Pictures, & Poppies, & Bears...oh my!

Ok, so just kidding about the bears! But we did have a great, Wizard of Oz-ish experience yesterday, minus the deep sleep--not that I would have complained about that! I belong to a digital photography group that met yesterday for a photo shoot near my home. I am sometimes still amazed that there is such natural beauty to be found where we live in Southern California. Making the move to this area has been such a blessing, and though we are far from being rural, we are surrounded by beautiful natural forest, mountains, and lots of rolling hills. Granted, we tend to see more brown than green since we live in an arid location, but recent rains have turned our dusty brown hills into lovely green shades that are becoming spotted with loads of wildflowers--mainly our state flower, the golden poppy.

I was excited to share this time with my family! I knew the kids would love being outdoors in something more than artificial turf and sidewalks. I was thrilled to get out and photograph the flowers and my kiddos playing in them. We hiked around for a couple of hours in beautiful spring weather, and even though it was awfully hazy we didn't let it get us down! Darrin found lots of rocks to throw down the ravines, Madi contented herself with picking poppies (and attempting to eat petals when she thought we weren't looking), and Josh and I simply enjoyed being in the moment with our kids.

I think it would be fun to go back and hike around again before the flowers fade and summer heat takes over. Maybe we can even brave the dirt to take some Easter pictures! Hope you enjoy these shots from our wonderful afternoon.

Obligatory flower shots...






Now the really important stuff...family pics! Though I seem to be conspicuously missing...















And all worn out at the end of our adventure...