More photos from our journey back home. In Utah and Wyoming it was getting cold, they already had snow. It was awesome to enjoy the beautiful fall colors as well.

On the road again!

Oh how we couldn't wait to get on the road again.....back HOME.  We are sad to leave and are looking forward to our journey home. It is unfortunate that we were unable to go to some of the National Parks we wanted to visit during our trip, we never would have thought they would be closed.  We had a wonderful trip and it was so wonderful to be able to spend so much time with our California family. Please enjoy these photos of our journey home. The photos below were taken in Nevada and Arizona.

Santa Barbara Pier

We spent the day enjoying the sunshine and the Santa Barbara Pier, and the infamous State Street.  Our friend Carolyn took us to the Granada Theatre on State street to see the Spanish Flaminco dance the night we arrived in Ojai, so it was nice to see it during the day.  

The dolphin fountain at the entrance to the pier (below).

 Larry and the girls overlooking the Pacific.

 Alyssa and the girls overlooking the ocean.

 As promised......a photo of the hot springs at Matilija canyon. We have spent a lot of time here in the last few weeks.  Incredible healing springs, what a blessing to be able to share this with the girls. Sulfur smell aside, they did enjoy the hot springs. Camping here several nights, we didn't encounter much wildlife, (maybe that was a good thing). We saw a lot of lizards, one snake, lots of bugs, (Megan can attest to this as she looks like she has chicken pox), and many little fish. There was a spot at the end of a make shift dock where we could dangle our feet in the water and the minnows would nibble on our feet. COOLEST feeling!

The other Aunt Nancy

Girl time with Nancy.....we spent a week with Nancy in Upland. We enjoyed entertainment from the girls while they dressed up in all of Nancy's Halloween costumes, discovered the biggest pancake we have ever seen, and survived LA's union station...twice. Many tears were shed when we had to say goodbye to Nancy and Chris.

Ojai's Newest Residents

So after a glorious week at the beaches of Del Mar, we have found our way to Ojai.  We were quickly swept away to Santa Barbara to enjoy the Spanish Heritage Flaminco dance show with Ms. Carolyn while Larry and Tom enjoyed a little bro-mance.  Larry has taken us to one of the most beautiful places on earth, the Matilija Hot Springs (pictures to follow). The springs are currently closed to the public because the land had been shown much disrespect and disregard to the sacred and healing powers it offers.  Larry discovered a way for us to be of service in being land stewards so that he could share this serene place he has enjoyed in the past. After a few days at the springs (and many bug bites later), the girls took the train back towards L.A. to visit Nancy again while Larry continues to enjoy Ojai.  L.A.'s union station was a great lesson in culture for us all. Please enjoy these photos from the train. Please keep in mind not all 13 y/o girls like the moment captured on film.

Boogie Boarding

Larry, Megan, & Olive boogie boarding today. While I was filming a wave washed up a Tiger shark right next to my feet. We are having a blast and have so much gratitude for this opportunity and for the wonderful weather today!

The Beach!

We have made it to the beach and are staying in a beautiful beach house thanks to our friend Kristin! It is truly gorgeous here! The smell of the beach, the warmth of the sun, and the breathtaking views are priceless! Below are some photos of the girls enjoying the beach and Olive's new found love of boogie boarding.

California Fun

 Nancy and Chris took the girls to the Pirates dinner show. They asked Olive to go up on stage 3 times, but she was too scared of the captain, she politely declined.

 This is the dog from the movie "Marley and Me" we got to meet him after the show at Universal.

 The Minion's were taking over the park.

Lots of excitement and new things to see here, learning and seeing a lot! Having a blast, missing our other friends and family!

Vegas Baby!

Las Vegas Baby! After leaving Zion, we drove a couple short hours to arrive in Las Vegas! This was the first time Larry and the girls had been there, so needless to say there was a LOT for them to see! We saw many celebrities to include; Pee Wee Herman, Iron Man, Mario & Luigi, Showgirls, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Star Wars characters, and a few more, (all street performers dressed up to make a living). 

At Harrah's, Olivia is eating some cotton candy for dessert. We definitely did a food tour of Vegas after eating camp food for the past week! No rules for the girls, they could eat what they wanted...a well deserved reward for their awesome behavior and patience with all the driving we had done up this point!

 Megan at Harrah's in Las Vegas eating creme brulee and a chocolate mousse cup. There were so many desserts to choose from it was difficult to narrow down the choices.

The Paris hotel in Las Vegas where we ate dinner.

Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, Burgr at Planet Hollywood. Next stop.....California!

Zion National Park, Utah

 After the Arches, we visited Zion National Park in Utah. It was absolutely breathtaking!  We did some hiking and camping and learned about the history of the park and its current and past inhabitants. We also went on a guided tour of the park with a park ranger (from Wisconsin).

 Megan and Larry crossing the chilly Virgin River returning from the Narrows of the canyon.

                                          Olive led us along the Emerald Pools trail, this is the view of the first pool. Typically the color is more intensely green from the moss that grows in the pool, however with the recent rains and flash flooding the water is a little cloudy. At the top of this trail we were able to stand behind multiple waterfalls.

 A nice family photo with the beautiful backdrop of Zion.

                                          We ran into some deer in the campsite next to us! We were able to get very close! These mule deer a little bit tamed by all the visitors to the campground. We camped at Zion for 3 days and met a wonderful couple from England, Elliott and Helen. I have to tell you, Elliott Forrester makes the BEST toasted marshmallows we have ever tasted! Thanks for sharing!

More of the deer family we encountered Sunday morning.

We have made it to California! Hooray! We will post about our many adventures over the last few days tomorrow.

Utah

Wednesday: We went to Arches National Park and drove along and camped on the bank of the Colorado River. We went hiking by the arches and they were awesome! We got to climb them and it was a lot of fun (it was really high though). We camped along the Colorado River where Megan and Dad met a tiny little critter at the bonfire. I guess he must have gotten lonely after they went to bed because Dad spend most of the night trying to get him out of our food! So nobody slept too well.  I am glad mom and I were on the top bunk!

Today: We went to Zion National Park and we will be here camping and exploring for the next few days! There are so many people at this mark, and a lot of Europeans. I learned a few Dutch words today.

Thats all for now, time to get to bed so I can have more fun tomorrow! *Olive

More Colorado

After a night of restless sleep last night, we woke up this morning and decided we would drive for a short time today then get a hotel room to get some warmth, rest, and relaxation.  About 10 minutes into our journey this morning, we had to pull over and change a tire on the bus, these things happen. After about 20 minutes we were in route again. Essentially our entire drive today was down the mountains, which was a welcomed ride!  We arrived in Grand Junction, CO at about 11 and met a friend for lunch and checked right into the hotel across the street for some much needed rest.  We will post some of our go pro video of the mountains soon. These photos do not do any justice to the majesty and beauty of this landscape. The girls are being incredible travelers and from time to time we are hearing giggling from the back seat!

Today was a good day. At the near end of it there was a big hail storm near the mountains. It was pea sized, but when it hit the bus it sounded golf sized! I didn't have a favorite part of the day because it was all fun! tonight we will end up in Vail, CO.