Happy Campers

Last weekend we had a great time camping at Dogwood campground in Lake Arrowhead with our fellowship class from church.  There was something like 10 families and around 23 kids!  Let’s just say there was a lot of dirt and marshmallows involved… 

On the way up… Jackson and his buddy Edward

 

Boys and their sticks!  (We had been there less than 30 minutes and there was already some form of dirt on Jackson’s forehead…)

The view on our Saturday morning hike:

My boys on the hike

At Lake Gregory on Saturday afternoon, the boys rented a paddle board

One of the rare, quiet moments on the trip

New House Guests

Typically, we do not make our house guests sleep outside.  But these are not typical house guests (or maybe the proper term would be porch guests)…

We enjoyed the days of watching this mother dove make her nest in our Staghorn fern and sit on the eggs.  

 

Then the babies finally hatched!  Now we see the mom swooping in several times a day to feed the babies. 

 

These guys are allowed to stay as long as they want!

Father’s Day Playdough Extravaganza

We had an enjoyable Father’s day relaxing at home together as a family and celebrating Jim and what a great husband/father he is.  Jackson asked if we could have “family playdough time”, and we obliged.  For your viewing pleasure, we have posted the end result.  (In case you’re wondering, the small black pile under the crab was my attempt at caviar.)  Hope all of you Fathers had a wonderful Father’s day!

 

A “heavenly” evening

Last night we were privlidged to go on a triple date with some friends.  First we went to an Italian restaurant near Hollywood.  It had singing waiters and great food!  Then we went to the Griffith Observatory.  Jim and I hadn’t been since it was reburbished and reopened.  I had forgotten how large and amazing it is. 

Dinner at Miceli’s

Hollywood & Highland

 

Almost sunset…

 

On the steps

 

View from the top

 

Cityscape

 

Planet models

“When I consider your heavens, the works of you fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”            Psalm 8:3-4

Beach With Friends

Today we had a lot of fun at Corona Del Mar beach with our playgroup.  The weather was nice and there were lots of boats out. 

Jackson and his good friend Molly venturing into the water

Splashing in the water with his friends Emma & Julia

And what’s a day at the beach without a little karate chopping action?

 

Orange Roughy a new way

Orange Roughy was on sale this week, and since it is one of my favorites I couldn’t resist.  I found a new recipe and it was actually quite yummy.  It paired well with wild rice and brussels sprouts (although I realize our love of brussels sprouts is not widely shared). 

 

MEDITERANEAN ORANGE ROUGHY

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon olive oil

3 green onions, chopped

1 cup dry white wine

1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with liquid, chopped

4 (4 ounce) fillets orange roughy

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pinch dried thyme, crushed

1 pinch dried rosemary, crushed

1/4 cup sliced black olives, drained

1/2 pound crumbled feta cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in green onions, and cook until tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Mix white wine and tomatoes with the green onions, and bring to a boil. Place orange roughy fillets in the white wine mixture. Season with basil, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until fish is easily flaked with a fork. Remove fish fillets from skillet.
3. Sprinkle fish fillets with black olives and feta cheese.

Beautiful Day

On Sunday, we returned from spending a week in Arizona for my brother’s wedding.  It was a great time to be with family (although I wish I could have spent more time talking with you all…). We are so happy for Brock and his new wife Renee. 

Here are some pictures from the beautiful day!