Family Vacation -- Day 1

The Wednesday after my birthday weekend we headed to the Redwoods and California coast for a vacation.  Ava has never been to the Avenue of Giants or Trinidad, so I was excited to share this experience with her.

On Wednesday we left early to get to the Ave of Giant with plenty of time to explore.  Unfortunately, we hit a lot of road construction and it took us much longer to get to the Redwoods.  Ava was a good sport and kept busy with her homemade bingo game and listening to a story on CD we got from the library.  She was much more patient the Rich or I.

We all were excited once we began to see redwood trees.  Before we got to Ave of Giants we stopped at a drive through tree and walk around a bit.  Since we didn't have much time at the Ave of Giants we decided to explore the Founder's Grove.  It was beautiful and the perfect place for our little family.

After exploring the Grove we hopped back in the car and headed to our temporary home.  We arrived in Trinidad just before the sun started to set, so we enjoyed a beautiful show.  We decided to stay in a condo, so we could have a kitchen.  Each morning and night we loved eating with a beautiful view of the Bay.

Happy Camper!  Ava and I made this bingo game with things we thought we might see on our trip.  She loved it and to my surprise it kept her busy for most of the drive.

Rich had to make a pit stop.  Lucky for him there was a giant rock to give him some privacy.

Rich and Ava driving through a tree.

Rich and Ava hanging out in the hollow a tree.

Ava and I sitting on the tree trunk.

Ava decided she wanted to hug this big redwood.

This tree dwarfs Ava and Rich.

Just having fun.

Ava wanted me to be the baby, so she could be the mom.

Family photo at Founder's Grove.

It is nice that Ava can take pictures of Rich and I.  She is my little photographer.  She loves directing us and getting a nice picture.

Ava and Rich walking on a giant fallen trunk.

They walked all the way to the end and then came back.

Down the stairs on the back of the trunk.

I never get pictures of me because I'm busy taking pictures.  I'm trying to make sure I let others take pictures of me, so I can be a part of the memory.

Ava giving me a good squeeze on top of the tree.

Ava taking a picture of me, taking a picture of her.

Ava checking out the Founders Tree.

Ava enjoyed playing inside all the hollowed and burnt out tree trunks.

Ava and Rich peeking out of a hole inside the tree.

Look how strong Ava is...wow!

Ava enjoying the view and sunset from our temporary home.