Tide Pools and Big Trees Days 1-3

By the end of last school year, one thing was painfully apparent: we needed a vacation. We were all beyond burned out. So Nate worked his magic and combined our hopes and dreams into one amazing, unforgettable trip. We drove to northern California to see the redwoods and go to the beach in search of tide pools. We stayed in the perfect little vacation rental by a river full of tadpoles and spent our days exploring and our nights hot tubbing. Our only regret is not staying for longer. (And that one time that Bryn threw up all over the car . . .) Here are some pictures of our amazing trip, which we named, "Tide Pools and Big Trees."

We did lots of driving through the desert. This was the highlight of the first day's journey, the "Tree of Utah."

Nate stayed up real late making these amazing landmark maps for the kids to follow along with. When we reached a flap, they could pull it off and get the prize underneath it - screen time, a treat at a gas station, etc.

A looong tunnel.

The fact that I took dozens of pictures at this gas station speaks to the tedium of the drive. It was a gem, though. (World's largest pile of tumbleweeds in the house!)

Something is terribly wrong here. 

We took our "Burger Queen" to an eerily deserted park and had dinner and stretched our legs before finishing the drive to our hotel.

The kids always love a good hotel. And this one had an amazing fish tank. Day two dawned with the sweet lady at the desk telling us everything there was to know about all the fish in the tank. Covid continental breakfast was a bummer. We had red delicious apples and "cheese horns."

But then we went to Crater Lake! What an iconic place to visit! We hiked a mile or so along the rim and there were no bad views.

Leah found lots of good rocks on the trail.

We kept our eyes open for places my brother Russell stayed while he was a missionary in Oregon. I don't think we went through any, but we saw lots of road signs and got a general sense of the terrain. So pretty!

A days-long drive with a two-year-old is no joke. Starry put on some dance shows to keep Emmie entertained.

And then we arrived in Crescent City at our home away from home. We stayed at the cutest air bnb that was just perfect for our family. Just the right number of rooms and beds and bathrooms, redwoods in the yard, a creek teeming with life in the back, and the all-important washing machine. Couldn't have done a beach vacay without it!

These succulents are real!

After taking some time to unpack and unwind, we hit the beach to play and watch the sunset.

And then home for some hot tubbing under the stars.

Day three we picked up junior ranger badges and headed to the redwoods. We were in awe of the size of the trees! So tall and wide! And the forest was mysterious and full of ferns and other plants.

Addison and Asa picked up some banana slug souvenirs. They're tied with king cobras for Asa's favorite animal now.

Meet Sticky and Slimy, Asa's two incredibly realistic-looking sticky banana slug toys.

And here's the real deal! All told we saw about four banana slugs on our trip.

This is about the time that Nate and I looked at each other and reckoned we weren't in Kansas anymore. These trees are massive!

In other news, this is a redwood pinecone.

We spent the whole day hiking and taking pictures, trying to figure out how to capture the enormity of the redwoods. All told we did about six miles on the Boy Scout Tree trail. We made it to the tree and to the waterfall not far past it. Emmie learned to piddle in the wild and took great pride in her new skill. Everybody else took turns fighting over who got to be in the front, needing their picture taken by an even bigger tree than the last one, trying to catch a frog in the water, and just spending the day together.

Cutting corners over fallen trees was fun every time.

We found a sneaky little spot to have lunch along the way.

This was the crowning moment of Asa's day and perhaps his life. Although it looks like he's holding and also eating a banana slug, I assure you, it's an apple slice in his mouth. The only slug in this picture is in his hand.

We made it! Boy Scout Tree.

And then some explore and recharge time at the water.

I spy . . .