Over the river and through the woods...

to Yosemite we go! Last weekend we packed up our kids, our bags, and our minivan and ventured to Yosemite National Park to spend the weekend with Brad's brothers and their wives. I know by now that the word "vacation" doesn't exist in our vocabulary since we have a three year old and a one and a half year old. So we weren't planning for a rejuvenating, relaxing three days, but just time to spend with family to enjoy California's beauty and play with the kids.


And our kids are pretty decent travelers. They (especially Jacob) acclimate very well and fall into great sleep patterns even when away from home, so I wasn't too worried about that. What I was worried about was the drive there. And unfortunately my worries were justified, as Abby screamed (yes, screamed) 3 1/2 of the 4 hour drive. Screaming for 3 1/2 hours you might ask? Is that really even possible? Yes, I assure you, it is, and it is certainly one of the most unenjoyable things one will ever experience. And just to make matters worse, she decided to finally fall asleep 2 MILES from our destination. Brad was a little perturbed and kept trying to wake her up, "Abby, you don't get to sleep now!" But nothing would rouse her from her slumber. Apparently 3 1/2 hours of screaming can really take it out of you!

So, driving time aside, we had a wonderful weekend. It was my first trip to Yosemite and it was really breathtaking. I can't even imagine what it would look like if it wasn't a drought season (we actually played in Mirror Lake and didn't even get wet--there wasn't ANY water!). We biked, hiked, and I, of course, bought Jacob a souvenir shirt to commemorate our stay. It was so nice to see Greg and Carrie (who live about 4 hours away from us) and see them interact with Jacob and Abby. It was also great to spend more time with Jason and Kacee (who live about 15 minutes from us) and have all the Squires' boys under one roof. We Squires' women are pretty blessed ladies to have married into such an awesome family of Christ seeking men. It was really an uplifting weekend of good conversations, fun (we had a pet coyote that lived behind our home. Ok, I of course was terrified of it, but I don't claim to be an out-doorsy girl), and even a little relaxation (I finished a book! That in itself is a huge thing!)

The Squires Sisters

Jacob taking a dip in the river

Abby in Mirror Lake

I hope for many more of these family vacations in the future. They are so great for the adults, and so important for Jacob and Abby. It is really awesome to be doing something and know that we are creating lasting memories for them to cherish throughout their own lives.

Jacob and Uncle Greg taking in Bridal Veil Falls
Jacob playing the "drums"