Yosemite with Family

Another Yosemite trip down, and many more to go. It was Finnegans first camping trip and may I say, he slept so well I have considered moving his bassinet to the back patio! He loved being outside, like most kids do. Madie always seemed to sleep better outside too. They were both real troopers. We went camping with Casey & Marilou (Grampy and Grammy), Eden (Mals sister), and Bryan & Karen (Papa & Nana). 

Crazy hair with blankie in-hand...we are ready for a hike. 

What's a hike without playing '1, 2, 3!'?

I thought this one was cute of Madie putting her little arm on Grampies back. 

It was great camping with four grandparents to pawn the kids off onto. Many helping hands made it more relaxing for us. 

Post-dinner. 

Madie was on the look-out for tunnels with Papa and Eden. 

Over-sized pine cone, anyone?

The Finn Man. 

Madie checking out what lays under Grampy's hat. 

Papa and Finn. 

Almost smiling...

These three caused quite the traffic jam. 

We decided to have lunch along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, and a few ducks decided to join us. 

Nana was doing something to make Madie laugh. I thought she was going to pee her pants. 

Our little family at Glacier Point. 

The whole gang. 

Half-dome was so massive from our vantage point!

We went for a little hike down the Panorama Trail. 

The next morning, we checked out Hodgdon Meadow. Very beautiful. Madie had quite the mischievous face on. 

A sample of the wildflowers. 

What a fun trip! We are glad our parents and Eden could join us!

Yosemite with Papa

Most of you are probably saying to yourselves, "Geez, how many times do the Watkins' go to Yosemite per year?" For all of those people asking this question, I have an answer: I have lost count. I can enter park boundaries in a little over two hours, which makes it really accessible. It's really hard not to go as often as we do, with it being so close and the array of activities and things to see. Today was a special occasion though. My father, known to Madie as Papa, was in town for the weekend and I just had to show him the park. He had never been before, so Madie and I played "Park Ranger' and off we went.

At the base of Bridal Veil Falls. It was a brisk 44 when we arrived in the morning.

Bridal Veil.

Madie found Frosty the Snowman while we were there. This guy is everywhere!

El Cap.

Madie checked out a book about Tunnels from the library last week. Tunnels have been on the forefront of her mind since.

Where there are rocks to throw and a body of water, there is a happy Madie.

Found some Mule deer. I was within ten feet of these guys while taking this picture, they didn't even care.

Lower Yosemite Falls.

Read the sign on the left.

I spy...something big and brown that weighs 200 lbs...

Clouds were moving in, couldn't resist.

Madie loved being held by her Papa.

She fell asleep watching Pooh Bear on the way home. What a trip!

Happy Birthday Madie!

Happy first birthday to Madie! We are so happy to have this little girl in our family. Everyday when I get home from work, I can't wait to get on all fours and play with her. She was actually my parents anniversary gift last year, since she was coincidentally born on their anniversary. My parents were actually able to make it out for Madie's/their special day. We decided to go to Monterey and Carmel, which was so much fun! We went to the wharf in Monterey and got some chowder in sourdough breadbowls which was amazing. Madie really liked it! After Monterey, we went to Carmel to walk around. I hadn't been to Carmel in a while, but I have been meaning to take Mal there since it's such a pretty area. I'm glad we were able to go.

I was actually pretty terrible about taking pictures this day. I didn't start taking pictures until we got to Carmel. I guess since we have been to Monterey a few times lately, I didn't even think about pulling out the camera. So unfortunately, this is my only picture with my parents holding Maidie! This one is of Madie screaming at the dog. She goes crazy everytime she sees one! She takes out her little index finger, points, and screams to try and get the dogs attention.

Lone Cypress, along the 17-mile drive.

A lot of the architecture in Carmel was very impressive. It almost made you feel as if you were in some 700 year old town in Europe somewhere.

Of course, for Madie's birthday, she was BEGGING us to see all the art galleries. How could we refuse?

Mal with Al.

This is right outside an art shop that my cousin has a few pieces in. His name is Bryan Taylor, and he teaches at the San Francisco Art Institute (where he also studied) and has been very successful selling art. The store said that a lot of people have become very interested in his art. He apparently sells his for cheaper, and with the current economic situation that is a great advantage for him. We would love to get together with him sometime soon, but he is currently in Italy with his family for the summer to paint!

We saw a lot of these.

This made me feel like it was October.

Madie on the way back.

And Ready for bed! We got back too late to do the 'Ceremony of the Cake Diving'. But we have more pictures and video from the weekend! I don't want to do it all at once, that would spoil all the fun ;)