Ella is 16!!!!

and her parents and I are passing the Subaru to her to drive.  Ella, Ryan and friend, Jariya flew to California yesterday and we squeezed in as much fun and food as we possibly could before they drove off to Denver.

First stop: In and Out

Who knew they opened at 10:30 am?  Ryan did.  No In and Out in Colorado

2nd stop: the beach- 2 of them

Big Corona

Then to Balboa Island:

Balboa Island

Dad's original frozen banana

Well it had been a long time since any of us had eaten so

Cheesecake

This is definitely an Ella and NaNa thing but we welcomed Ryan and Jariya this time

It's really not about eating all the food you order.  It's the pure joy of ordering whatever you want.

shiny Forester

Time to put a little shine on the "new" car

Palmiers

Up early in time to make some Palmiers for the drive....Ooops!  They were all eaten at breakfast.....so off to the store to get puff pastry for another batch.

We left the animals home all day which is just what the chickens and goats like but Charlotte has been part of the farm only 7 days and she was a bit lonely without her people (She actually just slept all day) but once home she got plenty of love from her new friend.

Charlotte Ella

I love you Ella.  Please stay longer next time

Merry Christmas from me to you

Who doesn't love this time of year?  It's crazy, it's glorious, it's exciting, it's expensive, it's fun but it is filled with love and joy.  I hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas season:

Everyone is asked to find their inner organizer and we all do the best we can BUT there are always surprises: There was a goat emergency so off my friend Kim and I went to Caramel Apple Farms for some Match.goat

Kim at Caramel Apple Farm at sunset Christmas Eve

Then home for a yummy dinner.  Ryan and Ella helped me in the kitchen.  Ryan made mashed potatoes.  Ella waxed the cheese (don't do that every day)

Ryan and Ella

This year's Christmas theme was Fa la la la llama.  Wrapping, ornaments, cake and crafting all with the llamas in mind.  Well I couldn't find any goats:

Flourless dairy free chocolate hazelnut cake

Kim and Ella crafting llamas


Dinner was delish: Prime rib, roasted and mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, watermelon radishes and the dessert:  your choice caramel or berry sauce.

or both

Amaryllis wrapped in satin ribbon


Christmas morning Kate and I were working on the legos

Engineers in training with Charlotte the pig

Namaste

Yoga in some of the best public places.  Tuesday I was at an altitude of 11,000+ feet at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  Yesterday I was on the sand in Manhattan Beach, California.  Both California and Colorado are home to me.  I like to stop and do just a little Yoga in special places.  Namaste

Warrior with hiking boots at Bear Lake

Ryan and I on the beach in Manhattan.  Thanks, Ry, for sitting next to me on the concrete bench at the courthouse today.

Happy Birthday to me

Yikes! These numbers are getting up there.  I was born on a Friday and this year my birthday was on a Friday again.  It's ok.  It happens to a few of us.  I have always loved having a birthday around so many holidays.  Lincoln's birthday the day before.....we actually celebrated Lincoln's birthday when I was in school....and then Valentine's Day the day after.  It's a happy time of year.  I started celebrating this year by participating in a Mala workshop at my Yoga studio.  Mala beads are Buddhist prayer beads.  We created necklaces of stone beads that had special meaning to "LOVE" and ourselves.  I chose beads that attract serenity, love and creativity.  My single stone protects me from harm.  Yesterday I practiced a little Yoga in the studio and then spent the rest of the day at home with my Denver girls.  Ryan made a yummy dinner and we polished it off with chocolate fondue!!!  The dippers were strawberries (of course), pineapple, kiwi and gluten free angel food cake.  My Kate has a personal signature of getting more chocolate on her face than in her mouth.  This morning I went to a Pilates class and then had my 67 year old toes painted lilac.  Thank you all for your lovely Birthday wishes.  I appreciate every one of them.  Now I must go take a nap.

Mala beads

Triangle pose

Reverse warrior 2  Who doesn't practice  backyard Yoga in Denver in February with Granddaughters, chickens and goats?

Chocolate fondue for birthday cake

She just can't help it- more chocolate on the face than in the mouth

Goofball Ella

May we all walk with love and kindness, peace in our hearts,  and barefoot with lilac toes
Happy Birthday to me!

And to all a good night!

The last gift was opened.....people it's only 8am!
Ryan:Kate, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

Family at the zoo

Family at the zoo, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

The day after Thanksgiving we all went to the Denver Zoo. It was a really warm and sunny November day. The animals and the people all enjoyed the "summer" day

Balboa Island ferry

Balboa Island ferry, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

Whitney and Ryan bring their girls to the hood and ride the Balboa Island Ferry to the Fun Zone

Merry Christmas to everyone!

On Christmas Eve Ella and Kate were upside down with excitement!

After a good night's rest and Santa's visit we couldn't believe how generous everyone was.  I hope everyone's Christmas is filled with so much joy and love.

Merry Christmas to all from Denise, Whitney, Ryan, Ella & Kate