Summertime…

… is made better with loved ones making memories.

Almost a year ago, my youngest daughter (Jenn) took a job with the National Forest Service in California (a step to help take her where she wants to be in her career). It meant leaving her hubby and kids in Texas (all but one of the kids are adults and the youngest is a senior in high school). She got herself a camp trailer to live in, and she and her horse trekked across the country to begin this new adventure. Her husband, who works remotely, is able to visit her regularly which makes it doable.

Last week, my oldest daughter (Micki) and I flew to California to spend several days with her. We had a great time, despite temps of 105℉, and I returned with lots of bug bites, a sunburn, a near encounter with a rattlesnake, and many sweet memories. The location meant poor—and sometimes, no—cell service. There was no wifi, which meant I was offline and out of touch for the most part. Not a bad way to spend a vacation.

One of my favorite things about this trip was how many people, upon seeing me with one or both of my daughters, said something like, “You’re obviously related.” The first was the flight attendant on our first leg of our trip. The next was Jenn’s boss. Later one of Jenn’s co-workers asked if we were clones. LOL! Yes, there is no denying that I am their mother, and I love it.

Of course, being gone six days and five nights means I had to play catch up when I got home. Not to mention begin horribly behind with my writing. Ack! Still, it was worth it.

Below are just a few pictures from the trip.

Ready to depart Boise on Alaska Air (Micki & Robin)

Sierra National Forest McKinley Grove (Sequoias) — Micki has a horse named Sequoia so this was an important stop

Micki at the base of one of the sequoias

Jenn, Micki, Robin in McKinley Grove

A panoramic view of one of the sequoias

On our way to Wishon Dam, we encountered snow

History center near entrance of Yosemite National Park. Jenn, Ian (Jenn’s son who is now working for the forest service), Robin, Micki

The first view of El Capitan (on left in distance) & Bridalveil Falls (on right in distance). Ian, Robin, Jenn, Micki

El Capitan in all of its granite glory!

El Capitan behind Micki, Robin, Jenn, and Ian

Bridalveil Falls (which looks more like what it runs in May rather than July because of the still melting snowpack)

Micki & Jenn during picnic lunch stop in Yosemite before heading back to Jenn’s

Bluejay hoping for some of our picnic lunch

With the temps hitting 105℉, we got a little wading pool and sat with our feet and legs in it and visited for hours (thus, my sunburn). Oh, the memories we dredged up from long, long ago.