nature lovers

it's no secret my girls are little nature lovers. and although i would like to claim the reason for their passion, it undoubtedly was inherited from their papa. i hear when he was a boy, he was often inspecting tide pools, identifying bird calls and exploring everything outdoors. today he still prefers to be out in the ocean or the mountains. the girls are right there behind him soaking up any bit of knowledge they can. thank goodness they are half d. we camped when i was a kid, but it was never my favorite activity. i have definitely grown to love the outdoors, partly due to my husband's love. we have been having a great time exploring together as a family. here are a couple of our summer adventures to share. 

for father's day, diegas requested to go north (only about 40 minutes from home) to figueroa mountain, for a picnic. we picked up some delicious food found a clearing and sat together. we listened to the sound of the grass moving in the breeze, the birds calling over head and each other as we talked about the various sights and sounds. it was gorgeous and good for our souls.

a month later we joined diegas' family on a camping trip (about 30 minutes south) at lake casitas. the fun thing about this location is the small water park. the kids had a blast and the adults did too. evia's most recent request to camp for 4 nights. she is set on FOUR nights in the tent. not sure mama can handle dirty feet that many days in a row, but i'm working on it. 

the drive into the valley from sb

figueroa mountain road

our sweet little picnic spot, amazing views

in his element

 

evia and isei, a cousin evening exploration

these little ladies are two peas in a pod....little rascals to the fullest

 

a couple years apart but they have so much fun together

washtub for baby

our camp

 

fishing in their jams. gotta get up bright and early when you fish!

these girls both got poles for their excursions with papa. last week evia caught a mackerel and mila an octopus off the pier in sb

evening dock fishing