valley and head to Santa Barbara for the day. I had also read in our Zoo News emails that there was a new Channel Islands fox (the fox that formerly lived there passed away about a month before) and a new armadillo for the public to come and see. In the end, we didn’t get to see either but I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. Unfortunately a few things came up on our way out of the door so we were pretty delayed but still made it up there with about two hours to spend at the zoo.
This trip was also the first since Ellie started wearing her glasses and what a difference they make. She could see so many things that she couldn’t before, including her favorite animal… the giraffe. When she saw them eating and wandering around she was so excited. I was so happy that she now could enjoy life a bit more.
 |
| Watching the elephants from atop her favorite perch! |
 |
| “Love Birds”… these two kept kissing and nuzzling one another. Its probably not an act of love at all and most likely they were cleaning each other but I think its fun and cute to imagine that they are a couple of penguins in love. |
 |
| Ellie could see the Griaffes and was so happy! Nothing like watching your favorite animal! |
 |
| “Whatcha lookin’ at?” |
The day was short and pretty uneventful but we had a great time as always. I think the Giraffes were interested in the shirt I was wearing because they kept staring at me and following me when I moved. We also had the chance to watch a wedding; one of the shortest ceremonies I think I have ever witnessed! Smart bride there! We took a longer detour on the way home, enjoying the summer sun and the beautiful evening. It may not have been much but it was a great day out for our family.
April certainly has brought us some wet weather and cooler temperatures. It rained and rained and rained all day yesterday and into the evening. It was very chilly at night but not cold enough to snow here in Porter Ranch. It was however, cold enough to snow up in the mountains in the surrounding areas. So this afternoon we decided to head up to Frazier Park and see if there was enough snow for the girls to play in. After a little diving and a bit of searching, we found lots of snow and a perfect place to stop.
Frazier Park had some snow but it took driving up towards Mt. Pinos before we found enough to play in. Once we found it, there was plenty of it. Our perfect spot already had a snowman too! The girls had a great time. Ellie was in awe of the cold white stuff that surrounded her and Abby jumped right in, trying to add to the snowman!
Our time in the snow was short lived as the clouds darkened, snow began to fall again and we started to lose daylight. Both of the girls were not happy to leave but did willingly head back to the car when they realized just how cold they were. The cool air and time in the snow gave us some peace and quiet on the ride home though, leaving the girls to sleep on the ride back. Another wonderful and very spontaneous Saturday for the Whartons.
This morning Shaun and I decided to take a drive and get out of the house. Yes, we do this a lot but its something we both love and share. Its also a great way to calm the girls and get them to nap. Just last week the Angeles Crest Highway re-opened after over a year of being closed. So we took that route. The start of the drive was a bit eerie as the marine layer hung over the area, but as we drove through Angeles crest and decided to head up to Mt. Wilson we rose above the clouds and the day was perfect. Warm, sunny and cloud free! It was a gorgeous day and perfect for a drive. Nothing fancy, just something to enjoy and get out of the house for a bit.
Looking at just a few of many towers that top Mt. Wilson.
The view looking towards San Fernando Valley from the top of Mt. Wilson, above the clouds and the gloom.While you can never say one place will always be home, because we cant predict our futures or where the wind will blow us next, I firmly believe that you leave always leave a piece of your heart in the places that leave big impressions and hold wonderful memories. Driving the coast today, I can see why those who fall in love with California never want to leave and when they do, they always make it a point to come back whenever they can. They say “Home is Where the Heart Is” and I know that a piece of my heart will always stay here and no matter what it will always be home.
Since the holiday season began, each of our trips down Candy Cane Lane has been a rainy one. Tonight was no different, but luckily because we are so close to Christmas, most of the homes participating had their displays up and running. When Shaun came home from work, we spent some time getting the girls ready (and having fun doing so) and then took off to get some dinner and enjoy the sights of Candy Cane Lane.
You can tell that the current economic times of our country play out even in special places such as Candy Cane Lane. The amount of homes participating have noticeably dropped but when you stop and listen to your little two year old laughing and pointing out all of the fun displays that she sees, you stop thinking like an adult and start looking at things through the eyes of your child. Abby loved everything she saw, especially the house that had nothing but original Disney characters displayed like Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Even though she is still little, I can tell that she is starting to see, understand and enjoy the fun and excitement of Christmas. It became apparent that Abby loves Christmas lights, which means that next year we will have to put them up. But lets not think about next Christmas just yet.
This past weekend was busy but relaxing. You might be thinking to yourself, “Is that even possible?” Well it is, at least I think so. The 9th of September was grandpa Patrick’s birthday, so on Saturday we went over to their house for a birthday dinner and some time to hang out. We had a great time! Abby had the chance to play with Uncles James and his girlfriend Sammy, Shaun and I got a break while grandpa snuggled and held Ellie and we all had a great time just talking and watching Abby play. Fiona even has me addicted to the Bubble Burst game on my phone now. Don’t worry everyone, I haven’t touched my phone to play that game since yesterday afternoon. I don’t need an addiction help group yet. Stay tuned on that though! I was finally able to snap a picture of Ellie that didn’t involve her sleeping in her stroller/carrier or her bouncer. Yay!
Beautiful Ellie
Uncle James and Abby, and Grandpa Patrick and Ellie just hanging out in the back yard.
Grandpa Pat’s birthday cake from Porto’s. Yummy!!
Abby couldn’t resist putting her finger in the cake… it was too yummy looking and she couldnt wait for her own piece to taste it!
Abby finally gets a piece of her own… and boy did she love it!
On Sunday we decided just to take a drive and enjoy the day out. It was a beautiful but hot day. Luckily we didn’t have any plans of getting out of our nicely air conditioned car. Ellie definitely had a better time in the car. She didn’t cry much, if at all. We were literally down the street from our house when she started to scream and that was really because it was time to eat. Once she had been fed, life was better again. That is, as long as she is in someones arms.
Ever since the hospital its been impossible to put her down, but I have to. I have Abby and myself to care for as well as things that need to be done around the house. So most of the time she has to cry it out. Lately the crying fits have only lasted a few minutes and then she either falls asleep or calms down for a bit. All of that being held, snuggled and worried over at the hospital (and rightfully so) spoiled her a bit. I also think she hates laying down. I love her and dont want to rush this time along, but I cant wait until she is strong enough to sit in her Bumbo chair and see the world around her. I have a feeling that she will be a happier baby then. At least for now, my fingers are crossed.
After a busy weekend, Monday was a day of rest and relaxation. Auntie Jillian was back to her usual grind and Grandma and Grandpa Taylor were back to work, so Abby and I decided to stay home. We had the chance to catch up on laundry, rest and a little reading time too!
That night Abby spent a bit of quality time with Auntie Jillian. In between study sessions, Jillian gave Abby a bath and then the two of them snuggled up in Auntie’s bed. What adds to this already cute picture, is that the two of them were watching Monty Python’s Holy Grail and Abby was giggling at several points. I am sure daddy was proud of his little girl!
Today, Grandpa Taylor worked an early shift at the hospital and was home by 2:30. Because we still had a good chunk of the day left, we decided to head up to Trident just to take a peak. For those of you that do not know, Trident was a small town that no longer exists but its the area where it sits that is important. Trident sits at the headwaters of the Missouri River, where 3 major rivers come together. Extra points to anyone who can name the three rivers without looking them up!
Abby loved the river and seemed determined to get right in there, but Grandpa and mommy were just as determined to keep that from happening. After throwing a few rocks and watching the trout jump we moved on to some informational boards that Abby took a liking to. Here she was able to read up about the “fishes” that call the Upper Missouri River their home, such as Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout. OK, so maybe she cant read, but she certainly loves the pictures!
Today was a perfect day to get out and enjoy the weather. Better yet, we had the chance to enjoy time with one another and meet a few people along the way. It’s amazing the people you meet on the back roads of such an incredible state. Ask me about Kim Forbes some time. She is a construction flag woman with one heck of an explosive story to tell!
Yesterday was the first day of Grandpa’s time off while we were in town. Because Grandma and Jillian still had work and school we decided to head out and see the sights of the area and take some of Montana’s back roads. I cant say I remember exactly where we went, but it was great none the less.
We took a drive through the Bridger Mountains past Bridger Bowl, one of Montana’s ski areas. The road on the other side brought us out into some of Montana’s rolling plains. Along the way we saw plenty of cranes, pronghorn, mule deer and ravens. On the road heading towards White Sulphur Springs, we came upon a pretty amazing sight. About a hundred yards in front of us, we saw a Golden Eagle fly across the road and land in the field next to us. Unfortunatly we didnt have time to get pictures of him but he was big and absolutely beautiful!
After hanging around a bit to see if he might come out of the field, we took off and continued down the road. We went through Ringling, Montana an old train stop town. There we could see the run down old train station that was probably last used in the 1950’s and you could see what remains of the train bed. Its sad to think that such a great part of our history and a way of travel has fallen to the wayside. The old station was very interesting to see, but at the same time looked so sad. I wish I had gotten a picture of it.
From that point we took another road through a canyon to Townsend, Montana and then headed back home, making a stop at Wheat Montana in Three Forks. I have been to this place many times before and still, I could not resist a warm cinnamon roll. Yummy! Traveling the back roads sure makes a girl hungry for something sweet!
A small herd of Pronghorn relaxing in an empty wheat field outside of Ringling, Montana.
Snow storm blowing in over the Castle Mountain Range.We then came back home for lunch and afterwards we went out again, this time with Abby and Grandpa. We did a little shopping and then took off for another drive, this one a little closer to town. Springhill Road took us out North of Bozeman through rolling hills and farm country along the base of the Bridger mountains. We saw several eagles both bald eagles and Golden Eagles, lots of cows and their new babies, Pronghorn, Mule Deer and Pheasants. It was a beautiful afternoon and the warm weather that blew in today was melting Tuesday’s snow fast. The sunset that followed when we came home was even more impressive and I was lucky enough to catch a few pictures. Boy, do I love Montana!
Yesterday Shaun and I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful day and decided to go for a drive. Instead of our usual drive up the coast, we decided to do something different and head up to Big Bear. It was cloudy and gloomy as we hit San Bernadino, but as we started to head up the mountain things began to clear. Before we knew it, this was what we saw…
The day was cool and crisp and so relaxing. As we started to climb in elevation, relaxation set in and Abby passed out for a little cat nap. She woke up just as we started to head into Big Bear and well… was a tad out of it. She still looks cute though!
As Abby woke up, Shaun decided to show me a family favorite, the Grizzly Manor. He went there often as a kid and the Wharton family still goes when they are up there. If I remember correctly Auntie Brittany just went not too long ago with friends! After we stopped for a picture, we continued on our way and drove around the lake and started to make our way back home. Abby was just a tad cranky but some string cheese seemed to due the trick. Just don’t bother her while she is eating!
Before actually heading home, we wanted to stop and find a spot where Abby could play in the snow. We stopped at a small trail head and got Abby out of the car ready to play. She was a little wary about the white stuff, at first, but she adjusted quickly. After picking up and thrwing some snow and maiking her first attempts at walking in it, Abby soon found that playing with the dirt all around us was even more fun then the snow. Before I could do anything, she was picking up handfuls and throwing them around. Most of the time though she just let it slide out of her hand as though she was testing the direction of the wind. After some good play time, it as time to pack up and go. Abby wasn’t too filthy, but a bath was definitely on the agenda when we got home!
The drive home was beautiful! Low clouds began to come in and made for a beautiful yet eerie sunset. I loved it and so did Abby. She seemed to love everything and it kept her awake and chatting the whole trip home. Yup, from Big Bear to the San Fernando Valley, sans the last 15 minutes of the drive, Abby chattered, laughed and acted like a little goofball! Mommy and daddy were tired just listening to her. All in all, it was a wonderful Saturday and a great drive! Nothing better then spending some quality time with my two favorite people!
This past weekend was fun and packed with plenty to do, but relaxing all at the same time. Is that actually possible? Or is it just that it wasn’t quite as busy as the last few months so it seemed relaxing? Who knows, but it was fun and certainly enjoyable. I know that despite still having a bit of a cold, Abby had fun as well!
On Saturday the three of us headed to Chase’s First Birthday Party. I cant believe he is one! The party was a fun Pirates theme and the weather that day certainly gave us the feeling of a tropical island. Unfortunately it was about 89 degrees in Camarillo and just as humid! Because Abby was still recovering from the sniffles we couldn’t stay long as the heat was bothering her too much. We did have the chance however, to watch Chase enjoy his birthday cake and watch a very cute slide show that Stephanie, Chase’s Aunt and my friend, had made. Boy oh boy do they grow fast. I think the one thing that Abby enjoyed most about the party was the watermelon… Yummy! Its no surprise considering that the one thing I craved the most when I was pregnant with her.
When we left the party, Shaun and I decided to head out to Ventura where it was definitely cooler and enjoy some time at the Harvest Festival. Abby had the chance to nap a bit, Shaun and I had the chance to eat and we certainly found some great things to take home with us. I have to say most of it was food related! Dips, Jerky, Tea and Cocoa mix. And its all very yummy too! We had a great time, cooled off and enjoyed the nice ocean breeze. It was also nice to enjoy something that I used to do every year with my parents and sister when I was younger.
After leaving the Harvest Festival, Shaun decided it would be nice to take a drive along the coast up to Santa Barbara and then head home. Abby passed out the minute we started driving and the sun was close to setting. What a beautiful drive! Its the scenes like that one below that remind me why we moved back to California. It was a perfect sunset and a wonderful drive. It didnt hurt to stop at Fosters Freeze for some ice cream and then Ottavio’s in Camarillo for dinner. A perfect end to a lovely day!
Sunday was relaxed and time was spent visiting. Grandma Pat had been in town since Abby’s party and we wanted to see her before she had to head back to Pocatello, Idaho. After shopping for Abby’s Halloween Costume (thats a secret until Halloween) we went to Mary and Tom’s to visit with Great-Grandma Pat, Mary, Tom, Grandpa, Nana, Uncle James and his girlfriend Samantha. Time was spent chatting away and just enjoying each others company. Abby tried her hand at walking… but it didnt quite happen. She was however, fascinated by Grandpa and his ability to blow bubbles with his gum.
Another great weekend! Busy but enjoyable… I am sure I look forward to the week ahead!
Our Journey Through Whatever Life throws our way
Our Journey Through Whatever Life throws our way
Human Powered Adventure
Our Journey Through Whatever Life throws our way
The Adventures of a Mom, Wife, Amatuer Photographer, Traveler and Lover of the Outdoors
Backpacking Adventures
I am a pediatric surgery travel nurse, amateur photographer, and aspiring travel blogger, who hiked from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017! Visiting all 59 National Parks before my 35th birthday!
The Art and Craft of Blogging
The latest news on WordPress.com and the WordPress community.
The Wharton Adventures 