It’s officially Fall — and while most might think there aren’t seasons in Southern California, I completely disagree. We’ve seen some beautiful fall weather and even some fall colors. It’s even rained a bit (which is a welcome change). And while we really do miss our old backyard in which to play, Eric and I don’t miss the raking in the least.

We’ve had a few nice weekends so we’ve been sure to get in some hiking. Our new favorite spot is Will Roger’s State park. It’s a beautiful ranch with a few different hikes (with beautiful views), expansive polo fields, horse stables and Wil Roger’s old 31-room estate. In case you’re like me and didn’t know much about this cowboy turned actor, here’s some background on one of the most popular and highest paid actors in Hollywood in the early 1930s:

William Penn Adair Rogers was born November 4th, 1879 on a ranch between Claremore and Oologah, Oklahoma. Rogers attended Kemper Military Academy in Boonville, Missouri  for two years (“One in the guardhouse and one in the 4th grade,” he said later.) He left school in 1889 — keep in mind he was 10 years old at this point — and became a cowboy in the Texas Panhandle. Then he drifted off to Argentina and turned up in South Africa a few years later as a member of Texas Jack’s Wild West Circus.

In 1926, he toured Europe as President Calvin Coolidge’s “ambassador of good will.” He made 71 movies during the 1920’s and 1930’s, wrote 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns and six books.

August.15, 1935 Will died in a plane crash. His funeral in California was believed to be the biggest turnout of mourners since the death of Abraham Lincoln.

Here are some lesser known quotes from Will:

1)     Never miss a good chance to shut up.

2)     If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

3)     The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.

4)     There are three kinds of men:
The ones that learn by reading.
The few who learn by observation.
The rest of them have to touch an electric fence.

5)      Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

6)      If you’re riding’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there.

7)     Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier’n puttin’ it back.

8)     There are two theories to arguing with women….neither work.

The route we hike is only a 2 mile loop, so even Ethan can hike it — although, we usually hear “are we done, yet?” for the last mile or so. You can see the coastline from certain areas, and on a clear blue day, it really is a phenomenal view.

We also recently took the boys to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. I’m not sure who liked it more…me or Ethan! What’s not cool about seeing Jellyfish upclose, petting Sting Rays or seeing sharks up close? (Lots of teeth!) And who knew that King Crabs were as large as Max?

PS – Countdown to our trip “home” for Thanksgiving….one week and counting!