The Long and Winding Road

My parents have become great traveling companions during the last few years. We've been to Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, and Southern Utah together. The past week we decided to go on a road trip to the west coast, and my sister, Kate, accompanied us. We had a wonderful adventure, and covered lots of territory. On the first day we drove to Reno and explored Virginia City without my camera. However, the camera was handy the next morning when we stopped by Tuckee and the site where Donner Party was stopped on their way west. The monument shows how deep the snow was in 1846.

San Francisco was fun as we spent time on the wharf eating lunch and checking out Pier 39. We also went to Ghiradelli Square and Lombard Street before heading over the Golden Gate Bridge.

The most amazing part of the day was spent in Muir Woods. The pictures do not do this place justice. It was so beautiful and we went just as the sun was setting. The carving is of John Muir, who was one of the first who suggested that we set aside beautiful places for our children and grandchildren.

The next day we loved seeing the vineyards and beautiful settings of Northern California. Again, the pictures are only a glimse of the true beauty. One of the vineyards has a castle that is built like the castles in Italy. It was quite impressive.

It is clear that my mom enjoys being a queen in a castle.

The castle even came complete with a drawbridge.

We found that Mt. Shasta is still covered with lots of snow, and visited Ashland, Oregon, the home of the first Shakespeare Theatre in the United States.

Late one afternoon we rowed in canoes around a wildlife refuge.

In Klamath Falls, Oregon we met up with Kate's daughter, Chelsey, and her husband, Austin. Austin is playing baseball in a summer league. We went to a couple of his games and visited Crater Lake National Park with his parents and grandparents. I've never seen a lake so deep blue. It was incredible. What a fun vacation we had visiting our beautiful country with loved ones!

Party, Party, Party

Our family has loads of birthdays in the summer, and we were able to attend a few of the celebrations during the past few weeks.Kam has only one more year until he's a teenager (although he already sports a mustache). He's started scouts and enjoys it. I think he's even looking forward to school this year since he'll be in junior high.

His family had a party for him at the park and supplied a delicious dinner and fun for all.

We headed for the hills to celebrate the 235th birthday of our country. Many of my siblings' families were there too, and we enjoyed hanging out with them. This is a picture taken right before some of them left and before Kate's family showed up. (Diane took the picture).

 

We did get a picture of Kate for her 50th birthday party that came complete with a coffin and a cane. Fun times!

We also attended a birthday party for my great-grandmother's 131st birthday, but I forgot to take any pictures. My grandmother's 95 year old sister attended, as well as lots of relatives (some that I know, and others that I don't). Summer is great!

Surf, Sun and Ceremony

What a fun couple of weeks we had in Florida! I loved the beaches in the Tampa area, and it was so fun to watch TJ chase after the birds and play in the sand. We also went to Wakula Springs with Amelia's family, and had a blast on a boat tour and in the water.
 

We were thrilled to be invited to Trent's white coat ceremony. This means he is half way done with his schooling and can work on patients. I think I'll keep my mouth closed around him from now on.

This is the family all ready for the event

.

Amelia and TJ wave to Trent as TJ's cousin, Kalil watches.

Here's another family picture that includes the new coat and the beautiful scenery of Florida.

We had a great time and can't wait to go back (or have them visit here)!