Christmas Vacation

I certainly realize this blog must be late but I cannot escape the desire to share the wonderful time away during the week after Christmas. As everyone already knows, our family loves company and we general spend all of our vacations and weekends saturated with family and friends. Over the past few years, we have learned a precious opportunity to just make this one trip of the years our own and get internal with one another. This trip did not disappoint and was a ton of fun!

Day 1 - Drove straight to the town of Oakhurst near south entrance to Yosemite to a lodge known as Tenaya Lodge. This day would be the first day of 3 nights and four days on the visit. We stopped in Fresno at the REI outlet to get the kids ready for the weather and outings we were about to experience. As we drove up the hill from Oakhurst, we knew we were in store for a winter storms treat of deep new snow throughout the area. When we arrived and unpacked, we jumped into our snow clothing and ran for the outside only to pummel each other with snow balls and sled on the Lodge provided slopes in a beautiful setting. The day was topped with a tasty dinner in diner right there on site. Woops, forgot to mention the indoor pool that the kids had to hit before shower time each night! They love the pools and swimming!

Day 2 - Drove into the Yosemite Valley with to enjoy a days event of snowshoeing. The valley was empty of tourist but completely full of strikingly beautiful layers of fresh snow and a frozen winter landscape. We walked for hours and really took in Gods amazing creation. You could not help but to find yourself conversing with God and giving praise for everything He made and created. We spent the entire day there and the drive back to Oakhurst on this day was a long one since all vehicles had to have tire chains. This fact, along with inexperienced drivers along the way, made for a long way home. However, the time was precious together and the views around every corner were fantastic.

Day 3 - Drove to Badger Pass Ski Area to cross country ski. This adventure was an amazing experience and quite kid friendly. For those who know how expensive skiing is, our whole day including rentals was $60 for all of us included! We really enjoyed the back country experience and the great exercise had by all. Both Amber and Sean did great and so did the wifey. Seany boy really impressed me with his climbing skills as he constantly went to the front to make it happen... We ended the afternoon with some pizza for the kids and a tasty beer for the parents. We packed up and got down the hill to enjoy some mexican food in Oakhurst. Since this was the last night, the kids went nutso in the pool.

Day 4 - Took a scenic drive in the heart of the Merced foothills to the north bay area. We really enjoyed the run in from the Oakland area and made the coastal loop to our first destination to stop for the day at the headlands at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was an amazing view and only the second time I have seen this wonderful landmark. It was both the kids and Jenns first time. Following this stop, we drove highway one south all the way to Monterey and passed along landscape and towns I have never witnessed before. It was a treat. We landed at a beautiful hotel along the cannery row in Monterey and treated ourselves to a seafood meal before hitting the pillow for the final day of adventure.

Day 5 - Enjoyed the morning and early afternoon at the Aquarium. It was a great time had by all and the kids really learned alot about the ocean creatures. We spent most of our time trying to spot the various California halibut a the bottom of the sandy tank and all of us were just totally ready for next summers fishing trips. This is like visiting a great restaurant and looking at wonderful entrees without being able to sample them! After this we hit the car and drive three hours home and ended our wonderful time away and family retreat.

A great time indeed. We are so grateful for the blessings of these special times and adventures. Sorry it took so long to share. Life is in the way sometimes...