Adventures in Yosemite

"I must return to the mountains—to Yosemite. I am told that the winter storms there will not be easily borne, but I am bewitched, enchanted, and tomorrow I must start for the great temple to listen to the winter songs and sermons preached and sung only there."— John Muir in a letter to Mrs. Ezra Carr (November 15, 1869)

This year Aaron's family visited California for the holidays. We decided to continue with this year's National Park tour by taking advantage of our awesome central location, and visiting one of the most iconic and beautiful parks in California, Yosemite National Park. 

We arrived in the early afternoon to dark clouds covering the sky and shadowing the park's tall peaks. As we drove through the entrance, the rain showers turned to snow showers, and soon the Yosemite Valley was blanketed in a soft white snow.

The next day we experienced beautiful weather. We were able to explore the Yosemite Valley better, hiking to lower Yosemite Falls, and getting a wonderfully informative "tree" tour around the backyard of the famous Awahnee Hotel. 

It was a fabulously beautiful trip, I had a great time! I cannot wait until the next adventure. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go next? 

Holiday Adventures: Christmas Tree 2010

The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect! -- Charles N. Barnard 

For the first time, while living in my cute little house, I got a real Christmas tree. Aaron and I searched for a tree but were terribly disappointed at the ridiculously overpriced costs of a real tree at the first lot we arrived at. We decided to keep looking. And we did. At one more lot. There, we found the perfect tree at a very reasonable price, the only problem was getting it home. The very nice man at the tree lot stuffed the tree into the Prius like it was nothing. I snuggled up next to the tree in the back seat, and Aaron brought us both home safely. The tree was both beautiful and huge. 

Where is Aaron?

Decorating the tree in stages, we first put on brand new bright LED lights.

Albert looks suspiciously at the new LED lights on the tree. 

It wasn't until later (much later) that Aaron's mom, Kathy, helped me put the finishing touches on the tree. Doesn't it look beautiful? I have to admit, I was without a tree-topper. At one time I had a lovely Tinkerbell tree topper, but this year, we made do with something I found lying around the house. A penguin! I am in love.

My lovely tree...
with my happy penguin watching over us. 

Kathy helping me decorate the tree
(or rather pose for a photo looking like we were decorating the tree
because by the time I remembered to take pictures, we were done.)

Here are a few little pictures of some of this year's newest additions:

A happy little nutcracker ornament
gifted to the tree by Aaron's mom, Kathy Grove.
This little guy is one in a small collection hidden throughout the tree.  

Mom and I bought these adorable mickey shaped
ball ornaments on our last trip to Disneyland. 

This beautiful snowflake is made of walnut wood,
compliments of Aaron's mom, Kathy Grove. 

I bought this when Aaron and I went to Disneyland last month...
he is buying her presents. I like that. 

This beautiful Mickey ball opens up to hold any kind of special surprise.
I love how the light flickers off the glitter. 

Holiday Adventures: Hanukkah 2010

This year, as an homage to Aaron's family, I decided that we should celebrate Hanukkah. (Okay, I won't lie... I also liked the idea of eight nights of presents.)

Every night we lit the candles of the menorah, enjoying the beautiful flickers of light they provided.

This year our celebration culminated with a festive Latke Party on the final night of Hanukkah. The house was filled with the smell of fresh latkes frying on the stove (and super-tasty wings from Wing Stop compliments of Martin and Ashlie Freeberg!) Having never had latkes, I did not know what to expect, but they were delicious!

Mmmm, fresh latkes frying up for me! 

Sizzlin'! 

A fresh, hot latke, complete with both sour cream and applesauce. 

Aaron did a wonderful job of frying and serving our dinner as we watched videos of Hanukkah songs on YouTube.

Our Hanukkah guests, Ashlie and Martin Freeberg!