Hello friends– Last weekend Larry and trekked up the coast to Ojai for a day with the 3 grand-girls and their dear parents. After these crazy winter rains, the citrus groves and hillsides stretched out green and lush–beautiful drive into the valley…
Jodi pulled out the wok to make us a tableful of a delicious lunch, while Mary Ann and Grandpa set up for a round of her latest game invention– Buzzing Bee.
There was a hike down to the creek and some splashy wading (for girls, not grandmas!)
Also, a lot of browsing and a few selections at Bart’s Books (a rambling indoor/outdoor used books store) — followed by pizza and gelato at Papa Lemon’s.
And Jodi rounded us all up for a few family photos just outside their front door (thanks Jodi– you know this grandma loves family pictures!)
Thanks Micah and Jodi– loved loved the meals, the talks and time with you all… It’s the best!!
The Thankful Heart 
Beautiful!
DEAR RHONDA, THESE ARE FABULOUS PICTURES! YOU CAPTURED SPRING AND ADORABLE GRANDCHILDREN, AND DEAR, SWEET FAMILY TIME ALL AT ONCE. THANKS FOR SHARING! MARY JEAN
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Hi Mary!! You know what fun it is to spend time with those grand-kids! It was a sweet day. I’m so thankful they are close by now! Hugs to you friend!! (we’ll miss you Wed.) xo
What beautiful granddaughters ou have, a precious gift! Looks like such a special family day! Your son looks like you and your husband.💕
Hi Mary– so sweet. I know you understand how dear family can be! It was great down out with them! Hugs hugs!
Lovely family!
thanks Cindy! Have you done photographs in Ojai– deer and bear up there!! hugs!
Looks like a beautiful way to spend a lovely almost spring day! Beautiful family!
Hey Debi! thanks1 How did the volley ball game go?? So looks so grown up in her uniform! hugs friend!
What a beautiful trip Rhonda! I love all the photos but what I love the most is the photo of your 3 beautiful little angels – sooo adorable! Thanks for sharing, Rhonda! xoxo
Thanks Lilly! They are so dear to us– and Ojai is lovely–if not as green and beautiful as your part of the world! Hugs hugs!
What a lovely weekend you enjoyed Rhonda. And such gorgeous pictures of your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing with us. xo
Hey Miriam! After seeing all your travels, fun to send out a little of our adventure. You live in a beautiful part of the world! How’s your week going?? hope all’s well! xo
Hi Rhonda. Looks like you live in a beautiful part of the world too. My week’s been good thanks. Trying to get a few things done before I start my new job. Hope all’s well with you too. xo
New Job?? What is it going to be Miriam? Hope it’s an amazing step forward– and not too intimidating. Always so much to learn when you step into a new job. Good Luck!! xox
Hi Rhonda, yes I start next Monday and I must admit I am a bit nervous but also excited. It’s an admin job for Bushwalking Victoria, full time training for two weeks then three days a week after that so hopefully should be a good work/life balance. It’s been a while!
Hope all’s well with you Rhonda. xo
What sounds perfect you– an interesting place and enough time each week to get things done–besides work! So hopeful it all goes swimmingly!! Would be fun to hear what you think. xo
I’ll keep in touch Rhonda, definitely. Thank you! xo
Beautiful pictures and a beautiful family!!
Hey Lacey– thanks! Sometimes I know I post too many family pics– but I do love when I get to see you and especially your two little ones! It was a fun lively day with those girls. Hope your week is going well… hugs friend.
I love all the pictures! You are always doing the neatest stuff and the pictures are always beautiful. Keep em coming 🙂
Thanks Lacey– you are always so encouraging. Hope you had a great weekend–We celebrated our anniversary. 42 years! yikes!! hugs hugs.
Congratulations! Are you going to post about all the meals you had to celebrate?
Oh gosh yes– went to an awesome French bakery/cafe in an old historic building. New favorite. Hugs Lacey.
Hey Rhonda! I nominated you for the Blog-aholic Award!
https://orchidsandsweettea.com/2017/03/14/i-got-another-award-guys/
So sweet. thank you Sara (I’m just guessing at your name from your email address– but since I’ve looked at your blog pics, feels like I know you! take care…
You’re so welcome Rhonda! Haha, nice guess! But it’s Shanika! 🙂
Ha ha ha Shanika! I wasn’t even close! And loved your short rib recipe! Hope you had a great weekend. hugs.
Haha! It’s so OK Rhonda! Thanks so much! My weekend was very restful which was much needed. I hope that you enjoyed your weekend as well. 🙂
Aww Rhonda! My heart is warmed by these photos. Sounds like you had a glorious time. So glad. Lots of love my friend. ❤
Love seeing these pictures of your beautiful family in such a gorgeous setting!
Hi Marcia–Yep, Ojai is nestled in a little valley off the coast and is fully citrus groves– sort of our equivalent of your jaunts along the eastern coast! It’s 130 miles north– so it makes a nice full day to head up there. Waiting to see you next travels… hugs friend!
This was a great day-out with your lovely family! Quality time to the best! Lovely photos too! x
You’re so right Sophie– time with family is the best. Loved your Halmoni salad recipe! You are so inventive! xox
Ohhh, looks so beautiful …… and warm! I guess the rains really did make you go green!! – Kat
Hey Kat- it’s been warm here–but more rain tomorrow. It’s crazy but I’m loving it. Hugs friend! xo
How special that you got to spend that time with them! The photos look great, and the one with all of you at the end is wonderful! Sweet memories.
Hi Daisy– it was fun. And they were here this weekend– lots of coloring and Bananograms and frozen yogurt!! hugs hugs friend!
Really great pics Rhonda!! ❤️
Hey Cate– are you still writing your 2nd blog?? I’ve lost the link. Could you send it again?? Hope spring has come your way and all is going along swimmingly. hugs friend!