An Anniversary Post

Last week my husband and I had a very rare opportunity.  We were able to take a two day, one night get away...without the kids!  The occasion; celebrating our 15th anniversary.  In just that small amount of time we were able to fit in some of our favorite activities: hiking, beach time, exploring, dining, and wine tasting.

MISSION FALLS TRAIL in SANTA BARBARA



This was us relaxing on a big boulder under a large canopy oak tree at the end of our hike.  It was amazing!

ARROYO BURRO BEACH in SANTA BARBARA

LOS OLIVOS and SANTA YNEZ VALLEY (Zaca Station Rd.)

While in Solvang, we toured the Santa Ynez Mission and were very lucky to have the priest give us an anniversary blessing.  It meant so much to both of us.  I hope you don't mind but I just wanted to post a picture of us 15 years ago a few months after our wedding on our first trip to Sequoia National Park (for prosperity's sake):

 

We discovered that even after 15 years we still enjoy the exact same outdoor things to do together...we also found ourselves scouting for possible day trips with the kids and planning a few family camping/road trips for the rest of the year.  They would certainly enjoy the nature trails and oh, the things we could talk about.  The books we could read.  Funny how my mind works 15 yrs later;  CM, nature study, books, living education...love it!

Early Saturday Morn...

we set off for a stroll at our nearby Botanical Gardens.  They open at 7:00 am.  The kids dragged a bit at first but once we were there they had so much to find and be amazed.  By the time we were ready to leave, some had already scouted a small trail to hike...

 

maybe next time.  The rest of us really wanted some breakfast ; )  Never to early for some nature loving though!

Dia De Los Reyes

Celebrating Epiphany Sunday yesterday was such a blessing.  The focus was on the word "EPIPHANY"; the biblical meaning, the celebration, the manifestation of the divine and the moment of sudden insight in our lives!  Just such an appropriate way to end the Christmas season. 

As we've done for years now the kids look forward to the Feast Day of the Epiphany (January 6th): the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.  In Latin cultures this is known as Dia De Los Reyes and usually celebrated with a Rosca de Reyes (special bread in the shape of a crown with fruit candy on top) and hot chocolate. This year we decided we would commute to celebrate with the rest of the family.  They did school as usual this morning, but then we began a frenzy of clean up to go to my parent's 50 miles away. In the midst of the rush I went into the kitchen to find our nativity blocks set up.  This made me stop and realize that living the liturgical year and sharing with family are truly gifts to be cherished.  Memories my children continue to tuck in their hearts and souls.

My sister read to the kids the story of the Magi and about the celebration. My oldest then narrated very nicely about one of the books she read during our Advent/Winter unit this season: The Story of The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke.  We really recommend it!  The kids and family listened and enjoyed the retelling by her.  Then they dove into some very tasty bread with Abui's hot chocolate.  Oh, and we got two of the five hidden babies :D

To Start the Year ...

A hike to Paradise Falls.  We couldn't resist the great weather we've been having in the middle of winter ; ) 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  WELCOME 2014