Treasure Walk @ Lookout Reservoir

Last weekend we were itching for a family adventure.

 

Daddy had a great idea...

Treasure HUNT in Lookout Reservoir.

(This time of year the water is drained,

so we get to explore the treasures left behind.)

Holden was not too excited to have to get bundled,

but quickly forgot about the burdensome coat,

and took daddy's hand to EXPLORE!

Beau found the best treasure of the day,

an old arrow only his eagle eyes would have spotted.

I love the admiration in Hazel's gaze!

These two OTTERS were found, also by Beau,

frolicking in a small pool of water. 

What a rare treat to watch them play.

(They seemed as intrigued by us as we were by them.)

She never passes up a chance to

STRIKE A POSE!

Trio of treasure seekers.

The bed of the reservoir was quite beautiful.

This area above was spongy under foot.

The river runs throughout the year.

I wanted to take gobs of these pretty smooth stones home.
(The seams in my old coats' pockets may never be the same!)

Holden was thrilled when it was his turn to hold the arrow.

(No sharp point I promise.)

A great treasure seeker AND a wonderful big sister.

This little lady makes me so very happy. 

Henley proudly presents his loot.

A few weathered sticks and a chunk of metal.

***

Not pictured are the horseshoes we found at the end of our walk.

Beau found one,

and moments later I found one about 100 yards behind.

We have yet to buy our lotto ticket,

but when we do,

I am sure it will be a winner!

***

Last week, Hazel took the two horseshoes for her day of sharing.

They were a hit in 1st grade as the kids took turns inspecting the dirty old hunks of metal.

I hear she beamed with pride.

 



Huntington Beach Trip

Last weekend,

I got away on my OWN,

no lap-child as the plane took off!

It was a strange experience to actually READ

on the plane.

No snacks for anyone but ME in my purse.

Of course, I thought of the zoo at home OFTEN.

 

My destination,

the House of Hall,

Huntington Beach, California.

 

And there began a weekend forever more named:

HGTV Hall Edition.

Joanne had warned me she had a project for me to tackle.

Little did she or I know,

we would quickly begin doing over much of the house!

Just my cup-o-tea!

 

 I kick myself that we didn't snap a BEFORE.
This above is AFTER.
My favorite thing, the $20 wood rocker we scored at Goodwill.
Painted it red, distressed and placed...perfection!

 

 Joanne's hubby, Kris, was our hanger extraordinaire.
(He also was kind to celebrate his birthday amidst the chaos.)

 



 

A perfect spot to hang a purse,

and pooch Max's leash.

 

Joanne had most of this done,

a few finishing touches and it was complete.

(For now.)

 

Showing off the fruits of our labor.

 

 

Chloe, 11 years, joined us for the "LEXI."

(Lexi was not feeling well and lounging on the couch.)

 



 

The monogram was the jumping off project.

I LOVE how it turned out.

(May need to make a BGB.)

 

 

Oh, and the before-mentioned Birthday Boy!

 



 

He was a great sport!

 



 

We tore ourselves away from Hobby Lobby,

and spray paint fumes,

and ventured out on a BEAUTIFUL hike.

What a view!

 

I may have been stringing a garland during soccer,

but I have perfected my multi-tasking.

Lexi was a beast on the field!

 



 

One last picture,

Chloe poses in front of the portrait I did eleven years ago.

My how time flies.

***

What a fun getaway for me.

Time with dear friends AND crafting!

Thank you Hall family.

Sand and surf adventures in Newport

 We escaped to the coast last weekend.

This friendly sea lion was there to welcome us.

 Our crew being entertained in Newport.

AAARRR AAARRR AAARRR!

 Henley scopes out all the fishing boats on Newport Bay.

 I love the JOY in this picture SO much.

 Love these sillies.

 Papa escorts Holden, Henley escorts Lily.

 Strollin' on the dock of the Bay.

 Holden on the verge of a nap. 

Hold on tight Papa.

 Cutest trolls in town.

 Henley was thorough in his hunt for snacks.

He knows mommy always packs snacks when we hit the beach.

Oops. 

I forgot this time!

 Holden's Frisbee skills were remarkable!

 Daddy was just a LITTLE proud.

 Such a special moment.

 Dig it, dig it, dig it!

 Nana got in on the action. 

 Stunt man READY, SET....

 GO!

 Curls and dimples.

 Hazel worked hard...

and then there was the big reveal.

Awe.

 Beach crew.

 Henley was in the picture at least!

Character.

 RUNNING to the Marine Science Museum.

 Sashay the Octopus.

After a study in erosion,

we all hit the road to go back home.

Thanks for a great weekend away Nana & Papa.

xoxo