Redwoods - place with REALLY BIG trees

So if you can't tell, this was one of the best family vacations we've had. And not just this one - the whole trip (3 weeks) was so fun!! Maybe it's because we had our own space or maybe it was because I didn't go on any of the hikes (not really my thing) or maybe it was because my husband was actually there this time?? I've been to at least one Risenmay reunion without him.......I took my nephew Dallin with me instead - a mini-Jeff actually.

Maybe it was because my kids were older and I didn't have to worry about them as much AND this is the first time I haven't traveled with a NEWBORN. It was the first trip where Jeff wasn't stressed about work, studying for the CPA or stressed about work....did I say that already? Well whatever the difference was, it was AWESOME!

On this day, a trip to the Redwood Forest was scheduled. Having already been there - I think I was 8, again I opted to stay put with Ammon. It had been another long night and I needed to find out how to get a prescription from our AMAZING!! Dr in AZ via voicemail to a pharmacy 30 miles from me that I couldn't find the phone number for - anywhere!? I didn't have a computer, so no internet access - I only have a plain ole phone. Anyone with a smart phone was gone. So, I called my mom. She looked up the phone number for the pharmacy in Fort Bragg, CA. I then called the Dr's office in AZ, left a message for them to call in a prescription. Several hours later I called the Pharmacy and they were filling the prescription! Then texted Jeff to pick it up on their way back from the Redwoods - hoping they'd make it in time before the Pharmacy closed.

Technology is so wonderful!!!

Off they went on a 3 hour drive.........one way. yuck. Here's what I did all that day (Aside from making phone calls to get a prescription):

cleaned the floors

did laundry

Ammon slept A LONG TIME!

made myself lunch and actually got to eat it in one sitting

enjoyed an NCIS marathon - the place had DirecTV - oh how I missed that!? :)

And indulged myself from a week long break of soda with an ice cold Pepsi. It was fabulous!

I forgot how much could be accomplished with one kid!?

I think I even managed to get dressed and did my makeup - must have gotten bored by that time. haha!

Enjoy the beautiful trees and good times my family had together!

 There were lots of trees that had burned through the inside, but the tree was still standing and still living - just had these massive holes in them. Big enough to walk through.

 This is the root system of a tree that fell over. HUGE!

 One of those burned out holes

 

  

This is the back side of the stump they at sitting on in the next picture.

  It's automatic - we find water, we must. throw. rocks!!

 This is how high the tree was - the oldest tree ever to have fallen down.

 the view down from the 'top' of the fallen tree

 tree huggers. ;)

 so cool! this is the inside of the tree in the above pictures. Jeff is standing IN the tree, looking up!

 

 more roots

 this was carved in the tree 'N Riz' - haha (Jeff's older brother is Nathan) and is called Riz. So is Jeff.

 Jeff's dad, just enjoying the day

 I think this is where a lady told Jeff 'your kids are too loud. We come out here to enjoy nature and enjoy the quiet'
Jeff wanted to throttle her!!!
Steven wanted to follow her around for the rest of the day!

 

 

  This girl loves to pose!

 What's that nursery rhyme? There was old woman who lived in a shoe.....had so many children she didn't know what to do. (I feel like that sometimes!) :)

Hiking to the beach

 There was some late nights, busy days and some exhausted children. Don't you love where Abbey's leg is?? 

On this day, everyone went for a hike to some beach. Ammon and I stayed back. He'd spent most of the night crying and uncomfortable. He'd never fully recovered from his ear infection before we left so he was MISERABLE. Therefore, I was tired too. Honestly I didn't mind staying behind - gave us some quiet time and time to sleep. So Jeff took the camera and had a grand ole time.

Grandma, Jeff, Lea, Jase, Lucas, Mandy, Anna, Grandpa, Abbey, Steven (Nathan took the picture)

 Jeff thought it was amazing as they walked to the beach, that everyone just stopped and stared at the water. All in different distances from the waters edge, but just watching. Beautiful.

 Lucas was Jeff's shadow or Grandpa's. The boy loves his dad and Grandpas.

 Anna was Lea's shadow - they had a lot of fun together.

 I think there was some assistants on the other side of the log to help them stay put. 

Anna, Lea, Lucas, Jase

 Abbey wanted none of that 'hang upside down' business

 Grandpa found a soon-to-be not-so-quiet spot. Lucas was probably trying to drive the space ship somewhere.

 Lea enjoyed finding fun places to pose

 

Next was lunch.....by this cliff. I was really glad to have not been there for this. One for my kid Lucas who is crazy all over the place and the other because I would be TERRIFIED. As beautiful as the view is, not a place for me to stop and eat lunch.

After a long hike, a nice relaxing soak in the hottub is always appreciated. Not sure if it was relaxing or not.

 Probably checking for the frogs that seemed to find their way back every day to warm up in the hottub. ew.

 It took some convincing, but Uncle Steven finally got Abbey to get in with everyone.