Down from the Bay

As we drove down from Oakland exactly a month ago, we spent the second leg of our trip in Santa Cruz, a seaside destination beloved in our hearts. The first time we visited, Serene was but eight months old. The second time we went, Reverie was about seven months (while Serene was four and Valor was two). This third time, Verity was nearly eight months (while Serene was five, Valor was four, and Reverie was two). The mellow beach town boasts gems we love, including the famed boardwalk, legit poke, a fantastic thrift shop (which we chanced upon this trip), and best of all, the awe-inspiring redwood forest (which we discovered the last time we were in town). We rode a 19th century train through the redwood forest this time around, which was lovely though we prefer hiking through the forest on our own. We love the majestic trees, temperate climate, and kid-friendly trails so much we went two days in a row this summer. It was so sweet to witness the big kids meander the forest in wonder and excitement. Discovering creation while hiking with the kids is a joy. Childhood is a precious, fleeting gift to be treasured.

We also drove down through Big Sur for the first time, marveling at glorious creation, encountering jagged cliffs, cerulean seas, and barking elephant seals. Though breathtaking, it was hardly the kid-friendliest stop, for water-loving Reverie adamantly attempted to run off the cliffs into the sea below more than once. I'm thinking we'll call upon Santa Cruz often but wait until the kids are a bit older before visiting Big Sur again. All in all, I'm thankful we get to call California home.