Merry Christmas from San Clemente, California! These are some snapshots I took with my little Cannon ELPH. The shots have not been modified or enhanced in any way. The color is true to what I saw, and it was INCREDIBLE- one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen. Best Christmas Ever!!!

It is easy to get preoccupied with every day tasks, until a moment like this one comes along and takes my breath away, and I am reminded of the glory of God's creations. Truly breathtaking.

We recently had the first good snowfall of the winter. I had a few minutes to go out and take some shots. Here are a few highlights of the day. Enjoy!

We had the best time on Maui. We are definitely going back- hopefully, sooner rather than later!

I love the greenery in Maui- the colors are so vibrant!

More black sand and volcanic rocks

One of the famous black sand beaches- wow!

More volcanic rock- the wind was blowing so hard that my lens got covered with spray, leaving a salty residue. I had to buy a new UV filter for my lens because I couldn't get the salt off when I got home. I kind of like the effect, though.

This is the volcanic rock that makes the southern and western rim of the island.

Plumeria- this is the only plumeria bush I saw the whole week! When I asked someone why there weren't more out, I was reminded that even the Hawaiian Islands experience wintertime. Of course! Why didn't I think of that?

We went down to the beach early one morning, and saw the craziest thing- there were crab tracks all over the beach! This is a photo of a hole where a crab dug itself into the sand at some point during the night. I had never seen crab tracks before! Awesome!

Footprints in the sand....

Hibiscus in full sunlight

More pictures of Maui....

This was a shrine built to honor native deity. I thought it was beautiful.

Hibiscus flower during sunset- see the ocean in the background? I loved the way the colors blended.

The west coast of Maui during sunset

Beautiful, beautiful Maui!

Our first real sunset on Maui- it was breathtaking!

A rainbow on a sunny day- the air sparkles in Maui!

Our first night was rainy- we got a glimpse of sunlight as the sun went down.

I can see why Maui is "everyone's favorite island." That's what I kept hearing when I planned a trip there this spring- I was blown away by the landscape, the smells, the moisture in the air- it was everything I had hoped for, and much more! Along with our planned activities, we went scuba diving in Makena Bay and near Lanai- I wish I could have taken my camera underwater. My eyes were opened to a whole new world that I had only seen in pictures. What an amazing experience- I highly recommend it!

The last of northern California

We had a great time. I love northern California, no matter what time of year it is when we go. There are so many fun things to do and beautiful things to see. I can't wait to go back!

Sea Glass Beach!!! One of my favorite places in the world!!!

I love this shot- it is a stairwell in the bed and breakfast where we stayed in California. I love the way the sunlight meets the lines in the photo.

Point Lobos, CA