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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Destination: Big Sur, California, Part 2 - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

View near our campsite at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Our campground and the huge redwoods in the park

Hiking the park

Baby's first time in the wilderness - watch out!
  
Beautiful redwood sorrel blanketing the ground



Exploring

The four of us enjoying the surroundings

  
Here are more favorites from our recent camping trip to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. I can't say enough good things about this place. We booked last minute, got a beautiful campsite right across from the river bank and there were incredible redwoods around every corner. Every inch of this park is idyllic, and we all certainly fell in love with Big Sur during our stay. We had plenty of time to explore the park and even to hike a few scenic nature trails. More photos coming soon.


Looking up at the redwood trees

Papa entertaining baby Alina

The beautiful river bank right across from our campsite

All the kiddos and cousins together

On the trail to Pfeiffer Falls

Pfeiffer Falls

Valley view hiking trail summit

Campfire started; ready for a relaxing evening

Sunday, May 27, 2012

First Family Road Trip - Destination: Big Sur, California Part 1

Beautiful California coastal view off Highway 1

Views from inside our "house on wheels"

Bixby Bridge - Big Sur, CA

Braving the wind and sheer cliffs for a photo

We recently took our first combined family camping trip. We rented an RV, packed up the kids and grandparents, and made the four hour trek down the beautiful California coast until we reached our camping destination, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This was our first time staying in Big Sur, and I must say that it is the most beautiful and serene location imaginable; a peaceful flowing river, plentiful redwood trees; hiking trails with magnificent views; waterfalls; a hilltop restaurant with panoramic ocean views; and even a purple sand beach.

I have so many great photos from this trip, that I will likely do a few separate posts to showcase them all. These are just a few photos we took on the drive down. The views off Highway 1 are breathtaking. It was difficult not to stop at every single lookout point, because each one offered gorgeous coastal panoramas. This is the kind of trip where the drive down is an equal part escape in itself.


More lovely coastal views


Rock archways and the clear blue sea


Family photo (Elise was sleeping in the RV)


Sharing smiles

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Happy Mother's Day 2012 - Strawberry Festival, Roseville

Roseville Strawberry Festival 2012 - Mother's Day Weekend

Enjoying the bounce houses and rides

Mommy and happy baby Alina

Sinking Titanic bounce house!?! I've seen it all now

Baby + fresh strawberry smoothie = first time brain freeze

 
Elise's first pony ride, so cute!

At the petting zoo


Mommy with her favorite girls


Special Mother's Day gifts from my babies

Friday, May 11, 2012

Weekend Play Time

Sweet sisters in their playhouse

Little Alina loves exploring the playhouse

Notice her light roots and dark ends - will she stay brunette?
Also, her once blue eyes have turned a lovely shade of green

First time touching grass - she didn't mind too much

Playful Elise

Loving our flowers, they all returned from last year...YAY

Elise loves coloring; she's become very precise now

Future artist, perhaps; crayon taste tester, absolutely!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Folsom wetlands walk - May 2012

Beautiful Folsom wetlands

Cute baby girl was all smiles on our walk

Enjoying the sights along the trail

With her pretty flowers

Golden California poppies

Lovely view of the pond

Mommy with adorable Alina; love her cute toothy grin!

Nice view of the El Dorado Foothills

Vernal pools - unique to California

The girls loved the walk with gramps and grams

Baby's first time in a swing!