Sometimes we forget how beautiful this area is that we live in. It is easy to hop in a car and drive just a few hours and end up in some of the most spectacular places in the country. This summer we decided to not let too many opportunities pass us by. Our most recent adventure was a quick trip to Yosemite National Park.
This was a last minute decision we made based on Curtis’ parents booking a camp site 6 months in advance. There was not going to be enough room at one camp site for all of us (Curtis’ sister, her husband and their 3 kids were included), so we got on the phone with a local lodging site called Camp Curry Village to see if they had any last minute cancellations. To our luck and surprise, they did!! We were able to get an actual hotel room just a short walk from their camp site. Now I know this isn’t really camping, but given Kolton still being under two, we thought it would be best this year. Next year we will definitely be in tents!
We planned the drive around Kolton’s nap schedule in order to insure a happy, well rested toddler and more relaxed parents. Sometimes this strategy backfires, but this time it was a “WIN”! Kolton slept for over an hour! We still had a few more hours ahead of us so this took clever distracting on my part. We arrived in Yosemite around 4pm but since we couldn’t check in until 5, we found a couple of lookout points where Kolton could safely run around and we could take in these breathtaking views:
We finally checked into our room, unpacked and were off to see the rest of the family at their camp site. It is very important to us that Kolton spend as much time with his cousins as he can, especially since he is currently an only child. We had dinner and roasted marshmallows as soon as the sun went down. It was a lot of fun but we were relieved to be able to go back to our room and shower after.
The next morning we woke up early and took a long walk to take in more of our surroundings. Words cannot describe the beauty nature has to offer. I just hope that one day, Kolton will appreciate this as much as we do! We walked around with the stroller first, and later drove up to Glacier Point and took another walk to see the most amazing views! Kolton was able to run around and get a lot of energy out before his nap.
Later that day, we hung out with the family some more and then took a dip in the community pool. The water was the perfect temperature, and there was plenty of shallow end for Kolton to enjoy.
After a long, action-packed day, we all went to bed early. Since we were leaving the next day, we wanted to wake up early and enjoy as much of the day as we could before the drive home. In the morning, after breakfast, we packed up the car and headed over to Sandy Beach for a little water play. The kids loved it! There was lots of wildlife, and the water never got too deep to stand. The sun was out and it was a beautiful day. We packed some sandwiches and had lunch while the kids played. This wore Kolton out before the drive home. As soon as we got him changed and in the car, he was out cold!
This trip was definitely a SUCCESS! We have decided to make this an annual thing. Next year, since Kolton will be a bit older, we plan on tent camping with the rest of the family! We absolutely love getting everyone together and traveling. I think it is important to start these vacations at an early age, just as I did as a kid. I am so glad we have these memories to cherish forever!
There are so many beautiful cities near Yosemite National Park. One that we drive through often on our way there is Fresno, California. Check out these homes for sale in Fresno, CA. We have thought about how nice it would be to live closer to Yosemite, and these beautiful homes are just what we would be looking for!
XO
