We soaked up every minute of our last couple weeks of summer. Todd and the kids went on a youth boating and camping trip to Lake New Hogan. They came back tired but reported that they had a blast.
While they were gone, I went up to the cabin on my own. I'd invited Chrissy for a girls' weekend, but she had to back out last minute because her vertigo was acting up and she needed to rest and take care of her health. I decided to still go because we'd left behind a mountain of laundry the month before as we wrapped up our family reunion, and I wanted to take care of that and get fresh sheets on all the beds.
Sunday we went to "family dinner" at the Dix's.
Monday, Todd and the kids left for the Channel Islands. They drove down - it's near Los Angeles - and spent the first night at a hotel. The next morning, they picked up a rental kayak and road a ferry over to the island, where they spent the next three days camping.
I voted not to go on that trip, mostly because I hate camping and I don't like fishing, either. I decided to use the time I had to myself to make good on my promise to Grandma Holley to visit Yosemite for her. I invited Katie and Karrie to come with me, but the timing didn't work for either of them, so I went on my own.
My first stop was Bridalveil Falls, which I hadn't seen up close yet, since the trail was under construction when our family was in Yosemite during Covid. It was lovely, and a significantly different half mile experience than the top of Mount Edgecumbe had been. I was shocked at the abrupt ending of the trail. I hadn't even finished eating my pear yet!
Then I drove through Tunnel View for that iconic opening look at the valley.
I was singing along to Taylor Swift and ogling at all the glorious granite walls and majestic views. It was surprising to me how free and happy I felt. I kept channeling Grandma in my thoughts and trying to honor her throughout the trip.
Because I waited until last minute to decide how many nights I'd go up and if I'd stay in the park or without, when it came down to it, I really wanted to maximize my time by staying in the park, but there weren't many options available. Todd helped me ignore the price tag and book what I could. I ended up with one night at a cabin at the Ahwahnee Hotel and one night at Housekeeping Camp. Riches to rags.
I wanted to get my money's worth, so I spent Monday evening at the Ahwahnee. I picniced outside my darling cabin, walked around the nearby trails, and enjoyed the sunset from the hotel lawn. Then I took a nice hot shower and basked in my fluffy robe while I read my book until bedtime.
Tuesday morning, I slept in, did yoga in my room, and started the day slow. Then I checked out the museums at Yosemite Village, bought a big lunch, picked out a postcard for Grandma, and enjoyed the long, scenic drive up to Taft Point.
The hike out to Taft Point wasn't too long, but had major bang for the buck. I was a little afraid to be there on my own, but I watched cautiously for the fissures in the ground and was careful near the edges so I didn't fall to my death with no one to notice my absence for days. The views were literally breathtaking. The contrast between the dramatic overhanging cliffs and the wide open vistas we were so far above was stunning. I found a place kind of close to the edge, but remained mindful of my own clumsiness and didn't dare risk walking somewhere I could slip and become a catastrophic news story. I was really glad I went. It was quite satisfying.
I overprepared for the summer crowds and totally could have fit in another short hike in the valley before arriving, but ended up with a four hour wait for sunset at Glacier Point. I bought myself some ice cream and a sweatshirt, pulled out my camping chair and my book, and sat and read while soaking in the views all evening long. I munched on another pear and a protein bar and called that dinner. Slowly, the sun lowered and the shadows rose, and new colors melted into the skyscape. I loved my views of the gibbous moon, Vernal Falls, and Half Dome.
Then I drove down the mountain, singing with Tay-Tay again, and faced the reality of my night in a tent cabin. My heart sank as I realized I'd brought twin-size sheets for the double bed, but don't worry, they fit. I brought thermals and gloves because I was afraid I would freeze overnight, but it was quite a warm night and I actually didn't need half the blankets I brought. I was grateful, however, that I packed ear plugs, because I sure did need those. I had chatty neighbors! It wasn't too bad of a night, but I did pack up and leave soon after my neighbors woke me up at 6 am. My period came a few days early and I did not have my beloved diva cup with me, so I voted for an early drive home and a shower in my own bathroom.
While I was in Yosemite, Todd and the kids were partying it up at the Channel Islands with some friends from the stake. They saw thousands of dolphins on the boat ride over! It sounded magical.
They camped, hiked, spear-fished, snorkeled, and kayaked through caves. If they went again, I think I'd make myself go. I hate camping and fishing, but this did sound like an amazing trip and I think I really missed out.
Todd and Noah bought a spear together and were so excited to spear fish. Noah fried up his catch and Hazel reports that it was delicious.
After getting back home, Jack and Hazel both had a beach day before the Santa Cruz region dance. This has been a very beachy summer for my teen kids! And I don't think I went with them even once. That's crazy. We've hit the phase of life where they are having adventures without parents.
Grandma got my Yosemite postcard and was excited about it!
There's this boy in our stake, Ryan Paradise, who orders these tiny ducks and leaves them everywhere. It is an honor to find a duck on your car, or in your backpack. Jack has started a collection, and currently has nearly 50 ducks of his own. They caused my kids a serious distraction during Sacrament Meeting one Sunday.
Our primary held a service activity organized by the leaders and the older kids. We held a children's book drive for about six weeks before the event and gathered boxes of books. The kids had made flyers they posted all over the building. It was awesome! The books are going to the East Bay Children's Book Project, an organization that takes donations and turns them into a free bookstore for people who work with disadvantaged children.
We sorted used crayons to be melted down and made into new crayons.
And we made cards for kids with cancer.
The project seemed like a big success. It felt good to be a part of something to helpful. It was the church's first year asking the primary kids to organize an annual service project done by kids, for kids.
My kids went back to school. Jack started high school. Gemma is excited to be at the middle school on her own. Jack and Hazel enjoy driving to seminary together to start their day.
I made the first day of school cookies big enough to make the kids happy. They are obligated to tell me massive amounts of detail about their day while they feast. It's a popular tradition.
I got to fill up the font for a baptism. It was interesting to see the behind the scenes and learn where the water handles were and how long the font took to fill up. I had to fish out and flush down a live cockroach, so, you know, I faced my fears and all that.
Gemma beat me at Othello on Grandpa Holley's birthday.
I absolutely devoured The Gospel of the Beloved Companion; The Complete Gospel of Mary Magdalene. It was stunningly beautiful. I ache for more women's inclusion in our scriptures, and this made me feel well-watered. It is going on my shelf next to the rest of my scriptures, to be pulled out, marked, and frequently referenced.
Hazel's volleyball season started up. So far, so good! She's playing outside hitter and it's fun to see her on the court. She has, however, been wrapping her wrist because she's hurting it with all her hard hits. It makes me a little nervous. I hope she's not signing on for a lifetime of wrist issues just to play a game.
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