Big Trees State Park

I planned a Family day trip many weeks in advance. I got it in my head that I wanted to do this so I picked a free Sunday in July and wrote it in pen! We went to church and then hit the road for the foothills! 

It was a beautiful drive and we made it there in a little over two hours. I had been there before on a GreenHouse retreat a few years ago and I knew the kids would love it. In fact we had been talking about how big the trees are several days before. Like way bigger than any trees here in Elk Grove! They got into that and on the drive there they kept saying, "Are they bigger than that tree?" The anticipation was fun.

Walking sticks in hand and ready to begin our 1.67 mile trail.
                             
You just don't see trees like this every day! Giant sequoias are a sight to see!

This group is called the "Three Graces"

A fallen tree you can walk thru-Wow!

A giant stump to can climb on!

Abby was pretty adventurous. She started climbing here first and then Jack wanted to do it.

Caught her mid climb!

Well hello up there!

Even I could walk thru this hollow tree

"Take a picture of me by this tree mommy"

So beautiful! Loving God's creation big time!

Eric and that white shirt. I kept teasing him all day, telling him to be careful not get his shirt dirty. Who wears a white shirt on a day like this? He does that's who!

"Mommy take a picture of me in front of this tree too." She's going to be my little nature girl. Jack, not so much. We didn't even finish the trail and he was asking to go home. Killing me...

Jack found a branch that looks just like a gun-imagine that!

Love this one.

When we finished the trail we drove thru the campsites to check them out and then over to the Stanislaus River which was not far away. The river is crazy fast and crazy cold right now due to all the snow melt but it was sure pretty to hear and admire. Eric was pretty freaked out having the kids play near it so we didn't stay long.

See sand...must play in it.

They had to build a sandcastle of course!

Eric was worried and uncomfortable with them so close to the water so we only stayed about 15 minutes. Such a protective daddy :)

Scene over the bridge on the right side...

...and on the left side.

It was getting late so we headed to El Jardin for dinner. It was a favorite spot of our friends, the Swanson's and on our way home in Murphys. It was yummy and we totally enjoyed our food. We put Abby in her jammies and headed home. The kids were wiped out and my heart was full. I love spending time with my family out in nature, it makes me very happy :)