California || Disneyland

When Paul and I left for California we didn't think that we would be going to Disneyland. Not that we didn't want to go, we just didn't think it would happen {even though we knew it would be REALLY fun!}. Nick and Priscila decided that we couldn't come to Southern California and NOT go to Disneyland! So to Disneyland we went and we are so happy that we got to go. We had a blast!

We got to see the new Cars land which literally looks exactly like the movie set. It was awesome. We rode tons of rides and just walked around laughing at everything that happened...well at least Priscila and I did. That's just how our friendship is, we have like 1,000 inside jokes! We ended our day at Disney watching the Soundsational Parade which was amazing and made me feel like a kid again. As you can tell from the picture, I loved it!!! Disneyland is really the 'Happiest Place on Earth'.

A big thanks to the Jensen's for making this magical day possible :)

California || Ridgecrest

After a fun 24 hours in Yosemite, we made our way to Ridgecrest, California to visit Josh, Mindy, Emily, Aubrey, Olivia and Ellie. When we got there all four girls were looking out the window waiting for our arrival. We had not seen the Rowley family in over two years so it was wonderful to visit with them and to see how much the girls had grown! Josh and Mindy quickly informed us that there was not much to do in Ridgecrest and that we had come during the hottest part of the year. After some talking about things we could do, we had a good plan for the next day and I was so excited to do some more exploring in California!!!

The next day we made our way out into the desert to find the William Henry "Burro" Schmidt tunnel. Let's just say, getting there was half the fun. We were on dirt/sand roads with jack rabbits jumping around and we might have gotten lost a few times, but we finally made it to the tunnel. Once we got there we were ready with flashlights and headlamps to see what this tunnel was all about. It was crazy to think that someone spent 38 years hand digging the tunnel. It was pretty remarkable. We were happy that it was cold inside the tunnel because it was definitely HOT outside!!!

After we got back from our trip to the tunnel, it was the middle of the day and it was still HOT! We decided that the rest of the day was going to be a spent playing water games. Mindy had found some really great activities on Pinterest that involved getting wet. The first activity we did was put shaving cream on a tarp and then we used it as a slip 'n slide. It was the best slip 'n slide ever! {Seriously, I have never fallen down so much sliding around on a tarp.} We also made some water bombs out of sponges that were lots of fun to play with and get wet with. They also had a pool so that made the water play day even better. The boys were out on a 'field-trip' to Joshy's work so while they were gone the girls planned a sneak attack for when they got home. We each had a specific task to get the boys wet!!! I think they were onto us because as soon as they got home and we were like "come outside and look at our fun water games", but they played along and got wet and we all had a really enjoyable time. Olivia was trying so hard to get Paul all wet! It was so funny because she chased him around the yard for probably 10 minutes straight!

It was an awesome day spent with some great friends. We were so happy that we were able to visit the Rowley's on our trip. Plus, we managed to stay somewhat cool despite the three digit temps out in the desert!

California || Yosemite

Well folks, it's time to play catch-up. Ready, set and GO!

The first stop on our California trip was Yosemite National Park. We were so excited for a little summer vacation, not to mention some California sun! As soon as we got to Yosemite National Park we were blown away at how amazing and huge everything looked. We quickly got the map out and decided what sites we wanted to explore because we were only going to be there for about 24 hours total...and that included sleeping time too. We wanted to make every minute a memory :)

Day 1: First we hiked to Vernal Falls...which felt great after sitting for MANY hours in the car. Then we explored Yosemite Village and took way too many pictures. Next, we stopped at 'Tunnel View' for a spectacular view of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls. Lastly, we finished the day having a picnic dinner as we watched the sunset at Glacier Point.

{I just had to include this next picture...we knew we were going to get to our campsite really late and after quiet hours, so we decided to fill up our air mattresses a few miles down the road. This is how we had to drive those last few miles. It was such a funny experience!!! And we can't forget the fact that we had to set up our tent in the dark.}

Day 2: First things first, we took a picture with the sign {somehow we missed it on the first day}. Then we went to the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias and saw GINORMOUS trees...we're talking 30 feet in diameter! After that we stopped at Olmsted Point to get one last look back into Yosemite Valley. We had lunch at Tenaya Lake, drove through Tuolumne Meadows and then made the steep descent out the east side of the park towards our next destination.

Yosemite National Park is a must-see if you ever travel to California!!!