YOSEMITE WITH OPRAH

YOSEMITE

It was AWESOME. We picked the kids up from school early on Friday and headed up to Yosemite(my favorite place to be in the whole wide world). We had no idea what was in store for us. So get this.

• 6:10 pm ~ I get a text from Gretchen's teacher, Renae. "Oprah's in Yosemite this weekend too! Camping!"
• 7:30 pm ~ Tent finally set up and dinner dishes done.
• 8:00 pm~ We set out on foot to see Oprah's campsite.
• 8:10 pm ~ We got swooped into Oprah's campsite where the kids were set down right next her. We meet Oprah and Gayle and listened to Shelton Johnson tell stories about the Buffalo Soilders.
• 8:45 pm ~ Shelton leaves and we proceed to hang out with Oprah, while 5 camera men zoom in on the action. We talked about camping, how long we've been campers, how to put a s'more together, and enjoyed her campfire.
• 9:15 pm ~ We sign release waivers while thinking...DID THIS JUST HAPPEN?
• 9:20 pm ~ Say good night to Oprah and Gayle.

We still can't believe we hung out with Oprah and roasted marshmallows with her. Although the kids can't quite grasp the magnitude of the entire ordeal(all they cared about were how big the marshmallows were), we know how incredibly awesome that experience was.

I couldn't get very many pictures in, because the production crew asked we put our cameras away, but here is the best shot.

Ray in the green sweatshirt, Gretchie next to him, our friend Cayden next to Oprah, and then Gayle! It really did happen, folks.

Although Oprah was a considerable high for our Yosemite trip, there were many more things that solidify why I love Yosemite so much.

The view of Half Dome from our campsite.

Meadow by Sentinel Beach.

I love the timer feature on our camera. We are standing on the foot bridge, crossing the Merced River, heading into Lower Yosemite Falls. We have talked about this trail for years, but this was the first time we've been on it. It was such a neat bike ride. A little long, but good.

We got rained out. =( Our tent only had a few minor leaks, but it put a damper on our usual hikes.

We had SUCH an amazing visit. We were told this particular "Oprah's 1st camping trip" episode, will air Nov. 1st! You better believe, we'll be watching. Hope we don't end up on the cutting room floor.

I have issues...

I have issues...

Just look at the contents of my purse!!! Something is wrong with me. Why must I carry around all of this?!

Summer luvin...

Let the summer fun begin!!!!

School is OUT!!! We have graduated from Preschool and completed Kindergarten...so let the summer fun begin! First on the agenda was a day trip to my most favorite place in the whole wide world. Yosemite in June is a little slice of heaven. Water water everywhere. Raymond rode around Yosemite Valley on his bike with no training wheels and never crashed once. He's getting so big and we love how he constantly likes to throw things in like this..."Only big 1st graders can do that, huh mom?!"

We may live in the central valley where the concrete will melt your tootsies on a hot summer day, but we are so close to some of the coolest and most beautiful places. Next up was working on the backyard. My backyard is by far my haven in the summer. This year I slacked on getting my garden planted on time, but we still have a few beauties to show off.

My beautiful Fuschia.

For months, we had a camping trip planned with our friends from church. We couldn't wait to get up on the lake and enjoy time with other families. It was all we could have asked for and more, EXCEPT we got bombarded with red ants and hot temps. It was fun while it lasted though.

And might I add, the wave runner has never run better!!

We had fun, but like I said, red ants are not my favorite, especially when they are covering your pillow. Not only do we enjoy camping, but we get to take day trips up to Shaver and spend time with family on the party barge.

A few days later, our cousin Maggie flew in from Oregon and guess where we went the next day..

We went up to Shaver to spend time on the lake, of course. For how many miles separate Maggie and Gretchen, it's amazing to me how much love they have for each other.

We were so excited the fam came down to celebrate the 4th with us. Ray was ALL ABOUT the fireworks, but Gretchen liked them only from afar.

We've got a little over a month of summer luvin left. We've got a camping trip planned, Gretchen's 5th birthday, a trip to the central coast to visit and celebrate birthdays with Troy's side of the family and much much more. I heart summer.