New Brighton State Beach day

We spent a really lovely Saturday morning at the beach with friends who we had not seen in a long time!  Although the waves and beach were perfect for the youngins, with very calm conditions - they were most interested in exploring the "river".  They built bridges and dams with driftwood, decorated with kelp and then found respite from the hot sun in a rock "cave".  Also, this serene day made it quite clear that I might need to invest in a stand up paddle board... Thank you Mary, M. & T. for playing with us at the beach! 

Spring Breakin' - LA & Joshua Tree

I have been wanting to take the kids to Joshua Tree National Park for the last year and finally threw together a camping trip for spring break.  Since it's quite a drive down there, we decided to stop in LA on both ends to see family and break up the travel a little.  We had a magical time!!  I used hipcamp to find a camping spot since all of the sites in the park book up way in advance and loved the spot I found. Aptly called the Edge of the Wilderness, it was the concrete block bones of an old home where we set up our tent, and the owner had water, firewood, a firepit, chairs, tables, and a little flushing portapotty.  The kids also completed their workbooks to become Junior Rangers at the park, something I hope we continue to do whenever we visit a new park.  Milo has an awesome badge from Lassen Volcanic NP last year.  My friend and super awesome roommate from the photo retreat I attended in New Orleans last month joined us for some of the trip and she captured some truly beautiful images of us that I will treasure.  California is also in a superbloom this spring because of all of the wonderful winter rains we have had, so the flowers were spectacular.

Newts with neighbors.

Yesterday afternoon, the kids wanted to play outside with some friends from up the street.  Luckily we live on a safe cul-de-sac in the woods, with some awesome neighbors. After about 15 minutes of listening to their happy laughter and squeals from inside, I decided to head out with my camera to capture some playtime. I came upon the gaggle of kids (7 in total, ranging from kinder to 6th grade) jumping on the neighbor's trampoline (thanks diane!) and collecting newts from the pond.  I quietly joined in, trying not to be obtrusive, asking curiously about their knowledge of newts.  After watching them find and fondle 15 or so of the squirmy little dudes, I gently made sure that they were aware that the California newt is toxic to humans.  And reminded them not to lick them and we washed our hands well after - ha!  I LOVED watching them be carefree and curious in nature.  "How do you know if its a boy or a girl?" "I wonder if they are babies or adults?" "Look, some are darker brown and some are more orange" I played participant-observer to this playtime and hope these little scientists continue to build their knowledge and wonder.  Oh, and how could I forget, they topped off the fun with blueberry smoothies made by the 6th grader to avoid doing his homework. Can't wait to see how much fun these friends have over the summer!