Alysha has been going to Yosemite the weekend after the 4th of July for three years now, and this year we were able to go with her. Evan's cousins went with her last year, and after hearing them talk about it, Evan has been looking forward to it for a year. Here is the whole crew ready to leave bright and early.
By now you may have noticed that Ben hasn't been in any of our vacation pictures, and believe it or not, that is good news. After almost 11 years with UPS, he is finally driving full time! While we are sad he couldn't go on our trips with us because he is probationary for 30 work days, in the long run this is fabulous news.
Sis decided to ride with us and give the three to a seat a break after their drive from Crescent City the day before. We took HWY 49, and the drive felt pretty short. There are some cute little towns between here and there, and we decided next time we should stop and look/shop/stay in one.
We stayed at the Evergreen Lodge and it was perfect. We had a two room cabin the first night and then two one room cabins the second night. Both were great. The location the first night was a little secluded, so we were thankful the second night when one of the cabins ended up backing up to the pool. It made going down for s'mores a lot more convenient.
Evan and all the cousins enjoyed the pool for hours and hours.
Uriah started swimming for the first time!
Near the pool there was a playground with a zip line. Seth was the first one to take a crack at it.
Then, after reading the weight requirements, Titi and the moms had to give it a try. Titi was feeling extra adventurous because she was wearing a long dress. Watch for the effect at the end of the video.
My video is from Diana's phone, and I couldn't figure out how to flip it. And yes, my butt did get as close as it looks.
Diana's turn
Titi decided she needed to go again and just tuck her skirt up. It went much more smoothly.
Bella went next after much prompting. Turns out it wasn't as bad as she thought it was going to be.
Now Uriah, who needed no prompting. We were all more nervous than he was!
Finally Evan attempted it too:)
Up next, s'mores! I really can never get enough of these delicious treats.
Sunset deck
The walk back to the cabin. Yes, all this fun and it is still the first day.
We haven't even gone to Yosemite yet!
Look, a deer!
Cousins watching Wall-E
Day Two:Yosemite
Pretty amazing! We stopped here because it was the first moment where we stopped saying, "Um, we grew up in the redwood forest, what is the big deal?"
Bridal Veil Falls
The falls weren't very full, but we stayed behind with the boys anyway while Titi took the older kids up.
Twin Forks if I recall correctly, could be wrong.
Pretty impressive rocks:)
Lunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel
We were all a little surprised when squirrels continually ran through the dining room!
The little boy cousins; four and five going on fifty.
Turns out the cabin that wasn't near the pool backed up to the sunset deck. Lucky us!
We made masks in the game room, hence the raccoon and lion on our deck.
Sunset picture poses gone wild...or silly. Those of you on Facebook got a sneak peak.
Alysha said to do a duck face, obviously Diana and I misunderstood.
Let's try it again...nope.
Maybe Bella can help...nope
Okay, that is as good as it is going to get.
Oh wait, these certainly didn't make Facebook! Tuck and Bella are going to show us how it is done.
The profile shot is priceless!
My mini me. We discovered my shorts are older than she is...
Seth turned 11 while we there. Happy birthday Seth!
Cousins! It was so great to spend so much quality time with Tucker and his family. I can't wait for next year. Hopefully more of the family can make it. Alysha and I are ready to book the cabins by the pool and sunset deck...who's coming with us?
