Space Weather & Conejo Valley Botanical Garden

We headed to the Natural History Museum for an afternoon. We chanced upon the day that the solar flares were causing the auroras to move farther south.  The volunteer on duty in the space area is a solar specialist so he taught us all kind of fun things.

Finding their weight on diffferent planets

 

The bird collection had been closed since we joined the museum in January. It finally opened after renovations. Amelia was in heaven.

 

Later that evening we researched space weather.

For Mother's Day, I requested that we drive to the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden for the afternoon. We hiked around the different gardens, learning more about California habitats.

 

 

 

Stopping for gorgeous views

 

 

 

Fishing Adventures with Henry, George, & Arthur

We were beyond thrilled when some NJ friends decided to spend their one big trip for the year flying to CA! They arrived late on Sunday evening; we had dinner and then immediately took them to the Douglass Preserve to watch the sunset.

Playing leap frog in the dust

We started Monday at Stearn's Wharf to buy fishing gear. Steve is an avid fisherman; he and his boys couldn't wait to teach us.

While the younger kids were enjoying fishing, Amelia and Henry went into the Sea Center.

Picnic lunch at East Beach.

Then more fishing at the Harbor & Breakwater. Patrick joined us for the afternoon.

 

Henry geocached while George went straight to crabbing for bait.

 

We spent hours on the breakwater - fishing, digging for crabs, watching the harbor seals, building forts in the sand, etc. The kids really enjoyed learning how to fish.

 

 

 

 

We ended Monday by tide pooling at Hendry's beach.

 

On Tuesday we headed to El Capitan State Beach intending to walk the trails and beach, but we had our tide schedule off. The high tide kept us near the bluffs, building forts and playing in the ocean.

 

We headed to Goleta Pier for afternoon fishing. Colleen used the metal detector for a bit.

 

 

Then we tide pooled some more at Hendry's.

 

Patrick had to leave for Texas on our last day with friends; we started out by showing them the rose garden and mission.

They love to talk flowers.

Sharing one of more interesting geocaches found in Santa Barbara

 

Then we went to the Courthouse and went to the top of the clock tower.

We ended up there at the same time as another clock room tour.

 

Lunch at Hendry's Boathouse

These friends talk often via FaceTime, but it's so special to watch them hang out in person.

The kids voted to fish at Goleta Pier for their last afternoon together.

 

George caught and landed 2 fish! (Austin caught one, but it fell off as he raised it to the pier.)

 

Steve & Michelle put the fish on ice while we drove to Devereaux Beach for some serious tide pooling before dinner.

 

 

 

We took the fish home, and Steve showed the kids how to clean them for cooking. It was like a homeschool science demonstration! The kids were so into the entire dissection. Amelia put on gloves and helped.

 

Dinner!

There was just enough for everyone to have a taste with dinner; and it was enjoyed by all.

 

In between all the fishing fun and activities were many hours of games and sillyness, deep conversations, renewed connections, and lots of laughter. We are so grateful to have friends like these to walk alongside us, despite the distance. Their transparency and depth is a treasure.