Back To The Routine

Life goes on, and we're back to school and routines. I snapped this photo of the girls doing their homework in the living room. It's one of those shots that years later we'll look back at and remember how it was. Homework done wherever it's convenient, clutter lying about, Christmas decor still up. It's life, and I love it.  The other thing I love about this time of year are the beautiful sunsets. I think wind and rain helps visibility. Just a guess. Whatever it is I'll take it. These beautiful skies fill me with joy.

Random November, Nature and Hiking

 Sariah on a rare morning walk to the park.

 Jenna invited Abbey to a youth activity.

 While helping a momma with a new baby, Heather had a cuddle moment with the toddler that was too cute for me not to secretly photograph during church.

 Heat and moisture have caused our Plumeria tree to bloom as well treating us to some spectacular sunsets.

Kelly (just turned 51) and his friend, Smith, hiked Iron Mountain on November 22. Why? Because Kelly is over 50 and wanted to prove that he could. It's only a 7 mile hike with a slight elevation gain (7,000 feet!!!!).  A difficult hike, but worth it. And yes, he's still got it. 

Cold and Sunsets

Cold weather, but beautiful sunsets.  Can't ever get enough.

The Heavens

Sunset on 12/2

 Sunrise on 12/3

 The moon on 12/16

 Sunrise on 12/17

 Morning storm clouds on 12/19

The heavens required a post of their own this month.  Sunsets, sunrises, full moons and storm clouds were simply amazing this month.  

Surprise Sunset

I met Kelly and the girls at Alerto's on Thursday night.  It rained while we were there, and when we left, the sky was glowing behind the buildings (1).  Picture 2 is coming over the freeway, and picture 3 is on our street.  I need to learn how to use my camera settings for these celestial events because they are WAY more beautiful in person.

One Day of Weather

Today was a fun weather day for someone who loves the artwork of the heavens.  The first picture shows the sunrise in the morning; the second shows the rain as I waited in the drive-through line at In-N-Out around noon; and the rest of the pictures show the sky as the afternoon and twilight passed.  The last two pictures show what the sunset was illuminating where it was setting in the west, and the last picture shows the view as I simply turned around to show what it was was illuminated to the east.  That eastern view is the one we have out our dining area window and front door, and whenever we see the pinks and oranges, we know that something really beautiful is happening with our sunset.  Have I mentioned that I love this?  I'm sure I have.  Once or twice. 

December Weather

After a warm fall, it was odd to see the cool temperatures set in.  We had fog and decreasing temperatures at the month went on.  One morning Heather and I had to scrape our windshield which was covered in ice!  Ice on windshields in Southern CA?!?  We've had some remarkable sunsets to go with our cooler temperatures, rain, wind and clear skies.

 12/10

 12/14

12/18

 12/19

 12/20

 12/20

 12/21

Random Nature

This past Friday afternoon, we heard and odd pitter pattering and went out to investigate. We found rain falling in our sunny front yard (click on picture to view raindrops).

And, of course, there was running with abandon through said rain.

A couple of hours later at soccer practice, we saw this...

and by the time we drove to dinner, we saw this...

What a treat!

Sunset After Rain

Sunset last night was glorious. It had rained for three days. The clouds were moving swiftly, some still dark with the moisture they carried. The three-demensional picture was exquisite. Is there anything more beautiful than the masterpiece of a sunset? I don't know if I'll ever get over the fact that I can walk out to my front yard and view this any time I wish. My girls are now sunset watchers. I love it when they come running in to tell me that I have to come see the sunset. Isn't that awesome?