Redwoods

As we arrived back into our home sweet home, California,

 

 Tyler immediately spotted the beautiful Pacific Ocean

and insisted that we get out and go to the beach. 

 

I have to admit, it felt darn good to smell that familiar coast air and feel the sand in our toes!

The boys ganged up on Peter...



 ...and won!!

A gang of elk by the ocean! (yes "gang". I looked it up)

 

 

 

 

After playing on the beach we headed through the northern part of the Redwood National Forest, excited to earn our final Jr. Ranger badge. We arrived after the visitor center closed but this ranger was kind enough to get the badges and present them in the parking lot.

Treehugger.

We explored old growth groves, as well as hiked along the Cathedral Trail in Prairie Creek, I was in heaven among my favorite redwood trees!  They really are mystical and breathtaking.

 

 

 

 

After a day of driving down highway 101, we arrived at the Allard's property, where my family was waiting for us for our annual Redwoods trip. 

Papa!

Grammy!

 

Climbing the apple tree with cousins Emma and Sheila, and buddy Lucas.

 

It's always a special week full of hiking, swimming, campfires and nature!

Sue, Ryan and Laura, Jan, Me, Papa, Grammy, Kelly, David, Lucas, Sheila, Brady, Ali, Ty, Emma and Gucci
on a hike to Richardson's Grove. 

 

Can't go through it, can't go around it, gotta go under it...
You go, Papa!!

 

 

HIKING BUDDIES...

 

 

   What is Brady doing? 
    

Look closely...he caught a snake!!

Ty found a deer jawbone, complete with bicuspids! 



Peter, Sheila and K

 

 



Becky and Laura

We celebrated the twins' first birthday! 

Clay and Zula, Danielle and Yvon, "Gigi" presenting their traditional "goo cake"
(angel food with fresh, homemade blackberry frosting! mmmmm.....)

Ty and Zula, Brady and Yvon, sporting their gorgeous panchos made by great-grandma Wanda.

 

 

 

  New Parents, new babies, so sweet.

Rachel and Paisley.

 

The boys love to help build the fire!

 

     

 

                                           

              

A favorite pastime, picking blackberries!



 

 

 Another special week, among our favorite trees, playing in our favorite field, goodbye Redwoods and Allard family...until next year!!