Camping on Santa Cruz Island

Our family had a great trip camping on Santa Cruz island.  Brad and Margaret encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone of over-night car camping and try a new experience.  We were really glad we did.  We  all loved it!  James read The Island of the Blue Dolphins to the big kids before we went to teach a bit of history about the channel islands.

The campground we went to had water spigots available, but all gear had to be brought over by boat and then hauled to the campsite.  Here we are at the harbor getting ready to load the boat.

It is a little over an hour ride to get from Ventura Harbor out to Santa Cruz island.

We enjoyed the pod of dolphins that were playing in the wake of the boat.

Our campsite was about 1/2 a mile from where the boat let us off.  We hauled our gear over and set up camp.  There were eucalyptus trees everywhere so it smelled amazing.

We saw these island foxes all over the place. They wandered around our tents and lived in the bushes right next to our tent.

Each site had a fox proof box-to keep all food locked up. There is also no trash service on the island, so all trash had to be kept locked up safely from the foxes and ravens and then taken back with us on the boat.

We weren't sure what to expect with the weather, going out in the middle of October-but we got lucky with an absolutely beautiful weekend.  It was cool enough for hiking and exploring and warm enough to enjoy time at the beach.  So-we spend a lot of time doing both.

The kids were very excited to try out snorkeling.

The water was a bit cold without a wet suit, but they didn't want to quit.

James took them around to explore.

They were able to see quite a bit of various sea-life and loved it.

We all also had the chance to do some Kayaking.

There were tunnels and sea caves to explore close.  Some of the caves had small beaches.  Ethan was able to jump off to pick up a lobster shell on one of the beaches.

The water was clear enough to see the bottom from the kayak.  

The kids loved the chance to explore around the campsite.  Mountains to climb, caves to check out, and hills to push each other down in the stroller kept them very busy and happy.

The time went by quickly and it was time to catch the boat home after our 3 days/2 nights of exploring.  We had 6-8 feet waves on the way back to mainland.  The kids loved it.

LA County Fair

The LA County fair is huge. And we only had the chance to go for one afternoon on a hot day after school. We donated school supplies in lieu of paying admission and tried to fit as much fun in as we could.

First stop-the model trains, where I knew Preston would be happy.

He couldn't even look for a picture.  He has his eyes watching for the trains to come by again.

We headed over the farms next, taking the chance to pet the sheep and goats.

and take a look at all the other kinds of animals...cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits, etc.

We cheered for the pigs, ducks, geese, and puppies that all took turns racing.

And then went to the education area.  Kids got to learn how to milk a cow.  They also planted seeds, harvested them and then earned money to go shopping.

Preston took his shopping responsibilities very seriously.

I wish I had a picture of Ethan's face while watching the aerial acrobats show.  He was sitting right next to me, so I was too close to capture it, but he kept looking up at me with an amazed grin.

He was especially impressed by the last act.  The girl was blindfolded, and Ethan was so sure she would fall.  

We made another train stop, this time the big historic trains that we could walk through.

And then made our way over to the exhibit halls to play.

All 3 kids loved running up and down the foot piano.  

This gingerbread man had velcro pieces you could switch out to design your own cookie.

speaking of cookies...the giant board game based on 'If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" was also a hit.

There was a lot to see and do just in this one building.  Knight and Princess school, an Alice and Wonderland Tea Party, more crafts and hands on activities for the kids to do....

another fun day at the fair.