On the Way to Yosemite and Beyond!

A short drive northeast of us (3 hours) is this place we know as Yosemite National Park.  Maybe you have heard of it.  It became obvious as we came north on highway 40...the traffic was thicker and slower going...that others might have heard of it too, but we continued on with the crowd to see this famous park.

Of course, we had to stop for an occasional cache along the way as we were in no hurry.  In one cache, we discovered a trackable Mickey.  We would find out later that we were the first to grab this trackable.  Its goal was to travel to as many places within California as possible.  We were to only keep it for two weeks...plenty of time to take it around for an adventure.

As much as we love nature, we had already decided OUR main goal of the day was just getting across "to the other side of the mountain...the other side of the mountain...to see what we could see!" (More on that for the next post.)

Our first stop after entering the park was the visitor center at Wawona.  We had been told (via the website and other sources) that there was a charge for Junior Ranger booklets at this park.  This was a first for us, but we were prepared to pay the price as this was a big part of the NP experience.  However, when we arrived, we were told that there was no cost.  YAY! Money saved is always a good thing.  We told the ranger that we had 5 participants but she told us she did not have that many books so we were given two of three different programs.  OK...that was odd but we took what were were given and decided we would figure it out as we went about the day across the park.

As we were leaving we decided to look at what appeared to be a barn and a covered wooden bridge.  It turned out to be the Pioneer History Center.  There were several historic buildings (once placed around the park) that were relocated to this center.  We walked across the covered bridge into a village of buildings, including a blacksmith shop, several cabins, a bakery, and powder house/jail.  It was a fun walk that got us out of the van before heading further on.

We were disappointed to learn that the road to the Mariposa Grove was closed.  This would have been an opportunity for the older boys and Michael to see the giant sequoias.  We will just need to make a trip to the other famous park some weekend (also a day trip from our house).

The next big thrill was driving through the big tunnel that we take us to the first amazing and iconic view in the park.  Through the tunnel and out into a wide open area...well other than the *million* (slight exaggeration) cars that were also parked to see the view and take a picture or two.  This is when we really started to see the tourist-y nature of the park.  If it seems the crew appear a little disgruntled I think it was because they were hungry!  However, it was worth the drive for the amazing view and we were right along with everyone taking pictures and stopping for lunch!

We thought we would be stopping again at another visitor center to take the children on a ranger-led program; however, the crowded parking lots made it impossible to stop.  Very disappointing but we decided to try our own trail instead.

The tourist-y nature continued with tour buses everywhere...there were also many options for over night stays, including the typical campsites, but also hotels and resorts...very different from what we we were used to seeing.  However,, I would think being one of the oldest parks in the system it had time to build up before limitations were made for natural settings.

The trail we chose was the lower Yosemite Falls.  We were also able to take a quick peak at Bridalveil Falls along the way.  Bridalveil was barely a mist sweeping up into the air.  We were later told that it was a full waterfall just two weeks before due to the snow melt.  The trail leading to the Yosemite Falls was a nice path that was good for us.  We could have gone on the upper trail also but the lack of water and the steep climb made us stop.  Maybe we will make it during the spring months to view in its glory.

One thing that happened along this path was kind of funny and scary.  We stopped for a family photo and I set up the camera on a picnic table.  A squirrel came up from behind and also bit me on my rump!  We laughed about it and went along our way.  However, we would later learn that the plague (yes, that's right!) was being transmitted by these little critters throughout the park...in fact one area we had visited was completely shut down because of this issue!  Wow!  I guess I am glad it changed its mind and stayed away!

We continued through the Tuolumne Meadows on highway 120 and Tioga Road.  This road was quite windy with breathtaking views.  We were glad for the experience but were glad to be on the other side of the mountains.

Before heading out of the park, we stopped at the last visitor center in the meadows.  The children all entered ready to earn their badges.  We had divided the booklets accordingly at the beginning of the day.  What we did not know is that the various books earned different badges!  When we told the ranger what had happened at the first center, she told us that there should have been plenty of books for everyone.  So...everyone ended up earning different badges.  The children could have earned three different badges!  But it was all good in the end.

 As we left the park, we also saw one of the wildfires that was making its way into the park.  This one was caused by lightning...we were glad to leave before it became a problem.  The smoke could be smelled well away from the park.

We arrived at our hotel in Mammoth Lakes just in time for dinner.  We were told to take all of the food into the hotel room as bears were know to enter vehicles in search of food.  SO glad we already planned to do this.

A great first day of vacation...much more to see before we are home again.

A Special Day for Our Littlest Princess

Zaira turned three years old today!  I know it is easy to say...what happened to the time?...But really...the time has gone by so quickly!  So many changes in her little life over the last three years.

slow to wake up but eventually enjoyed

We were happy to celebrate with our family.  She told a friend that she had invited all her friends to her party...so happy to know that we are here closest friends.  It will not be long when she looks beyond her little world to have friends outside these walls we call home.

We started out the day with her breakfast in bed.  Then off to Mass at our cathedral.  It is a very old building with fort walls around it from the old days.  It is very beautifully painted inside as well.  We even saw some homeschooling families who we had met last week.

All the boys were excited to make her day special with their own gifts.

Brendan knows his sister well...he bought her chocolate!  She will enjoy eating on the road trip that starts tomorrow!  Believe me...there was plenty of chocolate today without more!

Edward immediately said he wanted her to celebrate her special day at a local park dedicated to Dennis the Menace.  We have passed it many times and were happy to go there today.  We enjoyed the playground with the huge slides, maze, unique bridges, and rock climbing wall.  We found out that the park was actually created by the creator of the cartoon soon after a locomotive was donated to the city.  It is a great place to visit!  And the paddle boat ride with a swan boat was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Henry took a drawing he had done of Zaira this year and fabricated a duplicate on his computer.  He is such an artist.  This is a gift she can cherish for years to come and is hanging in her room now.

Sean could not resist buying her two more rubber duckies to add to her growing collection!

I decided she needed a few more dolls to enjoy.  Edward decided to add a few dolls to her collection as well.

One thing she continued to ask for was a watch!  Not just any watch but a pink watch and her bike fixed (We are working on that one.)!  So Michael helped her pick one out and gave it to her today.  It is not only pink but also flashes bright colors with the push of a button!

Add to all of this birthday cards from Gramma and Aunt Peggie...it was a fun day for her!  We also enjoyed cooking on the grill and eating a home-made ice cream birthday cake (actually brownies).

So much fun...but now we must pack for our big trip that starts tomorrow!

Six Flags and More

I am not a big fan of roller coasters...not even the little kiddie rides...but every year the children get pumped up about going to Six Flags.  So thankful Michael loves to ride the rides.  I always try to find a way to stay home...baby is too small...toddler wants to ride and cannot...easier to save the money for other things...ANYthing to not go...I really am a waste of money when it comes to these experiences.

However, this year we are at a new park and it seemed like there might actually be things I could do during the day.  So...off we went to Discovery Kingdom Six Flags.  It was a good park for people like me...there were shows and animals as well as cool places to sit.  The rides were close enough to the walk ways that I was able to take a few pictures of the crew on the rides.

Michael and the older boys were quick to get on their favorite rides but got distracted by bumper cars and a swing type ride first.  Then they met us for a dolphin show (It was OK but nothing compared to Sea World so we left the show early).  Then they were off to ride the big rides.  They tried to convince Brendan to ride a smaller roller coaster (Cobra) but he decided he was having fun on his own rides.

Zaira and Brendan spent time at two different play areas and then we rode a boat ride.  It was tame for this type of ride but still made me squeamish.  Then we rode the carousel...I was fine except that it was hard to take photos in both directions and keep my balance!  We found a hot air balloon ride and helicopters before meeting back up with Michael and the older crew.  One more trip around the last of the roller coaster rides while the rest of us pet sting rays, looked for walrus, watched the penguins and walked under the sharks!

I was so glad to have the time with family but also glad for the day to be over.  I really should stay home for these things!  Glad everyone else enjoyed the rides!

Then we went to Vacaville for a hotel.  "Cow town" was the closest we have been to Texas since we left four months ago!  There were streets named Texas...the college was Austin College.  There was a Sam's Club, Chick-fil-a and Sonic.  Even the landscape was much like what we love about Texas.  When we went to Sam's the checker was from Austin!

We were able to go to an amazing Catholic church on Sunday...Star of the Sea Church.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to be there...it was beautiful in art and in spirit.  For those who are not Catholic...I cannot explain it.  For those who have fallen away from the church...you will not understand it but I pray that you will find a way to return.  For those who seek the joy of the Mass...you will wish you were there with us.  It truly brought tears to my eyes to have the blessed sacrament so beautifully worshiped.  I am sad to say that it has been a long time.  We all agreed that we want to return to this parish again soon and often.  The painting above the altar was so beautiful.  I could not resist a picture after Mass.  It felt as if she were looking down on us and giving us hope in the future.

We then left and traveled a few blocks away to visit the Maritime of San Francisco Historical Park.  This park was special because we were right on the water...on a pier...very crowded and hard to find parking but worth the effort to visit.  We walked among historical ships that were important to our history.  We were especially surprised to be a part of a horse burial at sea.  If you have never experienced it was quite thrilling (goosebumps just thinking about it!) even with a stuffed horse that has seen its better days!  We especially enjoyed the old ferry boat (Eureka), the tug boat (Hercules), and the Balcutha (old rigger ship that is over 100 years old).

We only had a little time so we tried our luck at some geocaches that were found on the Presidio of San Francisco.  I am glad we did not plan a long stay here as there was a BIG celebration taking place on the grounds.  We were thankful to find the national cemetery and pay our respects, then drive to the chapel that had some interesting murals.  Then our last stop was at Inspiration Point where we found a beautiful view of the area, including the Golden Gate Bridge.

There is still much to see in San Francisco.  Maybe that is why the old crooner sang about leaving his heart in San Francisco.  Thankfully for us...we are only a short drive (Texas traveling) from the sites.  We will be taking weekend trips here as often as we can while we are here...be ready to hear more later.

Cookery Day روز آشپزی

Michael shares his day of cooking as part of an immersion to the culture:

My class took a day to become more acquainted with Iranian culture by preparing an Iranian meal.  The class was divided up into 7 sections, and each was assigned a different dish.  We made two different types of kebabs, one of beef (Kebab-e Kubideh) and one of chicken (Joojeh Kebab), a chicken and rice dish (Tah-Cheen Chicken), two eggplant dishes (Kashk-e Bademjan, and Gheymeh Bademjan), Shirazi Salad & Mahst-o Khiar, and a dessert, Iranian Baghlava.

On Friday, each team was given a Persian recipe (in Farsi) to study and translate over the weekend.  On Monday we reported to the kitchens.  The instructors brought the food, seasonings, and the kebab skewers.  The students all broke into their teams and began prepping their recipes.  Some, like the Baghlava team, started later, and helped other teams.  Despite the close quarters, the cooking went quite smoothly.  Soon enough the food was laid out on multiple tables.

Just getting a small portion of each item was enough to fill a plate, and it seemed that no matter how much was eaten, there was still more left.  Those students with families were encouraged to fill containers to take home, and the leftovers were taken back to the school house, where they served the teachers (and some students) for lunch over the next couple of days.

I look forward to visiting some of the Persian restaurants in the local area and sharing more of this food with the family.

SIDE NOTE:  Michael brought home the food from the day.  It was all delicious!  They did such a great job.  The food is very different from what we are used to eating but very tasty and we were glad that he brought home enough for a taste and leftovers for the next day!  

We will be thankful for many more of these types of immersion experiences!