Yosemite Part 4

Gabriela was very serious about becoming a Junior Ranger at Yosemite. We drove up to the Happy Isles Nature Center to catch our guided tour, but just had to stop to take in these wondrous sights. 

The drive was so incredibly beautiful. Lane and the kids explored up the rocks on the other side of this loveliness.

We reached the nature center with just a few minutes to spare before the children's hike. They learned how to use their owl eyes and their bear noses. They learned about super heroes of Yosemite and their special powers (Ponderosa Pines, for example, have special ways that they stay safe during forest fires). They hid pinecones like chickarees and had to see if they could find them at the end of their hike, like a chickaree would do in the winter. And then, it was the moment of swearing in. Here are the kids making their oaths:

Even though Easton didn't raise his right hand, he still got his badge. And boy,  was he proud!

My Junior Rangers then led the way down other paths, explaining things to us that they had learned. And Easton was sure to scold us if we went ahead of the Rangers. 

We had our picnic lunch by the water at Happy Isles. The kids weren't too interested in eating right next to this beautiful body of water. 

I had debated lugging our swimming stuff in the half mile to the hike (and then carrying it all through the hike) just in case we might find a good swimming spot, but decided against it. 

Of course, these guys couldn't wait to get in the water, so we let them go in their undies. Easton was totally naked at first, but then asked me to put his undies back in him because he didn't want to go "swimmy dipping". 

This water was much deeper and cooler than yesterday's.  It was enough for me to just dip my feet in and cool off. Brr!

I watched these loves of mine, their faces brimming with joy, absolutely loving every moment of this adventure, and I couldn't help bursting into tears. Because even the happy moments turn into sad ones. Our family just isn't complete; it won't ever be with our Simone missing. Oh how I missed her in that moment especially, trying to picture her at 16 months and how much she's probably enjoy splashing in the water. 

Finally, we decided it was time to hit the road for our four plus hour ride home.  Gabriela was so sad to leave Yosemite. I was just glad we got our act together and actually went out on this adventure. Usually we don't make trips this far away just for a two day weekend, but it was so worth it. (Even if I am a little tired and sore today. Hey, that's what happens when you go at 32 weeks pregnant with your fourth baby.)

We stopped to check out some other mountains along the drive home. So beautiful. 

And that's how we ended our summer. I am pleased with our short and sweet, go easy on the pregnant lady Yosemite weekend. I hope the kids remember this trip and all the sights we saw. Definitely the highlight of our summer fun!