Spring Break (part 2)

I have resigned myself to the fact that there will be several parts to my Spring Break posts. I go through my pictures in bits and pieces of time, and the additional steps of adding them here often get postponed. I don't want my kids to remember me as one who spent her time blogging. Since they are nearly always present, the time it takes is really hard to come by. In fact, this short post here will likely take me half a dozen attempts or more! Seriously. I'm totally OK with that. 

Right now, I'm taking the boys to get haircuts, so I'll try to continue later... :)

>:<

We made our way up to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, both beautiful places so different from the beauty of southern California. It was so neat to see how varied the state is, both inland and along the coast. I really appreciated taking in all the beauty.

This little guy was in Monterey, just minding his business as we watched.

On that Sunday we had the rare opportunity of visiting another church. Jon has a particular curiosity of seeing how other churches conduct their service and do ministry, in addition to an occasional desire to just sit with the congregation and be on the receiving end of ministry through preaching. Later, it provided our family with some interesting and helpful discussions. We have been thankful for this opportunity.

Later in the afternoon, we did the 17-Mile Drive, taking our time and getting out as desired. It was a cold day, but we would soon realized that all of our vacation days would be cold. I guess we've grown accustomed to the temperate climate we normally enjoy...

We loved the moss that grows on the trees. 

Pretty, yes, and also useful for the one who wants to become a different character...

Beards and freakish chest hair

My kids and I love forests. Jon loves cities, but he indulged me on this particular trip.

Some of my kids enjoy the city, too, so that makes him happy...

We think the plant in this pic looks like a person jumping for joy...

The colors of the sea were spectacular. This is by Pebble Beach gulf course.

A natural beauty

A famous 250-year old tree and land mark

More to come!

Here at home yesterday, some of my kids were in the pool by breakfast time. It was a cold, invigorating morning plunge, but we do marvel at the opportunity our climate here provides. After chores and Saturday errands, our family spent several hours together at the beach. Dinner and conversations were held out on the deck. We noted the dappled evening light shining through the palms, and the balmy breeze against our sun-kissed skin. Despite how much we appreciated seeing other parts of CA, we all came back from our trip agreeing that we LOVE where we live. We are so thankful.

~Katherine