over the weekend, we headed out to highland springs ranch & inn in cherry valley for their annual olive festival. we started going there after we moved back to redlands a few years ago, and it’s become one of our favorite “hidden gems” in the area. i very rarely even bring a camera when we go out, and i hardly ever manage to sneak my way into a photo with the kids. usually because i’m the one snapping quick snapshots on my iphone between juggling things like the stroller and the diaper bag, or handing out snacks and managing tantrums. going out with the kids can sometimes feel like running a marathon, but if i remember to slow things down just a little bit, if i stop trying to see and do everything, then we manage to have a pretty good time. and i can even stop to get a few pictures to add to our photo album.

but anyway, back to the olive festival! if you live in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out highland springs ranch & inn. they have several different festivals and events throughout the year, most notably, the lavender festival in the spring. but they also have a cultured food festival in addition to things like burger wednesdays at the restaurant or just shopping at the organic galleries on the weekends, if you want a mellow spot to hang out. in fact, i really should do a more well-rounded guide to everything they have to offer… but for now, a few more snapshots of our weekend.

eating olive oil vanilla bean ice cream with a view of the lavender fields.

my trusty gear: a bugaboo stroller and leader co. diaper backpack.

why yes, i ate a giant bowl of olives for lunch.

edie is judging me for ordering a dirty martini, but it’s the *olive* festival, you guys. i had to do it.

they have a lot of kids crafts, including these olive leaf crowns. not pictured: the inordinate amount of time spent in the bounce houses.