It was a trip to remember...
(starting at 3:30am)
(with just a few stops along the way...)
And from the minute we arrived, we were in awe of God's gorgeous creation!
YOSEMITE!
Brodie loved sharing his childhood memories.
And our children made new memories of their own.
The drive into the valley was absolutely stunning.
Our road trip troopers were eager to set up camp.
Right under Half Dome.
And then we swiftly set out to explore...
Every turn was breathtaking.
We soaked it all in...
Literally.
We delighted in the experience...
Together.
The next morning...
There were quiet devotions.
And Aida and I enjoyed our favorite early morning walk and talks.
With the puppies.
Then we set out for Yosemite Falls...
The older kids hiked up to the beautiful base!
(Hi Aida!)
Then we all headed back down.
It was a highlight of the trip for us all!
After that, we headed to El Capitan.
And saw some rock climbers!
(too small to see in the photo)
Then there was water...
Lots of water!
(Grandpa still swan dives!)
It felt like a lifetime of memories flooded into our hearts in a span of mere days...
There were deer...
...and soccer games.
How can I capture in photos or words what our family experienced in Yosemite?
Some moments just need to be held onto...
For like ever.
Happy Isles was a favorite trail.
The kids enjoyed the Nature Center.
...and more water.
(Oma and Willow relaxing)
There were campfires, s'mores, Jiffy Pop, and even a light up ball routine thanks to Oma's choreography.
I'll never forget singing in our yurt/tent and reading the Bible until everyone fell asleep.
Or waking up to the scent of pine and coffee, peaceful prayer times, and walks.
We loved every minute!
But at some point, we had to say farewell to our newfound special place.
We made it through our maiden family camping voyage!
And then said our goodbyes...until next time Yosemite!
We passed a few hungry bears on our way out.
Then road tripped our way back...
...home.
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible...
all things were created through him and for him."
Colossians 1:16
