The Grand Road Trip Day 5-8

Our fifth day began at 4 in the morning, packing up the ice chests, and heading out to Jess' parent's ranch on our way to Yosemite to pick up Jess and the girls.  We then continued to drive to the park where we experienced Daphne's second bout of car sickness, poor girl.  We quickly cleaned her up and returned on the road.  We drove into Yosemite with dropped jaws.  I forgot how incredibly beautiful it was and we were all in awe.  Our first stop was at Camp 4 where we stood in line to see if we could get a camp spot.  You see, when we first started planning the trip in January, I tried booking a campsite but was sad to find that ALL campsites in the park were booked.  I became hopeful when I found out that there were many first-come-first-serve sites that we could stay at.  What I didn't know was that many of those camp sites would not open till later in the summer.  So this brings us back to oCamp 4, which was our only option for the time we were there.  After finding out we didn't get a spot at Camp 4 Isaac and Steve ran to the reservation office and put our names on a waiting list for cancelations and no-shows.  We were hopeful but wouldn't find out till later that afternoon and decided to enjoy the park and hike to Yosemite Falls.  We had a quick snack and headed to the falls.  We couldn't have been there at a more perfect time to enjoy the falls as it was late spring and the run off was incredible.  It is quite a breath taking site to see.  The hike was perfect for the kids and full of detours exploring water, rocks and all the other things nature has to offer.  A short hike with Daphne can easily become a long one, especially when we let her walk most of the way.  I loved seeing her curiosity and excitement in all the new scenery.  After our hike we drove through the park to see more beautiful sights.  After our scenic drive, and much needed naps in the car for the kids we headed to the reservation office only to find out that we did not get a camp site.  I won't lie, at first I was very disappointed, and due to a mixture of exhaustion and pregnancy hormones, I had a good cry in the car.  I was so sad that our Yosemite trip wasn't going as planned and feeling very discouraged.  Our friends Steve and Jess came to the rescue when they suggested we camp on Jess' parents' ranch (just an hour outside of Yosemite) to get our full camping experience in.  We then drove to the ranch and set up camp.  That night we had the most delicious soup (made by Jess) and enjoyed s'mores and had fun chatting by the fire after we put the kids down for bed.

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not my most flattering picture, but Daphne's face makes up for it

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Yosemite Falls

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Our cute friends Jess and Steve and their daughters Winnie and Clara

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That grin though

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running around while the parents get dinner ready

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Daphne eagerly waiting for her s'more

Day six started with delicious egg, cheese and bacon breakfast sandwiches on croissants complete with cantaloup and orange juice.  The kids had fun playing together in the dirt, no camping trip is complete with out dirty hands and knees, not to mention dirty faces as well.  Jess' parents have the most beautiful home on the ranch with a pool with the most amazing view.  Our camping trip turned into more of a "glamping" trip and we headed to the pull for a refreshing swim.  Afterwords the girls took a nap and we played more cards (313, we are a little addicted to the game) on the patio while eating the most delicious cheese, ham crackers and treats.  Daphne woke up from her nap and was not in the best of moods, another realization we had on our trip; kids have meltdowns no matter where you are.  After she calmed down she watched Frozen (or as she calls it, "Frozie") and we left for dinner in town.  We had the most delicious street tacos and then headed back to "camp".  Daphne then had the thrill of her life and was taken on a horsey ride on Jess' family horse.  Daphne loved it and was talking about the "neighs" the whole rest of the trip.  We then put the kids down and enjoyed more s'mores and fireside chats.  I love that although we don't see them as often as we'd like, anytime we get together with the Marcums we have the most fun conversations and talk like we see them on a daily basis.

Disclaimer: I was awful at taking pictures at this point of the trip, so bummed I didn't get more pics of the girls playing together.

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morning face

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Daphne slept in her port-a-crib until about 4 in the morning when she kicked Isaac of his sleeping pad, but how can you be mad at that adorable sleeping face?!

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glamping

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delicious dinner at Frosty's

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Probably Daphne's most favorite moment when she got to ride a neigh (horsey). Thank you Jess for making her entire trip!!!

Day seven consisted of packing up the car (by this time we had become very good at it) and saying good bye to the Marcums.  We then began our trek back home.  We stopped off in Tahoe, had delicious Mexican food at a little whole in the wall place and headed back to our hotel to get some rest before our long car ride back home.

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Daphne enjoying a grape take 1

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take 2

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take 3

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Our one and only group picture, so bummed I wasn't better at taking pictures!!

Day eight we walked out on the pier to see the beautiful lake, I love the smell of Tahoe, it is rich of pine and brisk water.  We stopped off in Carson City to go to Pegg's Glorious Eggs to eat one of THE BEST breakfasts I have EVER had.  Bananas foster french toast, huevos rancheros in the largest skillet I have ever seen, and minnie mouse pancakes loaded with whipped cream did not disappoint one bit.  It left us with our mouths watering and wanting more.  It was a good start for our long journey back to the Salt Lake valley.  Daphne was a total champ on the way home and we rolled into Holladay around 7 ish.  Daphne slept for almost 4 hours in the car!!!

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wind swept faces

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might as well call this place heaven because that's what it felt like

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she only had eyes for that whipped creme 

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nothing better than a sleeping baby on a road trip, am I right?!

Our trip, although not going perfectly as planned was so wonderful and I am so grateful we had the experience of going with the three of us before we become a family of 4.  Family time is so important and I really felt like we grew as a family from this grand adventure we took through northern California.