Welp, most of CA shut down again so we’ve been mostly hanging around our ‘hood.

Beholden to one of our neighbors who has been inviting E to play in their new backyard playground. We share the same views on the virus so we felt it was fairly safe, staying outdoors.

Nice unexpected dazzle in the sky. The town bordering us put off anniversary fireworks.

Crossing off Peak #3 (North Fortuna) of the 5 Peak Challenge on the trails around our place.

Peak #4 of 5 (South Fortuna). This one was STEEP With lots of climbing. Mr. E has seriously become a billy goat… leaving Mommy and Daddy in the dust! Oh, just waiting patiently at the top for you guys. :P

Obligatory pic at each ascent. We’ve got 1 to go — the longest and tallest one. SOON! :)

Eh, is it really December? This Santa-dude is ready… But who knows if Santa Claus is coming to town this year. ;D

See if you get the title after going through this post. :)

These boys were pretty excited about stopping by Butt Cheek Rock on the trail up to Potato Chip Rock. (Potty humor going strong at this age… does it lessen? :|)

We opted for the short route via the fire road, which was still quite some elevation.

Plenty of stops and silly rough housing.

Once we got up to the top, E was the only one willing to get on the chip. :P That in itself was a feat as we had to scramble rocks and scooch carefully to the edge.

Mama convinced him to stand… if only for a sec.

Then H decided he wanted to give it a go. Almost chickened out but he braved through!

Daddy and Uncle Scott have become good buddies with lots of similar interests and topics of discussion.

H sat up. :) But didn’t dare to look down.

Another beautiful hike in the books topped off with a luscious sunset.

On Thanksgiving Day, we drove out to Palomar Mountain. Good to see some tall trees! Where is Mr. E?

The amber glow that will forever hold our hearts captive.

It was mighty peaceful up there with hardly a soul. Perfect for some contemplation, meditation, reflection and gratitude despite all that’s going on in the world…

After sunset, we drove up even higher close to the observatory and did some star gazing. It was freeeezing but being reminded again how small we are in this vast universe is always grounding. We had a simple meal at home afterwards and the turkey bird did not make an appearance this year. :) Actually, he’s been missing for a few years already? :D

Black Friday was #optoutside day!

E’s longest hike ever w/ trusty hiking partner, J.

To the eagle! Totally worth it…

Snack break and feeling accomplished.

Playing in the crevices.

Daddy was happy to be hiking on the PCT. We’ll be back to do more on these trails. :)

With daylight savings, it’s been the ideal time of year to catch our favorite Cali sunsets.

Love that these two are growing up to appreciate the natural things in life.

Whale searching… Didn’t spot any this time around.

Daddy/Son silhouettes.

One of our beloved pod fams through this dark tunnel the past few months. Truly cherish them as they’ve become like our family here.

Do ya know how blessed you are to grow up in this midst of this beauty? :)

Leaving their signatures in the sand.

Zen moments…

Inhale, exhale. It’s going to be okay.

Recycled an old costume for his Zoom Halloween “parade”. Still fits!

Last minute change of plans after we were greeted with pouring rain when we reached a trailhead. We need the rain but that day of all days?!

Turned out to be a nice day in a park we’ve only explored once…

Short(er) hike to amazing views.

Always mesmerized by that last sliver slipping into the horizon…

We weren’t too far from Tacos El Gordo so we swung by as the last time we were here, the lines were insane.

Authentic and sorta lived up to the hype?

E has been taking tennis lessons for a few months. Ranked as a top activity for social distancing, lol.

Out on Coronado Island for fall family shoot…

This’ll likely be his sole photo with Santa this year. :)

Takeout from various restos on the pier.

Some of our own skyline shots of this city we adore… ;)