Hike to Waterfall--Topanga Stage Park

Austin and Rachel invited me to a hike at Topanga State Park.

We started at the top of the Park, and hiked down the Santa Ynez trail into a canyon.

Then, off the "maintained" trail, to the follow the creek bed up to the waterfall.

At the waterfall.

My payoff: wading into the pool and standing at the bottom of the waterfall.

Time to hike back up to the top!
It was a good day for reptiles and amphibians: we saw big lizards, salamanders swimming in the creek, and a hippity-hoppity frog at the waterfall.

Just about 5 miles round-trip.
Great hiking buddies!

My Favorite Sweater

Mom hand-knitted this sweater in 1981, from Italian wool I brought back from my mission. Of course, its my favorite sweater! Recently I noticed a little fraying along the cuffs. So I returned the sweater to its creator, who lovingly repaired it, good as new!

Thanks for all the love that went into this sweater! I get compliments almost every time I wear it. Those who know about knitting stop me to oooh and ahhh.

Here's the repair on the cuffs: all the fraying is gone and it looks better than new!

Here's another "import" to our family, and we have Austin to thank for this one!

Out and About at Whiting Ranch

Stephen and I enjoyed a short hike at Whiting Ranch on Saturday morning.
The air was freshly washed by the previous night's rain.
Sunshine and dew brought out cottontails, ravens, deer and many birds.
Blackened branches bracket the trail.

New growth along the trail, from the rains

Thanks Stephen for the nice hike!

Valentine's Day 2010

Happy Valentine's Day, Robyn...
Robyn doesn't feel much like celebrating today, since she is just home from St. Joseph's Hospital, recuperating from knee replacement surgery.

A few of the many, many bouquets of flowers sent to cheer up Robyn.
Thanks to all, for your love and support.

Robyn's famous smile, from last week, which we hope will soon return.

We love Robyn. We "kneed" her around here!

More on Elder Robinson's Return

Some more photos of Stephen, just back from his mission...

Welcome home cake on Stephen's first Sunday home, from Sister Paulette Tagaloa

Part of the welcoming committee
We missed Christian, Katie and Dylan who had colds!

All smiles to be home

Hooray for Robyn and Stephen

Spring Formal at THHS

Ryan's first formal dance...
and possibly the last time I am allowed to take pictures at the pre-dance send-off...

The guys, checking out their formal duds

Waiting for their dates

A partial gathering of the group, looking for the new arrivals

Welcome Home, Elder Robinson

We welcome home Elder Robinson!

I was able to travel to Spokane, Washington for Elder Robinson's release.
Taken at the Mission Home.

Sister Jacqui and President Mark Palmer, congratulating Elder Robinson on his honorable release.

Part of the Welcome home party at the John Wayne Airport. Not pictured: Erik & Jane; Christian, Dylan....