insanely beautiful views to be found {knapps castle -santa barbara}

Hello friends! We returned from a weekend in Santa Barbara where we spent time as a family and celebrated David’s birthday. One of the highlights of our weekend was a hike to Knapp’s Castle. It’s an old estate that burned down 70 years ago. I first heard about these ruins in Santa Barbara Magazine–they did a beautiful photoshoot there–and I was so inspired! {Click here to see the shoot} And, I’ve wanted to see it ever since! So we made the drive {about 15 miles from Santa Barbara} and it was so beautiful! The hike is super easy–not even really a hike. For more info on finding the unmarked trail that leads to the castle, click here. I took lots of pics for you. How about some hellos for a brand new week?

***Hello Monday is where I greet the new week with an open heart and a fresh perspective. It’s a new beginning–and there’s so much to be thankful for! Join me by leaving your own hellos in the comments section or linking up a hello monday post there!***

Hello driving uphill. Even before the hike started the views were insanely beautiful.

Hello open to the public. There has been a lot of talk about whether or not the owner will continue to allow people on the land. But for now, it’s accessible. {And you don’t have to climb through the gate, Matthias did that just for fun!}

Hello archways. I wonder what these looked like 70 years ago?

Hello amazing views! We could see lakes and mountains for miles.

Hello high up. Hello touching the sky!

Hello amplitheater or staircase? Not sure what this was or how it fit into the house?!

Hello hot sun and no shade. We made sure to drink plenty of water. It was a lot warmer up there than in Santa Barbara.

Hello family trip. Overall the weekend was exhausting and imperfect. We couldn’t seem to find our rhthym. But we had some sweet moments and some good conversations.

Hello steps leading to the edge of the mountain.

Hello holding hands and a cuddle. Love these moments.

Hello to a pic with the two of us! Yay! Matthias is pretty good with the camera.


Hello getting back in the swing of things–including grocery shopping, laundry and getting the house back in order.

Hello haircuts for the boys. Feels like we just got haircuts last week?!

Hello new jeans and shoes. These boys are outgrowing everything!

Hello keeping busy on these summer days. Matthias wants to stay home all day and draw or play video games and David wants to be outside playing. It’s balance keeping them both happy.

Hello tickets to Peter Pan for Friday night. I love that play and I can’t wait to share it with the boys.

Hello working out and working hard and playing too!

Hello brand new week with beauty waiting to be found. Join me?

What are you saying hello to this week? Leave some hellos in the comments or link your own hello monday post there!