On the second day of my parent's visit last weekend, we went on a beautiful hike through Eaton Canyon. The trail head is a 5 minute drive from our house, which is always convenient. We have been interested in exploring the "mountains" behind our house for awhile, and it was a perfect opportunity to do so, with the weather being mild and beautiful. The hike followed a stream and the trail crossed over the water at least half a dozen times, which made for some fun rock jumping! The end of the trail had its own reward - "a beautiful, 50-foot waterfall." We were eagerly anticipating the waterfall, curious as to how it would actually look, being in Southern California and all. Maddie had plans of her own. She almost made it to the end (10 minutes from the falls), before she gave out on us and under no conditions was she going to continue on. (We had a backpack for her to ride in, but she wanted to walk most of the time...you try letting a toddler "walk" on a stream-hopping hike...it doesn't work too well, and everyone becomes frustrated). Needless to say, Maddie and I left the trail and waited by the stream. We watched the hikers pass us by, while happily throwing things into the water, and Brant and my parents continued on.
I told you Maddie didn't want to be in the backpack....
Dad and Brant, helping Mom, who has Maddie on her back, cross over the stream.
In one of her moments of frustration, Maddie chucked her pacifier (and our only lifeline to an enjoyable time), into the rushing stream. Being the devoted, caring and understanding father that he is, Brant didn't even hesitate and charged straight into the water to retrieve the valuable item.
Although it was floating in mountain water, by force of habit, Brant "cleaned" the pacifier in his mouth, before giving it to his daughter. :)
He then took our frustrated little girl and carried her across the stream himself, rather than any of us having to deal with hopping rocks with her - I mean, his feet were already wet, so why not?
This is where Maddie and I had some quality alone time for about 25 minutes. I was definitely bummed that I couldn't keep moving on to see the waterfall, but a mother's duty calls (or rather, when her baby is crying and refuses to be comforted by anyone other than her).
My mom's got skills. :)
Just a subtle reminder that we are hiking in LA County, not some remote mountain trail in the middle of Oregon. Look at all those people! My dad is sitting down in the center of this picture, admiring the waterfall.
Ta-da! The Waterfall! I hear it was absolutely beautiful.
Love. Aren't they cute?
And aren't they cute, too?
When we were reunited by the stream, Grandpa Pat taught Maddie the art and enjoyment of throwing rocks into the water. She loved it! And so did he. :)
After the hike, we enjoyed a nice lunch at home, along with some afternoon naps, before going out around Pasadena once more. This time, we drove over to the Wrigley Mansion, which is home to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses headquarters. My dad brought his high school band to this parade years ago, and he enjoyed a special breakfast at the mansion with fellow directors. It was special for him to return and walk a few blocks around the area, reliving past memories.
To end our fun-filled day, my parents surprised me with an ice-cream cake from Coldstone, with which we celebrated a belated "double birthday" for me and my mom. (My mom's birthday is 3 days after mine).
It was a great day and a fabulous weekend. We can't wait to have you guys come back!
I told you Maddie didn't want to be in the backpack....
Dad and Brant, helping Mom, who has Maddie on her back, cross over the stream.
In one of her moments of frustration, Maddie chucked her pacifier (and our only lifeline to an enjoyable time), into the rushing stream. Being the devoted, caring and understanding father that he is, Brant didn't even hesitate and charged straight into the water to retrieve the valuable item.
Although it was floating in mountain water, by force of habit, Brant "cleaned" the pacifier in his mouth, before giving it to his daughter. :)
He then took our frustrated little girl and carried her across the stream himself, rather than any of us having to deal with hopping rocks with her - I mean, his feet were already wet, so why not?
This is where Maddie and I had some quality alone time for about 25 minutes. I was definitely bummed that I couldn't keep moving on to see the waterfall, but a mother's duty calls (or rather, when her baby is crying and refuses to be comforted by anyone other than her).
My mom's got skills. :)
Just a subtle reminder that we are hiking in LA County, not some remote mountain trail in the middle of Oregon. Look at all those people! My dad is sitting down in the center of this picture, admiring the waterfall.
Ta-da! The Waterfall! I hear it was absolutely beautiful.
Love. Aren't they cute?
And aren't they cute, too?
When we were reunited by the stream, Grandpa Pat taught Maddie the art and enjoyment of throwing rocks into the water. She loved it! And so did he. :)
After the hike, we enjoyed a nice lunch at home, along with some afternoon naps, before going out around Pasadena once more. This time, we drove over to the Wrigley Mansion, which is home to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses headquarters. My dad brought his high school band to this parade years ago, and he enjoyed a special breakfast at the mansion with fellow directors. It was special for him to return and walk a few blocks around the area, reliving past memories.
To end our fun-filled day, my parents surprised me with an ice-cream cake from Coldstone, with which we celebrated a belated "double birthday" for me and my mom. (My mom's birthday is 3 days after mine). 
It was a great day and a fabulous weekend. We can't wait to have you guys come back!
oh my gosh this is gorgeous!! Look like you guys had a great time! That coldstone cake looks delicious..but then again..must dessert food does these days! :) [or just food in general. ha]
ReplyDelete