Dylan's Second Birthday

Birthday time at the Larsen's

Katie brings out Dylan's very own birthday cake.

Cousin Jaden shows Dylan how its done:
Forks and fingers not needed!

Birthday Pix

Thanks to my family for another wonderful birthday!*

*Can you spot my favorite "cuties" in the picture?
[There are two types, one in the box and one on my left!]

Priests and Laurels' Formal

Old Hollywood was the theme for Ryan's semi-formal dance. Amy King was his date.

Chillin before the dance.

The Chairman and his Board

Mugging it up on the red carpet.

2 couples

Group Shot at the Carroll's before the dance.

Ryan and Amy

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!