Camping at Big Sur

A couple weekends ago we went camping with our friends at Big Sur. It was quiet the drive, but a pretty one along the California Coast. We stopped to see the elephant seals on our way. It was so windy out, but well worth the stop they were really cool to see. Then we missed the campsite by 40 miles which was an extra 2 hours on the windy coast roads. Not so fun, but we finally made it.

It was so much fun to camp again. I have so many childhood memories camping and Johnathan and I have only been camping together once shortly after we were married. There is nothing like being out in nature and enjoying it's beauty. Kieran and Rhys loved it and had so much fun. They are such boys with their rocks and sticks and dirt. Kieran slept with his pockets full of rocks the first night we were there. And he was so excited to sleep in a tent in his own little sleeping bag.
While keeping himself busy in the car with pipe cleaners he fell fast asleep.

Lyla and Kieran



The elephant seals.
Having fun with glow sticks by the fire.
Kieran, Asher, Jude, and Brynn.
Lyla.




Rhys and Atticus.



Kieran helping Adrienne with the dishes.
We went to Hearst Castle which was amazing and beautiful. Really cool to see. Kind of hard to see everything and listen to the tour with antsy toddler and a bored little boy. But I am glad we got to see it.









This was his indoor pool under his tennis court. And it was amazing in person.


Each family took a night cooking. We made dutch oven chicken and dumpling that turned out delicous.



Kieran and Asher in their too small one piece jammies. They both love them, it was hilarious.Little cute Maybe the Candell's dog. She is such a princess it is so funny.



Their will definely be more camping trips for us in the future. Especially since the boys had so much fun.

Granny and Grandpa Brandon visit

Johnathan's parents came down labor day weekend to visit. We had so much fun with them as usual and wish we could see them more often.

Shortly after they got here we headed down to the Newport Harbor for a duffy cruise around the harbor. Very pretty view, and you get to drive the boat yourself.




Rhys as cute as he may be was very difficult on the boat. He wouldn't have anything to do with his life jacket, wouldn't sit still for a second, and thought it would be fun to jump in the water.
After the boat cruise went to dinner. They had a balloon guy stuff for guests. It was so funny I asked Kieran what he wanted the guy to make his and without hesitation said a tree with a monkey. I was thinking umm OK but I don't think he could make it, and sure enough he made just that.
The next day we headed to the Venice Canals in Venice beach. We have always heard about them and drove past one night but wanted to go see them up close. They were beautiful. How lovely it would be to have a house along the cute canals and have a little kayak. (Well if you didn't have small kids I suppose)


check of the size of those dahlias! WOW! Amazing! One of my favorite flowers.

We stumbled across a little park with ducks on our walk.

The last day we went whale watching in Palos Verdes and to the Long Beach Harbor/The Queen Mary.


We roasted marshmallows in our fire pit. (I can't tell you how many smores I have had this last month between beach bon fires, and our fire pit, and camping.....too many)

Thanks for coming and visiting we all had so much fun. Kieran was especially sad to see Granny and Grandpa leave.