Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"Semite"

Yah for YOSEMITE!  We made it to Yosemite this year, or "semite" as Maggie and Grant pronounce it.  And I have to admit... making it to Yosemite is no small feat.  It's a lot of work to get all the camping gear packed up, laundry done, groceries bought, etc with 3 kids!  I almost wondered if it was worth it!  And then once we were there and settled in and there was a quiet moment to look around and take in the magnificent beauty of Yosemite... YES!  It is SOOO worth it!  We love Yosemite!  John Muir once said, "It is the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter."  I couldn't sum up the beauty of Yosemite any better!

This is the surroundings of our campground. 


And Grant was totally in his element: outdoors ALL DAY LONG!  He spent most of his time looking for sticks.  


My uncle Randy, a veteran camper, gave us this backpack for Zoey and it was a total lifesaver!  She loved being in it!



On the way to Yosemite Falls.  You can see the waterfall in the background. 


One of the reasons why we always go in May is because the waterfalls are so full.  It's breathtaking!


At the base of Yosemite Falls. 



If you look really hard, you can see Half Dome in the background. 


We took bikes this year, so Zoey rode it out in the backpack on grandpa's back one day. 


We're cool cause we're in Yosemite!


Hangin' out around the fire


In the early evening, Cory discovered that the deer come out into the meadow.  Obviously, Maggie was amazed.  


Deer in the meadow. 


But deer weren't the only wildlife we had close encounters with.  THIS IS A BEAR IN OUR CAMP in broad daylight!  A first for all of us!


Here he is walking towards our camp to check out our food stash.  The rangers had warned that the bear activity was up this year, but I didn't expect that we would actually have one visit us!


He knew exactly what he wanted, too!  He went straight to the table where there was a basket of food and threw out the bagels and went straight for the Entemann's donuts.  He took them a few yards away to enjoy and then he came back to look for more.  We had put all the food away in the meantime.  


A family picture without Zoey  


The beautiful Half Dome.  Someday we'll climb it!

11 comments:

xXx said...

What a fun trip! I've never been, it looks so beautiful!

Marcus and Amy said...

It looks like you guys had a great time! It does look really pretty there!
And how cool that a bear came to see you guys! Did he stink? I have heard they stink, especially grizzly bears. Good thing you just had a brown bear and not a grizzly. That would have been scary! We should have given you guys our bear mace - Marc bought some this year cause there was a grizzly that killed a moose near the cabin! Luckily we didnt have to use it and luckily you guys didn't have to get physical with yours either.
Anyway, it looks like you guys had a blast and the kids too. I really can't wait to see Grant up at the cabin - I really think Grant and Maggie will love floating the river!

Lori B. said...

A good time had by all? Except for the bear???

Mike and Shelby said...

Such a fun adventure! We need to start a tradition like this in our family! Grant must have had a great time being outdoors. (But scary bears!!!)

Mark and Jana said...

I would love to go to Yosemite. I've never been. Beautiful pictures and a beautiful family.

Anonymous said...

DARN, NO CHRISTMAS PHOTO. MOM

Heidelweiss said...

Looks like so much fun. I really would have packed it in after the bear. Really. That is the craziest thing I've ever seen. I'm glad he didn't eat you guys.

HeAtHeR* said...

Looks like a REALLY Fun time! I'm not sure how i'd do with a bear in my camp...but, the rest of it looks amazing!

Alison said...

Wow! You are one brave, organized Mom! Camping with all your crew? Being wimpy,I would have been nervous to death about all the little details that go into being away from home, even with one kid! Wow, you are good! What fun memories you are making for the kids! That is great! Inspiring! And inspiring scenery!

Whitney said...

Wow..how beautiful! I'd love to go there one day. Those pictures are gorgeous and look at you, camping with your three kiddos! Impressive, girl.

The Starr Family said...

I've never been to Yosemite because it seems like the boys are always doing their scout trips up there. But it looks so beautiful, we will have to do it sometime. Love the bear! Weren't you scared?