Arroyo Hondo Preserve - It's all in the docent

Today, the girls and I toured Arroyo Hondo Preserve on the Gaviota Coast. Another parent had organized the group tour of this once-home to Chumash people. We were happy to have been invited along for the ride. It's a beautiful, expansive, rugged parcel complete with a year-round stream (a feature rare in our half of the county). We saw the last throes of spring wildflowers, including a Humboldt Lily.

E is 10 now, and has started to branch out. She likes more and more independence, and asked to be in a group separate from V and me. No problem! So she headed off with kids her speed and age while V and I headed off with a different docent in a smaller group.

Well, it seems E had an entirely different tour than V and I did. E was totally jazzed by the time the hike was over and told us about some of the varied activities her group's docent provided to help the kids learn some things along the way while making the learning memorable. V, on the other hand, was bored out of her mind and didn't much appreciate our condescending docent. (Honestly, I couldn't blame her.)

The reserve is open to the public on the first and third Saturdays of the month, and there are miles of trails to explore, plus great picnicking opportunities. The creek alone is, for me, worth the walk. Is there anything quite so relaxing as the sound of water trickling through the rocks while the wind rustles through the leaves where birds call and bugs buzz?

Another mom in E's group posted some photos of the day. I hope this embed works for you.



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Family Night Out , Civil War Ball style

Several weeks ago, our family enjoyed our first Civil War Ball. The dances were all called, the company was pleasant, the music was fun and the evening was full of laughs. So much fun was had by all that even those less inclined to dance (particularly in public) began talking about "next time" before we'd even left the premises.

So, this weekend we traveled north to Atascadero for another dance organized by the same woman. (You can find out all about the next ball, the requirements and further details here.) This time, we were treated to live music and some new dances, including an Appalachian dance which was probably among the most fun both to dance and to call. (The caller gets to wing it entirely, so dancers HAVE to listen to keep it together, plus there were some visually appealing steps.)

The most relaxing and fun-filled dance for me, however, was one to which I had paid absolutely NO attention to the directions. I was sidelined, you see, due to lack of a partner (Mr. B was dancing with V) and a need for a water break. But part way through the dance, one of the dancers blew out her dress (for the third time - poor thing) and the quadrille was one dancer short. I was waved in off the bench, then talked through the dance. Super funny, and a good time.

The next dance is in June in Santa Maria, then we'll have to hold off 'til December. I wonder if E's dress will be finished by the June dance...I'm working on learning button holes. Ah...the things we learn for our kids! :)



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Going to the Big D!

We managed a trip south to celebrate a certain someone's birthday at his favorite place on Earth. With the help from a friend, we were able to make the trip affordable even for a family of four. (FYI: If you're planning your first-ever trip, plan on spending AT LEAST $500 a day including entry to the park, food, and lodging. It's no cheap vacation.) In a rush tonight, but wanted to get some photos up.

Kinda sad to see the girls shy away from the characters. They've grown out of them. Ah...the very innocent years are fading much too quickly.



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