Sequoia National Park

We had really wanted to go camping and see the sequoias over Labor Day but like I had posted earlier, we didn't get our act together in time to reserve a spot. Last weekend, we took a chance and headed up for a quick one night camping getaway. We didn't really have a campsite in mind, but there are a ton of them as you head north into the forest. We had three requirements in order for us to stop and put up camp.

1. Shade
2. cooler temperatures (by preferably 10 degrees)
3. campfire allowed

We were kind of worried at first because along the Kern River and at lower elevations all the campsites had 'no open fire' signs out. We just kept going up and were super lucky to find the perfect campsite! It's called Redwood Meadows and is right across the highway (literally, just a few steps) from the trail of 100 Giants! We got there at about 3:30pm and quickly set up camp. The kids kept busy by talking on their cell phones (rocks and pieces of wood) to each other around the site. We were then able to take a quick hike through the Trail of 100 Giants before we started cooking dinner. The trees were amazing! They were so huge, and hard to imagine how they could possibly be so big!

We had taken all these great photos of the kids and us next to the trees with Cory's cell phone and NOT ONE of them turned out. Something was wrong with his camera app or something. So we have ZERO pictures of our trip. However, lucky you, I created an artistic rendering of the trip.

Here are the kids next to three Sequoias that have grown together.

Cory and Me next to one of the 'Giants'.

*picture stolen from google

Our family in front of the tree. From L to R: Cory,  Me, Carter, Clay and Vivi

The kids had a great time camping. It was the first time we've gone as a family since Carter broke his head. And it was the first time Vivi had ever been camping. We even took the dog (although she didn't make it into any of the pictures, obviously.
We had "Schmoes" around the fire before bed and it sent everyone into a tizzy because no one could fall asleep for another 2 hours or so. They were just all so excited. Of course, they woke up at first sunlight and after breakfast, we packed up and went home.
It was a pretty nice getaway, and we're definitely going back soon!