Yosemite National Park

We just returned from a short four day vacation at Yosemite National Park.  It was a getaway celebration for our 7 year wedding anniversary, and it was also the kids' first time at Yosemite.  My parents came with us as well.

For accommodations, we stayed at Yosemite West (aka Yosemite Scenic Wonders), which is a private development of homes and cabins inside the park.  It is located off Highway 41 about twenty minutes north of Wawona.  The cabin we rented, nestled among the pine trees on the mountain, has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, as well as a kitchen and a barbecue grill.  We prepared all of our meals there.  From the cabin, it's another twenty minutes to Yosemite Valley.  It was an ideal base for exploring the park.  There is no Internet, cell, or TV reception but it's

Since we had the kids our activities were relegated to short easy hikes and lots of downtime.  We hiked the Mariposa Grove, Lower Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and Bridalveil Falls.  For downtime, we picnicked and relaxed by the Merced River at two beaches: Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach.  The kids loved playing in the sand and in the very cold water (which was a relief from the 88 degree temperature).

For Lucas, the highlight for him was officially becoming a Junior Ranger.  He had to complete several tasks (identifying at least four animals that he's seen, doing a short hike, listening to a Ranger-led talk, and taking an "oath" to help protect the national park).  For his hard work he received a Junior Ranger badge.  Good job Lucas!

The trip was concluded by having the Grand Buffet brunch at the famous Ahwahnee Hotel on our anniversary date.  The dining room is absolutely amazing with its views outside its 2 story tall windows.  The food was top notch as well, with prime rib, an omelet station, pastries, shrimp, oysters, bacon, sausage, etc.  It was well worth it. 

Everyone had a good time and we also had our National Parks passports stamped.  Lucas liked stamping his own book and Leila now has her own book as well.  I would recommend getting these passports as it's a great way to collect memories of trips to our national parks.