Trip to the lower 48 - Part 4

Okay, here are the final photos of our trip. After camping, a few of us went to Grandma Barney's in Martinez, CA (my home town) for a visit. It was almost impossible to get these two to sit still long enough to get a photo together but I did get a few. Check out those amazing blue eyes on Olivia.

 

 Spending time with Great Grandma Barney.

Hanging out on Grandma's porch. One of my favorite places in the world.

Martinez marina.

I won't tell you how much this Mint Bliss Sundae cost at the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain Shop but it was worth every single penny. A scoop of mint ice cream, a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream, lots of hot fudge, whipped cream and an intense dark chocolate square. Undoubtedly the best sundae I have ever had. Ever.

 And of course we had to visit the Golden Gate.

 

Fisherman's Wharf.

Trip to the lower 48 - Part 3

When I was young, my family went camping at Burney Falls every year and I haven't been back in about 18 years. This year, all the siblings planned a trip - plus Dad, Jalene, the Sylvester cousins, Aunt Janet and a few of April Pope's family. In total we had a group of 33. It was so much fun to be there again and just as beautiful as I remembered.

Maddison and her cousin Livies fought over Grandpa's attention. I think they are both going through Grandpa withdrawals right now.

 Maddison's 1st sucker. I think she liked it.

Show off.

 Grandpa looks good in a Maddison hat.

 This is the same metal tub I took baths in as a baby/kid when we went camping.

We took turns making meals for everyone which turned out to be a lot of fun and a way to make sure we all got together at least once or twice a day.

 Maddiosn made a new best friend. Uncle Kevin.

 

Beach time!

Trip to the lower 48 - Part 2

We got to spend a few days with Grandma and Grandpa Pope before heading to CA for a family reunion.

 It was really hot, so lots of time in the waster was definitely on the schedule.

 Sitting in a cool pool while being fed fresh picked raspberries by Grandpa...this is the life!

 Feeding the ducks at Salem pond.

 Maddison wasn't too happy that this duck ate the piece of bread she was munching on.

 Swinging with Grandma.

And of course there was lots of good cousin time with Livies.

Trip to the lower 48 - Part 1

Maddie and I got to spend a few weeks with family these past two weeks. Unfortunately, Steve wasn't able to make it. We missed him so much but had lots of fun without him anyway.

Grandma and Grandpa Pfost drove from Idaho to Utah to spend a day with us (and Kelly) at "This is the Place Heritage Park" in Salt Lake City.

Maddison was not so sure about the petting zoo. She was even less sure about the pony ride which lasted less than 10 seconds.

 Kelly and Maddison playing in the grocery store.

 Mmmmm. Bell Peppers. She is definitely our child.

 I love this picture of a resting Grandpa and Maddie holding Grandpa's hat.

And we even got the chance to visit Great Grandma Munk who was an exceptional host, as always. We love you Grandma Munk!!

Valdez, AK

For the 4th of July we went to Valdez which is on the coast of Alaska and known for its fishing. I'd like to start this blog with a photo of "Uncle Salmon" who was the mascot of the festivities. He really inspires a feeling of patriotism, gratitude and...hunger.

 

 On the way to Valdez there are some beautiful road side waterfalls. It was such an amazing drive.

 

 

 It was drizzly pretty much the whole time but we enjoyed our trip anyway. We watched the parade which really was the smallest parade I have ever seen...and I have seen some small parades. It was about 2 blocks long and took about 10 min. to finish.

 

We also watched the fireworks but because it was so light outside and foggy, we could hardly see anything. The fog kept the firework smoke from drifting away so by the time the finally hit, we couldn't see a thing. We could, however, hear them. Valdez sits in a cove so the sound of the fireworks bounced off the mountains and were the loudest fireworks I have ever heard. I felt like we were being attacked by cannon firing pirates.

 

 At this spot we watched sea lions swimming in the ocean and a few bald eagles flying around. Steve went fishing with some friends on their boat one day while Maddison and I hung out on shore. Steve almost caught 2 pink salmon.

This was the view from out camp site.

 

We stopped by this glacier (notice the waterfall to the right). While Steve hung out with Maddison, I hiked to the base of the glacier.

And a quick lunch stop before heading home.