4th of July - Sequoia

We loaded up the car the night before and headed out for the Big Trees on July 4th at 3:15 AM.  As planned we avoided all traffic and got there in time for lunch.  We were able to set up our campsite right away and met up with parents at the nearby lodge.  The first day we hiked the 3.4 mi (1.7 mi each way)Topekah Falls trail, and were super impressed that Morgan walked the entire way!  It was a really pretty hike along the creek ending in a waterfall (which was a small trickle!), but with impressive granite canyon walls.  Unfortunately Guinness, my parents dog, wasn't allowed on the trails so my parents stayed back with him.

The 2nd day we went to the Grant Grove and hiked around the big trees there.  Then went to Hume Lake for lunch, a swim - gorgeous lake - and drove the scenic drive through Kings Canyon.  This drive really made Jeff and I itch to take a multi-day, kid-free backpack trip.  Maybe next summer!!! 

The 3rd day we went to the Giant Forest grove and had a beautiful nature walk.  Morgan loved posing for pictures which was really cute, but got a little carried away when she stood on the board walk rail and fell over into the marsh!!  What a drop, but she was okay.  For a minute she disappeared under the ferns, and no I missed that picture.  :-)

It was fun having the 3 G's with us (Grandma, Grandpa and Guinness) to explore and enjoy nature.  The weather was warm during the day, but cool at night.  In fact quite cold at night.  Poor Bella was sick before we went with a fever/cold, and eventually on the last day started to feel better.  With the tough nights sleeping and the promise of terrible Sunday traffic, we decided to drive back Saturday evening which proved to be a good choice.  We were home by 10 PM and got a great night of sleep!

Here are some photos!  I'm impressed by how much the girls loved the freezing cold water (I wouldn't go in) in the stream and they also don't mind getting dirty.  Love you all - JeLiMoBe