Day 3 2016

Today's adventure took us to Yosemite National Park!  It was totally different than we expected.  I think we really expected it to be more like Yellowstone National Park (which we loved on our first road trip).  It was very different.  By the end of the day, we all agreed on how much we loved it.  But at the beginning of the day, by the time we arrived, it was difficult to get our bearings and make a plan.  Yellowstone just seems to make more sense and seems to have many more park rangers on hand and ready for help.  Plus, Jonathan had some stomach issues that I think were due to some antibiotics he had been on for bronchitis.  Once we got through that and he felt better, then I felt I began to enjoy our day.  We hiked trails, although nothing strenuous, it was a lot for our seven.  If we had come a year ago as originally planned, Jonathan would have been in a wheelchair.  We never could have done the things we were able to do.  He was fun to watch, trying to climb rocks, although none were high of course, and he kept looking for "shortcuts," ways to go on a slightly different path while still staying on the main path.  Towards the end of the day, there was another waterfall the family wanted to see. I figured Jonathan would be tired by that point so I offered to stay in the car with him.  He did not want to stay and wanted to hike!  Honestly, I was both surprised and excited :).  The other kids enjoyed it so much as well.  Of course we all can make each other crazy at times, but overall, I love to see how much they love each other and the fun they have together. I am treasuring all the moments on this trip.

(Our fab five)

(Our first attempt with a selfie stick...we decided they are not made for families of seven :)

(Our two middle teenagers)

(When this area flooded, Trey was only three months old!)

(Benjamin loved this hiding spot!)

(We love the Junior Ranger program in the National Parks.  Yosemite did not disappoint.  The badges were wooden!)

(This was a pretty view of the sunset.  We actually saw its reflection at the top of the Half Dome pictured behind us)