Apple Valley Climbing

On December 10th we decided to check out a new climbing area called Apple Valley.  It took us an extra 20 minutes than usually because we missed the main turn off - and had to figure out our way through dirt roads.  We got to the parking area and hiked up about 20 minutes or so.  The kids had fun on the way up as the usually do.  Danny is a big fan of hiking.

Here is Danny picking up - what he tells us is a stick - turns out it is a dried piece of poo

The climbing ended up not being the best.  I'm not a fan of the rock here (as in the texture) plus the rock was cold, which always makes climbing difficult.  Add to this the fact that the kids were crying their eyes out...well, we left after only 1 climb. Sad...

Here is a picture of Emily (who was crying the most)...she had been playing on her tummy on a blanket, and she rolled off, and was playing in the dirt and crying.  Her face was covered in small rocks, dirt and grass.  She started crying again after I pulled off the main piece of grass seen below...apparently she had become attached to it.

Well, the trip wasn't very successful, but I am glad to went somewhere new all the same.  I always love seeing new areas and climbing new rock for a new feel and view.  Hopefully our next trip will be more successful!

Meeting Santa...

We had a Christmas party at church the first weekend in December and guess who showed up...SANTA CLAUS!! Danny wasn't sure what to think at first.  We finally got up to see him, and Danny hesitated for just a moment, but was fine once on Santa's lap.  Emily did well too...no crying!  We was enthralled by Santa and Santa's elf.  Danny has been excitedly talking about Santa Claus ever since!

Thanksgiving Weekend

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving in Southern California.  We've been traveling a lot this past summer and whatnot, and decided to just stay home this year.  My brother and his family were going to come down to visit us, but got sick just days before and decided to stay home.  So Kenneth and I celebrated our Thanksgiving by ourselves.  It was sad at some times, but great at others!

We spent Thanksgiving morning rockclimbing at our local Riverside Quarry.  Afterwards we came home to our little Thanksgiving dinner: ham, mashed potatoes, salad, asparagus and stuffing.

It was delicious!  Afterwards, while the kids took their naps, I headed to Michaels to do some shopping.  I was a little worried about the whole "Black Friday" craziness...but it was very anti-climatic.  Apparently most people don't ask for craft supplies for Christmas :)

The day after Thanksgiving we went on a short hike - make that walk - to a place called Big Falls.

While walking up some stairs to this final look-out spot, Danny tripped and bit his lip wide open.  Sad day!  Talk about a lot of blood...

Danny was also excited to see the snow up there.  He has a slight obsession with ice, and was happy to eat some (clean) snow.  It also helped with his swollen lip.

After our hike we did a quick climb or two up the same general canyon.  I kind of got concerned when the first climb we did was covered with wasps...YIKES!  Needless to say I stopped after that, and Kenneth did a second climb.

The following day (Saturday) we decided to head to the beach for some fun in the sun!  Only here can you play in the snow one day, and get sunburned at the beach the next!  It is fabulous!  We took a couple of family photos before changing into swimsuits and enjoying the water.

After the beach we headed to Malibu Creek State Park.  We hiked in a ways and I was very happy to finally see some fall leaves!  It was beautiful up there.  We did 1 climb and then had to head back because it was already getting dark.  It was a lot of fun, unfortunately we didn't get any pictures though.

Thanksgiving weekend was wonderful despite missing our family.  I am so grateful for all my many blessings.  I am blessed with a wonderful husband who has a good job which allows me to stay home with our two adorable kids.  I'm thankful for all of our family and friends and for our home.  I hope everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!