“If you don’t want regrets at the end of your life, have no regrets at the end of your day.”- Regina Brett
I went to college to become a psychiatrist. But all the studying and time away from my children made me cry so much. I was depressed. I felt bad every night. I hugged and kissed my children when I’d return at 10pm from college. Kids were already in bed and asleep. I’m so extremely glad that God closed that door. We wouldn’t have the lifestyle we have today if he hadn’t. Every once in a while my children remember how awful it was when I was going to college. They tell me how much they love me being home with them all day long. Whatever you feel bad about at the end of the day, if you can change it, please do.
Monarchs for Kids at Ardenwood Historic Farm
“It is not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.”- L.R. Knost
Monarchs at Ardenwood H.F is a activity we visited multiple times. It begins with discussions about Monarch Butterflies which is very informative. Then we placed seeds into mud balls so that we could take home and plant our own flowers that attract butterflies. We then got to see live examples of the Monarch lifecycle. It had been raining hard before we arrived and when we went on a walk around to search for Monarchs we found one on the floor which looked dead. However, it was still alive so we gently put it back on the tree. If your lucky you could find clusters of butterflies which form to protect themselves from the wind. This year there wasn’t many butterflies because of the recent fires in California.
Winter Blooms at Black Diamond
This was the first hike that we did without my husband or son. I don’t like to drive so unless I have to take kids to youth group, dentist, hospital, store, or visit my family I won’t take the opportunity to get out. Sure we run and cycle without my husband but we don’t drive for that. We just walk out our door. So this hike was a very special one for me because I overcame my fear. We had so much fun hiking. Our boots were covered in mud. The green hills during this time of year in California are so beautiful. We didn’t see too much blooms but enjoyed spending time outdoors.
Valley of the Newts Walk at Las Trampas Regional Park
Hubby worked 13 days straight (even on his birthday) and then he had one day off before going back to work. On his day off he chose to take the children and I on a wet and muddy adventure to learn more about the California Newts. He makes us feel so loved and important. Remember that it is how we make those we love feel when we are with them that matters.
Valley of the Newts Walk at Las Trampas R.W was an interesting experience. We came to this walk very unprepared for mud. If we had boots this would have been a much more pleasant experience but despite that this is totally worth the time. We saw Newts in both aquatic and land stages which made this a very memorable experience. The only other time we have seen Newts was in a extremely intense rainfall. So not having intense wind hitting us while looking at these wonderful creatures made this more pleasant.
Night Hike
Super Bowl Owl Sunday at Black Diamond R.P was a pleasant experience. There was no one there except for us and the park rangers which allowed for more specific conversations. The guides were very informative and the walk was very pleasant. We did not see any owls but that didn’t take away from the experience in any way. This is definitely one of the better experiences we have had with these types of activities.
Have you ever walked in the dark? We started our hike while it was still light outdoors. Our eyes adjusted to the dark. It was an incredible and peaceful experience. We only turned on our headlights as we got closer to the parking lot.
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Cristina Petrini
Memories that seem to come out of a movie as long as they are beautiful, but the best thing is actually that they are real. Beautiful experience.
Stacie
We love to hike no matter what time of year it is. Down here in Georgia, it’s rarely ever too cold to get out for a good walk in the woods.
Candace Moczarski
What a great exploration my kids would love when they get older. Plus your family is so beautiful stay well
Chad
It is amazing how much you love the outdoor, i am the same. Great way to spend quality time with the family. Your pictures are awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
I have not gone hiking in the longest time due to health concerns. I hope I would be well enough to enjoy the beuaty of nature.
Becca Wilson
This looks like it would be such an amazing adventure together. There are so many beautiful things in nature to see.
Julianne Robinson
You live the most beautiful life for your children, I wish I could do the same! I am envious of your adventures and it just shows me I need to do more to make sure my little one is involved with outdoor activities. Thank you for sharing these beautiful moments and photos!
Yeah Lifestyle
It looks like there are some fantastic places to hike in East Bay. Learning more about newts sounds so interesting
Dominique Brooks
What a lovely family! You all seem to enjoy hiking and have explored some really cool places in California! Thank you for sharing a bit of your life in this post!
Catherine Santiago Jose
Wow, that was really a fun and an amazing adventure to do with your kids. I am pretty sure that they will not forget these memories.
Romeo
Such a fun and great experience you had. So many great things to do and see there. What a brilliant place to bring the whole family
Catherine Pappas
I love your photos! Looks like such a great day trip..hiking is so much fun especially with the family.
Katie
This looks like a fun family walk! It always seems extra fun to explore in the rain.
Jackline A
Wow your adventures are super impressive and the scenery is gorgeous. Keep up with the beautiful content.
natalie
Love this post especially with the quotes. We love going for a family walk and spending some time together.