Bike riding for the kids was the best part of camping.  They roamed all over the campground on two wheels and had a blast.

We got the flow of camping in Vinny down with this trip.  We had everything we needed, including comfortable beds.  

On a hike from our campground.  Sam was thrilled at the wildlife of squirrels and deer.  We didn't get the chance to see any "big" wildlife.

The McCulloughs from England and the Stricklers.

The Mist trail.  The children hiked up without a whimper or complain.  It was gorgeous.

The children played "poo sticks" over the falls.  I guess it's a universal game.

Our trip to Sequoia and Yosemite was great!  We spent 6 nights camping as we meandered through some of the prettiest scenery in the States.  Sequoia was gorgeous with it's big trees and rivers, but it was sure cold.  When we arrived it was in the 40's - Yikes!  Poor Perrin had her winter clothes from last winter and low and behold - she's grown since January.  She was compensated by a turn in the campground store where she found a big purple sweatshirt.

The kids enjoyed riding their bikes throughout the park, hiking, looking at the wonder of Creation. One day we went to Crystal Caves where I found out I had a severe reaction to dark, small, spaces that have no apparent exit. Aghhhh!!!  I totally freaked out in the caves and have no desire to go into any space where I can't get out quickly.  My heart beats quicker as I write this.

From there we headed to Yosemite where we camped just outside the park.  We were so glad we did as the campgrounds in the park are more like parking lots and stuffed with people. We on the other hand had a lovely site next to a small creek that had trout in it.  The kids went fishing, made dams, walked around and did whatever kids do in water.  It was great.  They also got to ride their bikes around the campground with little supervision, which was also great for both adults and kids alike.  The best gift though was when the McCulloughs pulled up into the site next to us. They were a family of 5 from England.  The kids hit it off and played all night and the next morning. They begged to go and hike together so we did.  It was lovely and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely.  

The day before the English showed up though was probably my favorite.  We took our bikes down to the Yosemite valley and we rode 12 miles on bike paths through the park.  The kids had a great time and didn't holler once.  We stopped in the village and had a delicious lunch and stopped and hiked to falls along the way.  It was wonderful and it felt like we really engaged the park.

Monday we headed to San Francisco to take Sam to the airport, where he was headed to Oregon to visit family.  We thought we would enjoy going to the city and playing but it turned out we took showers, which were so lovely after a week, but it was freezing so we just stayed in the hotel room, watched a movie, went out for dinner in the hotel and then went to bed.  

Sam got off to Oregon safely and we got out of San Francisco.  We drove and drove and drove and got home that night.  Ahhh, home sweet home.  It was a great trip, but it was sure nice to sleep in my bed.