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.