We were long overdue for a camping trip and a visit with the Russells - so we combined them for a great vacation over the 4th of July. We met in the "middle" at King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. As we neared the park, the skies grew ominous, and we ended up setting up camp in the rain. Fortunately, just as Josh and Miranda arrived, so did the sun, and we didn't see any rain for the rest of the trip. It was Addison's first time camping, and she is a natural - she LOVES to be dirty and outside. She had an episode the second night where Mike ended up driving her around in the middle of the night until she stopped crying... but otherwise, she was fantastic. Her brother slept like a champ and LOVED having the Russells with us - Josh is definitely his new BFF, and Mir his new crush. :)
Left: Here comes the rain! Right: Andrew using his homemade binoculars to look for the "big trees".
 |
| As usual, pictures do not do the scenery justice. The Canyon is really beautiful. |
A brief review of Boyden Cavern: If you'd like to be transported back to the '80's (or before), stop here. It's as if all the potential lawsuits and federal regulators completely overlooked this little tourist spot - with hardly more than a handrail to prevent serious falls in some spots, and the option to take the narrow "Adventure Route" where certain body types were not suggested (the guide's words, not mine!). However, for the kids' (and Miranda's) first time in a cave, this was perfect... short enough, not too many rules, but still cold, dark and full of dirt and rocks - just what Addison and Andrew love most.
 |
| After turning off the light so we could experience complete darkness, Andrew was a little nervous. So, the guide gave him his walkie-talkie/flashlight. I was concerned it may break and he'd lose contact with the rest of his team, but the guide reassured(?) me that it's no good this deep in the mountain anyway. |
Back at Camp: I can't believe I didn't get a pic of the full camp setup, but it was a great site!
 |
| Mir prepping an awesome dinner, and Josh... cheering her on? |
General Sherman Tree - Reminder to Self: Do not book next National Park vacation over the 4th. General Sherman is the largest tree by volume (not height or width), and apparently everyone in Sequoia National Park wanted to see it on the 4th of July. We had to be shuttled down to the tree, and the kids were not impressed.
 |
| You can't really tell in this pic, but they were both in tears. |
 |
| I took 500 pictures of Addison - and 5 came out. She's always moving and she's super expressive (wonder where she gets that from), so half the pictures are either blurry or she appears drunk. |
 |
| "Cheeeeese" |
 |
| See what I mean? |
 |
| I spy a deer. |
Watching the sunset on the 4th. No fireworks here!
I was going to comment that I'm a better photographer (taking the pic of Mike above), but I think he's actually a better model. ;)
 |
| This was either right before or right after Andrew pooped behind the rock. |
On our last day, we went to see General Grant... the second largest tree by volume (even though the pic below says third... I think that is outdated based on 2015 park brochures... either way, some cool stats below if you zoom). This was a waaay better experience than Sherman - hardly anyone there, a neat tree to walk through, cooler morning, etc. And to be honest, when trees are this big - you can't tell the difference between the 1st and 2nd anyway. They are all pretty damn amazing.
