What?
What in the world are Rob's parents doing on my doorstep a week before we are suppose to come and visit them????
Rob, in his scrubs that he put on so I would think he was going to work,
captured a picture of my surprise from around the corner.
"Pack your bags, we're going to Yosemite!"
I was truly shocked! I had no idea this was coming.
Best. Birthday. Present. Ever!
Saying, "bye" to some of the crew at home...and watching them do the traditional can-can with Grandma and Grandpa Sou. What awesome, supportive parents to fly in to watch our kids so Rob could surprise me with a get-a-way for my 30th Birthday. Thank you, thank you! You are wonderful! Gratefully, Brenna started sleeping through the night just a few weeks ago, and she did great! What a blessing. It was our first time leaving her.
The birthday trip itinerary began at the
Sacramento Temple.
Gorgeous day! It was the first session we had done together at the Sacramento Temple, and it was a precious experience.
After lunch at a yummy, authentic Taqueria, buying some new shoes at the Folsom outlets and hiking food at Target, we headed through the back country to Yosemite.
We stayed in a quaint, little Bed and Breakfast called,
"All Seasons" in the quiet, tiny town of Groveland
an hour out of Yosemite.
First thing Saturday we drove into Yosemite.
It was a first for both of us and we were completely amazed!
One thing about being surprised and packing in a hurry is leaving things at home, like our nice camera. We did the best we could with our phones, but it definitely did not capture the magnificence of the scenery.
It was breathtaking and majestic!
We enjoyed learning about the history and landscape and were amazed by how many huge, gorgeous waterfalls there are in Yosemite.
We decided to
hike to Vernal Falls on Mist Trail,
and although it was a little crowded, it turned out to be an incredible hike.
I love you, Rob.
The trail up the rock staircase really is misty! It even got a bit cold.
Our whole trip was golden.
We kept finding the perfect parking places!
Everywhere we went. It was almost uncanny because it was so busy. It made us happy. :)
The mist makes beautiful rainbows!
I have pictures of Rob and I "livin' it up" the last day I was 19, before I turned 20.
We had to take some "shaka" pictures the day before I turned 30 too. Livin' it up while I can!
I'm getting old! I actually don't think I can ever feel old because everyone is always telling me how young I am to have five kids. But, I've been looking forward to 30. Maybe I won't get as many comments like that anymore.
The weather was perfect! We climbed up on some rocks overlooking the falls to eat lunch. It was truly unforgettable. I am so grateful for this memory we have together.
We saw some cool wildlife, like this Stellar Jay, on our way to the
Art Museum.
We love beautiful, scenic photography and enjoyed looking at some of the famous photographers works who captured Yosemite.
Gorgeous!
After heading back to the Bed and Breakfast to clean up we headed out on the town in Modesto, California.
Pizza, Salad and Soup at
Galleto's Italian Restaurant.
We love eating outdoors, especially on such a nice night!
The restaurant was right across from the
Gallo Center for the Arts
where Rob had bought us tickets to see the
Piano Guys
a few months before it sold out.
We love their exhilarating, inspiring, uplifting music and their concert was amazing!
These guys are hilarious together. They kept up a piano vs. cello banter the whole time. Here is Jon Schmidt's signature playing up-side down and with his foot on Heart and Toe. :)
Awesome!
After the concert we headed back up the mountain. We were in the mood for something sweet and the very last little strip mall before we hit country back roads at 10:45pm there was a Coldstone and it was still open. They even gave me a free birthday ice-cream cupcake. :)
It was an unforgettable, surprise get-a-way!
Thank you, Rob, for such a thoughtful gift and wonderful memory.
One of my main "love languages" is spending quality time together, what a perfect gift.
Thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes!
If my 30's are anything like my 20's they will be a wild, incredible ride.
Bring it on...only let me take a nap first.
