We spent New Year’s Eve at the cabin this year. We invited a few of our friends and caravanned up the mountain just in time for a mini snowstorm. ^^^My favorite spot in Idyllwild (pic taken by a sneaky photographer – thanks Dany, u da best). With hot cider in our mugs we hiked up to the lookout rock to enjoying the view of the canyon before the rain and snow came that evening.
^Our lovebird friends that are moving to Nashville to finish pharmacy school. We are so stoked for you guys, but we’ll miss our weekly hangs and tasty excursions. I hope we can keep a yearly vacation going… just 3 more years until you move back to us! And we can’t wait to see you in Nashville for that White Coat ceremony!
^^^Babes
I woke up early on New Years day to check out the snow before it melted away. What a gorgeous morning – the perfect way to start my 2017. Then D and I made buttermilk pancakes, eggs and bacon for the crew.
I pray that you have a wonderful New Year filled with all the best that life can bring. Health, happiness and love to you and your families.
Idyllwild
A Weekend At The Cabin
Pics from our weekend at the cabin. We were supposed to go camping in Morro Bay. The waves were good and the boys were excited to get some chilly surf in. I had visions of jiffy-pop around a campfire and wine tasting with Av, but the weather turned grumpy and tent camping in mud didn’t sound fun anymore. We decided to switch it up and head to the mountains instead of the beach. It turned out to be a magical weekend; with a hike to the grotto, the first snow of the season and an unexpected town center Christmas tree lighting complete with hot cider and caroling. It was a perfect way to kickstart the December feelys.
^Av, Dan and Kelsso leading the way to the grotto.
Made it to the top! What a view of the valley!
Lumberjack Dan (with boardshorts) haha. We hiked down to the grotto. In the springtime the snow melts and fills the grotto with icy cold water. It’s mostly dry during late summer and fall, so there wasn’t much flowing. It was fun to check it out and feel that cold breeze rush down the canyon crevasse.
Big dark storm clouds rolled in the next day and brought snow – perfect timing for the town Christmas tree lighting! Mike showed us how to play with flashlight photography.
On our way to the town center for some festivities!
Waiting for the Christmas tree lighting and huddling around the town fire pit, trying to keep warm and shield the kiddos from the wind and snow. Light that tree, light that tree! I can’t feel my feet.
We ran into the local grocery store to warm the kids feet and order hot pizzas for the walk home.
Happy, warm and fed.
Creampuff baby
A Weekend in the Mountains
We took off Saturday morning with my Mom, Mom-in-law, Dan, my brother Bran and our friend Danielle and headed to my Grandfather’s cabin in Idyllwild, CA. It was a fun little getaway…playing board games, cards, hiking, hammocking. Gpa also has a compound bow, quad and a wood shop! Oh yeah! It’s so lovely to have a place where we can get some fresh air, do some hiking and spend some time with each other. We stopped off at my favorite Mexican food restaurant for some hot dulce de leche churros and the best fruit and veggie stand down the road before climbing the mountain.
^^^Some yummy fruit and veggies sold at my favorite Washburn Ranch Fruit Stand. We Picked up oranges, avocados, grapefruit, pomegranates and apples!
^^^We went for a hike to the nature center in back of the cabin. What a view! I’m loving all the fall leaves and colors. We don’t get much of a fall/winter season at home, so coming up to mountains is really nice. We’re actually expecting a lot of rain this year (with El Nino approaching) and I’m super excited to see some weather besides sunny skies…is that weird? I want some rain and snow baby! Give me some cold gloomy days — the best snuggle weather.
^^ My Baby taking a look at the view on our hike.
Idyllwild Weekend
Grandpa owns a cabin in Idyllwild, CA. He’s made it into his little slice of heaven, complete with sheep skin rugs and garage workshop where he can create ’til his heart’s content. My personal fav is the cabin’s kitchen — hanging pans, homemade bottles of garlic olive oil and a walk in pantry. Dan and I love to visit whenever we get a chance (especially when it snows and we can make fires in the fire place and drink hot cocoa!).
Breakfast at the Red Kettle.
Mmmmm Coffee.
Junkyard Omelet.
Steak, peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, bacon and cheese.
After Idyllwild we headed to the desert to meet up with some friends for a going away party. Our friend Bryce was leaving to play Water Polo for New Zealand…he needed a proper farewell party of course.
