California or Bust!

Laurel and I went with my parents to California a couple weeks ago to visit my Grandma and other relatives that live in that area.  Scott and I had both lost a Grandmother last year, and both wanted an opportunity for Laurel to meet Grandma Huizenga.  My parents planned a trip out in August, and although Scott's work schedule did not allow him to go, we decided I would take this opportunity to bring Laurel when I had parental support to help on the plane and getting around!

We flew into Las Vegas and rented a car from there.  It is about a 5 hour drive through the desert to Visalia, CA, where my relatives live.  It was HOT!  106 in Vegas, 113 in the desert, high 90's to 100's in Visalia!  As soon as we got to Vegas, we collected the car seat, stroller, diaper bag, and our stuff, found our car, and then I sweated for 20 minutes getting the car seat installed.  Laurel was still facing backwards, but the seat did not fit properly in the car that direction, so I made the executive decision that she is now facing forward!  (Of course, she is over 1 year old and over 20 lbs, so she meets all the legal requirements...).  It took me a few tries to get all the straps, buckles, covers, and angles right on the car seat.  Then, we took a short drive to In 'n Out Burger!  Best hamburger and fries I have had in year.

We stayed at my Aunt and Uncle Bothof's house for the week, and took daily trips to Quail Park, the retirement community where Grandma lives.  Laurel seemed nervous that I was going to leave her somewhere for the first few days, but adjusted and enjoyed her time.  She really liked  Great-Grandma H!  We spent most of Saturday visiting with her.

Four Generations: my Grandma Huizenga, my Mom, Me, and Laurel

 On Sunday we went to church with the Bothofs (and Dad saw a bunch of former students from his CA teaching days, and I saw a few Dordt College classmates), then my cousins who live in the area came over for lunch.  It was great visiting with them, meeting all their kids, and just having a good time!  I really enjoy this side of the family, and wish we could see each other more!

Sunday night Laurel was a bit restless.  My relatives live across from a dairy, and there were a few cows out by the fence, so we went outside to say hello.  Within minutes, every cow in every pen was lined up at the fence to say hello!

Dairy's in this area of CA tend to be a vast expanse of dirt with all the cows in pens, a few shade structures, and a feeding area.  Dry and dusty!

On Monday Mom decided to visit Grandma again, and Dad, Laurel, and I decided to spend the day in Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks.  It is about an hour drive to get there, and we spent part of the day hiking, and the rest of the day driving through the parks.

Look at the big trees, Laurel!

The 1/2 mile hike to the General Sherman tree is not navigable for strollers, so Laurel got to ride on my back.  The General Sherman tree is the tree in the world with the most wood.  The 1/2 mile hike back UP the mountain was a little more challenging--between the higher altitude, Dad being old(er), and me being pregnant, we had to take a few breaks.

We tried to let Laurel run around a bit as well so she would be content when we got back into the car.

 One of the most interesting things you see in the park is the tree huggers.  I mean, people literally hugging the trees.  One group stood around a sequoia doing a chant, and saying things like "do you hear how your heartbeat is in tune with the heartbeat of the tree?"  Another time we saw a lady hugging a tree, while another stood behind her, waving some sort of incense, and singing a wordless song.  I was in awe at the wonder and beauty I saw around me, but I give God the glory for the wonderful things he has made.

We then drove through the park, stopping at the Lodgepole Visitor's Center for a delicious pizza snack, then went to the Grant's Grove to see the General Grant tree.  This one actually was stroller accessible--I wish I'd known that, as Laurel was asleep and I carried her around on my back with her head lolling all over the place!

This sequoia had fallen many years ago.  It has been used as a shelter, camp area, and stables.

The General Grant tree.  I believe this is the 3rd tallest tree in the world.

 Have I mentioned how hot it was there?  Sunday night we had a freak thunderstorm, complete with rain!  On Monday night, there was a fire in the power substation, and the electricity was out in the entire city for a number of hours!  Since my relatives live out in the country and their well pump runs on electricity, this also meant we did not have water.  We sat in the house for a while until it just got too hot...then we went outside and swam in the pool until it was too dark to see.  We then went inside and tried to amuse ourselves and stay marginally cool until my Uncle got home and could figure out how to hook up the old generator.  Where was my uncle?  Well, they run a construction business, and because of the freak thunderstorms, they had to go cover a house they were roofing after their work day finished!  He finally got home and got the generator working around 10pm.  Phew!  It was HOT!

On Tuesday we spent the day with Grandma again.  The combination of hiking and heat the day before caused me to not feel well, so I spent the afternoon napping with Laurel.  :)  Wednesday morning we had one last short visit with Grandma, then hopped in the car and headed back to Las Vegas.  We had an early morning flight home on Thursday, so spent the night in a hotel, got up at 3:30am, and headed back to Iowa!

Mom, Grandma, and Dad

Laurel and I with Grandma

Give Great-Grandma a kiss!

This is the face Laurel makes for pictures.  We're working on "Cheese!"

 When we got back to Iowa it was 75 degrees...beautiful!  Unfortunately the next day the heat wave began, and we are now in the middle of days of 90-100 degree heat.  HOT!