4-20-17

Today was a BIG family gathering at Abbie & Mike's home. It was a perfect night for visiting outside, swimming & playing games.

Mike grilled up some amazing hamburgers! They live on Bronco Trail (thus the cute sign made by Nancy).

The pool was a big hit with the kids!

For the adults too...especially if you're from Minnesota!

Thanks to Curt, Nancy, Abbie & Mike for hosting such a wonderful party!

4-19-17

While our midwest family was flying to Arizona to visit us...

our California family was off on their own BIG adventure.

That's their rental motor home behind them.

They took it on the road & drove north of San Francisco.

They had cool camping spots along the way.

With creeks & places to explore.

Love this pic of Ro & Ree cruising on their bikes.

Can you see R & M in the lava caves?!

I borrowed these pics from Mary-Mia. :-) Thanks for taking us along on your fun trip via Facebook. Anxious to hear more about your trip when we see you next week!

4-18-17

The Hoegh family had a great time at the water park today!

In the meantime more family arrived in Phoenix...

Mom is back in Arizona! She is staying with us & was happy to hold baby Ellie.

My brother, Curt arrived today too. He also was thrilled to hold his grand-daughter.

Curt & Nancy's other grandchild; Hudson flew in with his mom, Kim from Denver.

Great-nephew Nash arrived from Minneapolis.

Here's Nash's sister, Nellie, mom Logan and dad, Kyle (Owen's brother).

Greta was happy to see her 1st cousins & meet some new baby cousins.

4-17-17

Up to the top of Camelback Mountain we go; Carol, Bob, Mike, me & the Hoegh family.

3 year old Greta on Leah's back.

The HOEGH family made it to the top!

10 year old Clara, 8 year old Elsie & 5 year old Ada climbed it ON THEIR OWN!

Impressive!

We ALL made it to the top! Feeling strong. :-)

Greta & daddy's summit shot.

On the way down we took a short detour to see the little cave.

This trail is rated extremely difficult! These girls are & should be proud of their toughness. Congratulations! It was a fun morning for everyone.

4-16-17

Happy Easter!!!

Sisters: Greta (top pic), Ada, Elsie & Clara.

Owen giving Greta a boost to get a green egg.

Our nephew Owen, his wife Leah & their 4 girls will be here for the week. They're from Byron, Minnesota. They attended HOPE church for Easter Service with Bob and I. And we all went to Carol & Paul's for lunch & an egg hunt afterwards.

LOVE this precious photo of Carol reading Easter books to the girls. So sweet!

Photo by Leah. 

4-15-17

One more post from San Luis Obispo...

Found a fun bar for our last night in town.

They had a cool outdoor dance floor & great tunes.

"Dancing Queen!"

Thanks for the awesome weekend, Marsha & Shelly!

A great start to my birthday month. :-)

4-14-17

From one beach to another. 4/1 continued...

After oysters at Cayucos Beach we showered, shopped & drove to Avila Beach. Found a quiet spot on the sand to enjoy cheese, crackers & wine.

We arrived in time for sunset & toasted my birthday month!

Today was April 1st!

It's no April Fool's joke that I'm turning 50 this year.

Just checking to see if I can still jump at this age.

I join the 50's Club with these 2 beautiful friends!

50 & fabulous! Hmmm...

50 & fun (hope so)

50 & fit (kind of)

50 & frank (usually)

50 & funny (I try)

50 & ???

PS: Posting 2 pics of this lifeguard stand because 1) It's a pretty sunset shot 2) The lifeguard stand was painted by Colleen Gnos; a San Luis Obispo artist. Colleen's artwork is also on the wine bottles of Kelsey Winery (where the peacocks live).

We were told that Colleen's paintings are inspired by the history of Avila Beach. Many of her paintings reflect old black & white photos - some of her great-grandfather who was a deep sea diver. I thought her talent was impressive.

4-13-17

Saturday (4/1) in SLO started out much like Friday (3/31) & Sunday (4/2); A good cup of coffee downtown followed by a scenic hike in the green hills. This trail was in Montana de Oro. "Gorgy!"

There were trails all over this beautiful state park. Determined runners were pushing themselves in a local race while mountain bikers & horse riders were more relaxed (like our approach to the morning).

A photo here.

A photo there.

We took photos everywhere. :-)

This is Cayucos Beach north of the Montana de Oro. After the hike we drove up the coast a little & stopped here for lunch. Oysters on the half shell were great!

4-12-17

I've always liked this peacock painting in our piano room...

so when Shelly, Marsha & I saw a real peacock at the Kelsey Winery I was excited!

But we were all fascinated when the peacocks started showing off their beautiful feathers. There were about 7 males in the area that were strutting their stuff.

Feathers were A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Here's a little video of the impressive production.

Besides the wine & peacocks we met the Harley dog of SLO at Kelsey Farm! Awww.

4-11-17

Girl's California weekend!

Shelly, Marsha & I flew to San Luis Obispo for some pre-birthday celebrating (me), wedding celebrating (Marsha) & best friends celebrating (us).

Marsha lives in Bend, Oregon & Shelly lives locally in Scottsdale.

We all met in 1993 while playing sand volleyball at The Pointe. The 3 of us would waterski together, play volleyball, hike, bike & adventure weekly. 

Pic: Top of Bishop Peak; San Luis Obispo.

 Bishop Peak was a great Friday morning hike. 

Thursday night we briefly explored the gum wall (ewwww) but thoroughly enjoyed SLO's famous farmer's market. We had rented a charming little house in downtown San Luis Obispo March 30-April 2nd. Walking distance to shops, cafe's & coffee was perfect.

This was our 2nd hike on Friday. Beyond the yellow flowers can you see the steep trail?

Here's a photo from the top of the trail looking back at the ocean & Marsha hiking up.

The 4 mile trek was perfect. Amazing views of the ocean!

And gorgeous flowers!

Blue skies with perfect temps too.

More beautiful flowers!

They covered a whole hillside.

A stop at Avila Beach for some sun & lunch.

And a stop at Kelsey Farms for wine tasting. 

Other Friday sightseeing included the very pink Madonna Inn (above), Apple Farm for pie & Scout Coffee for lattes. Supper was at Luna Red in downtown SLO. A fun day!