Rock Message

The other day, the boys and I were on a walk and decided to hike up Snyder trail a little ways. Just as we were starting out, Billy & several co workers pulled up for their PT hike to the sign and back. Billy gave the boys high fives as he blew past us with the other guys ( they hike for time so there is no stopping to say much! ) The boys & I hiked up to the first water tanks and stopped to rest and play in the shade. I then got William and Zachary to help me gather lots of rocks, which they are VERY good at, and we made a message for Billy in the path. We made it pretty big and put in right in the middle of the path so that he couldn't miss it.

Well, when Billy got home from work that evening, William asked him "did you see your message out of rocks Dad?" Nope. Billy had not seen it! Ahh, oh well. I went up the next morning and took a few pictures (after I fixed it from being kicked around a little) so that Billy could see the message we left for him on his way down the hill. Oh well. It was fun to make anyway.

Ellwood Mesa

On Thursday morning I had one of those annoying 5 minute doctor appointments. I took the boys, who did great because they love checking on the baby, and then promised a fun adventure afterward. I packed a cooler of drinks and food and we drove out to Ellwood. As soon as we pulled over on coronado by the trail to the Monarch grove we were surrounded by butterflies. It was such a warm sunny day that all the Monarchs were very active. The boys ran up the trail and followed the signs to the grove, picking flowers and playing in the dirt along the way. There were butterflies galore once we got inside the eucalyptus grove, it was magical. It had been a little while since I visited there during the peak season. The boys really enjoyed watching all the butterflies flutter around as we sat on a fallen tree and had a snack.

When they were ready we continued our hike out to the open mesa and walked to the cliff to admire the sparkling ocean. William was very concerned that Zachary was going to fall off the cliff once we got close and bear hugged him so he couldn't move until I picked him up. It was very sweet. They played in a tree cave, climbing on tree branches and swinging sticks. We spotted county fire engine 11 parked out on the mesa and all the "guys" exercising on the trails. William wanted to go check out the engine so we made a big loop to walk by the fire truck and touch it. William and Zachary walked & ran the whole way back to the grove and then back to the car. We could not have asked for a better day to enjoy nature and the beauty around us.