Yosemite

January was a long month for us and we needed a little get away. We were so happy we could spend some time in Yosemite. We had so much fun last year, that we couldn't wait to get up there again. Last year, we had great weather, this year was a different story. The forecast predicted rain and snow for the entire weekend. Another family was supposed to go with us, but due to the weather forecast they didn't want to drive 7 hours just to be in the rain. We totally understood that, but we just needed to get away, so we were going to deal with whatever weather we encountered.

We hit the road on Friday afternoon and arrived at the Lodge 9:30ish. Tim wasn't thrilled about staying at the Lodge, but with the threat of rain and snow I really wanted to have a bathroom within 10 feet of me that I didn't have to travel out of the comfort of my warm room to get to. It was definitely a change from Camp Curry for Tim and Trent, but the Lodge turned out to be perfect for this trip. Terra got carsick on the way up, so to have a sink in our room to rinse blankets, clothes and stuffed animals was much needed.

We woke up to rain, but as you can see in the distance we had a view of a waterfall...so we could deal with the rain.

Last year Trent was determined to find a snowball, which he did in the last hour we were in Yosemite. This year, he found snow immediately...he was a happy camper.

Our first stop was Mirror Lake. 

Trent and Terra loved the snow covered path along the way.

Even though it was raining and sometimes raining hard, the views were breathtaking.

My boy enjoying nature.

Not the best picture, but there's a stream coming down through the rocks.

Trent really wanted to venture out on this jetty. I was apprehensive, but knew he would love the memory.

Pure joy!

Mirror Lake had a nice sheet of ice on it. It was still so beautiful!

The snow covered mountains took your breath away. 
Yosemite is truly amazing!

Making our way back to the bus stop.  Terra wanting to hold Trent's hand and Trent being disagreeable...he did finally hold her hand. As Terra would say "Trent's being a stinker!"

Mama Bear and her cubs.

From Mirror Lake we warmed up with hot chocolate in the Awahanee hotel lobby...pretty fancy.

We walked through the museum and Terra insisted on taking a picture with Papa aka John Muir.

After lunch we walked to see Yosemite Falls.

  Trees growing out of a rock, you don't see that everyday.

From the bridge at the falls looking down stream.

Yosemite Falls! Of course, it really started raining hard when we got there. 

This was the view from the parking lot of the Lodge. You can see upper and middle Yosemite Falls. There was ice at the top and then a "snowcone" of ice on the top of the middle falls...so cool!

After see Yosemite Falls we went back to our room and relaxed.  Terra took a much needed catnap. After relaxing we did some souvenir shopping and then headed to Camp Curry to have some yummy pizza for dinner. 

We weren't going to go ice skating, but we still wanted some s'mores. We sat by the fire for a bit and made s'mores...it was a good day.

We woke up to snow falling, which is a beautiful site. The kids could not get on their snow gear quick enough to get outside and throw snowballs.

Thankfully Tim put on the cables the day before, so he didn't need to deal with the snow while putting them on...he's a smart one!

Snow Angels!

Their snowman.

Terra was quick to destroy it after the picture.

We had breakfast at the Lodge and then hit the road home. The weather was only going to get colder, which meant dealing with ice, which we did not want to deal with. We headed out and had a beautiful drive out.

Gorgeous!

You can see a waterfall in the distance.

We had the best time. What I love about Yosemite is you never know what you are going to get and no what weather you get, the views are beautiful. We can't wait to go back and see what Yosemite has for us next time.