This is how the trip started. Driving through the outbacks of California... So amazingly beautiful! I just can't get the order of the pics right on blogger so just know this was the beginning.

We went to Yosemite a few times as kids. Then we started to go again when I was a teen and from that time on this place has become a spiritual oasis for me. Seriously, it's like I breathe easier and I feel so close to our creator while I am there. Even writing this makes me remember those feelings. Okay. Enough writing that makes you gag. On with the pictures.

 The boys brought their bikes. We became a spectacle. Lovely.

 Those are Dogwood trees. Photos don't do it justice.

 Deer were everywhere. We had to hold Isaiah back from petting them. ;)

 The free shuttle around the park is great.

 Yosemite falls were so full that the bridge just to our left was getting us drenched!

 In front of the museum about the natives that used to live here.

 Those trees were killing me with their beauty.

 Elijah made me take a picture of the bird. Pretty cool.

 Upper Yosemite Fall.

 Now we're a little tired coming back. And hungry. Not a good combo for two adults with four kids.

 We survived and I can't wait to go again. Next time we're staying IN the valley. No more 1+ hour drive to get there.

 At Bass Lake we had the place to ourselves.

 This was actually our last day. I didn't want to leave the pool. Ever.

 I seriously would have sat there all day watching the kids and taking a swim. Why didn't we stay longer!?

 I was trying to get a picture of the bird I saw on it's nest in the middle of the pic. I couldn't get any closer to get a better focus.

 We ate breakfast here every morning.

 okay. this is ridiculously out of order. oh well.

 El Capian. I made Phil pull over so I could get some pics of it from the meadow.

 I don't remember what ELijah was in a hurry to do? haha

 Emi hiked over to where some people were cuddling on the grass and then told me that they were just talking. Nice. Let's hope that's all that they were doing.

 All the while Phil sat in said vehicle with sleeping Isaiah.

 Scenery flying by the window. We've discovered Emi gets car sick. Nice.

 I LOVE this place.

 We all voted and decided a train ride in the forest would be the next day's activity. We do this every time. We can't resist. So fun!

 Phil took this mockingly as I put a bunch of stuff in our bag for the kids. Of course, we needed it all and then he had to eat his words. :)

 Every trip we go on Emi gets the most trinkets. I don't even know how it happens. She just asks and we buy. Elijah always waits for just what he wants and then misses out because we don't find it.

 This time he found the bow and arrow set and got it. :)

 Isaiah waiting for a jelly belly...

 getting excited...

 arrival...

 sweet success!

 Throwing rocks was a favorite past time of all, but especially this guy.

 Noah found wood. Of course.

 Then he made an "N." He's really taking a liking to learning the alphabet and the letters of his name. :)

 There's Venus and an airplane trail. Phil and Elijah know the technical name. (contrail?) I just like the way it looks.

It was a great trip. We showed them the spot where Phil proposed and we told them story of how and what he said. It was fun to remember together with our kids. We had no idea back then that our life would look like this right now! How blessed we are!