Birthday Party Weekend Extravaganza

 

While Michelle was in town, the kids were invited to four different birthday parties. Patrick managed to get all the kids where they needed to go; they all had a lot of fun.

Rylie's Peter Rabbit-themed party

Judah's hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves party

Austin also attended a beach party for Roko's birthday later that evening, but we did not have any photos of it.

Kiara's butterfly-themed party at the Natural History Museum

Michelle Comes to Visit

Michelle came from NJ to visit for a couple of days. Patrick was able to manage all the kid commitments so we had time to adventure together. We started with a very long walk at the Carpenteria Nature Preserve to see the remaining harbor seals. We also took a precarious hike down to the beach.

Stop at the Polo club

The next day we hiked around the botanical gardens.

Picnic lunch at the Rose Gardens.

We stopped by to see the butterflies at the Natural History Museum.

A lot of beach walking. My heart was so so full.

At church on Sunday, Austin pointed out a bee colony swarming.

After church we took Michelle down to the harbor.

Then Patrick treated us to a ride on the Little Toot which the kids had wanted to try since we moved here.

On her final night, we took a hike up to the Douglas Preserve to watch sunset.

 

Donna, Ben, & William Visit

Donna, Ben, & William made it to Southern California as part of their extensive road trip to US National Parks. We were unable to go to the Channel Islands NP with them, but we met them at their first campsite in Carpenteria for some tide pooling and a long beach walk.

 

Back at their campsite, our kids were fascinated by the RV and trailer. Austin volunteered to pull the trailer to the back of the RV for hook up.

Ben gave the kids a ride in the RV.

Once they were settled in their new campground, they spent a few days with us. These two were best buds.

 

Harbor walk

 

Some beach time

They had recently purchased a slushie maker and used it daily at our house.

We headed to the chalk art festival at the Mission & Rose Garden.

 

Auburn chalk art!

More games and time together