The Redwood Forest with the Petersens

July 25-27

The Redwoods were three hours from Crater Lake but, once again, the trip in the motorhome was wonderful. I took Teddy and we napped on the bed in the back most of the drive. It was divine.

We arrived at another RV park and headed out to see the trees. I forgot to mention that Ben's grandpa had hauled a car behind the motor home for all of us to ride in. Yes, it was a tight squeeze, but it meant we all got to travel together.

Since we were unfamiliar with the area, we looked at the map and decided to take a 1.5 mile hike to some large trees. Due to Ben's grandparent's health they decided not to join us, so the six of us ventured on our own. As we hiked the trees kept getting bigger and bigger and we were so excited we took most of the pictures before we even got to the REALLY big trees. In fact, we were kind of pictured out when we got to the GIANT ones. Isn't that silly? So in most of these pictures the trees weren't even that big. Comparatively speaking of course. They definitely weren't the size of trees at your local park.

At only 3 months Teddy was still sleeping quite a bit.

Chelsea was so helpful with Nayeli. They had a great time bonding.

Many of the trees were 200-300 feet high

Like I said, not the biggest but still large.

 

We finally got to the grove of trees that was the highlight- the trees were gigantic! And then we realized there was a parking lot right next to it! Ha ha. So Ben and Chelsea ran back the 1.5 miles to drive the car up so that his grandparents could enjoy the trees as well.

Nyla, Chelsea and Nayeli. They are standing next to a tree that fell just this spring. It was 300 feet tall and had a 15 foot circumference. I wish you tell better from the picture but it was massive.

Friday night we patched the hole in the air mattress and slept in the motor home. Overall things went much better. I was able to put Nayeli in a pack and play and Teddy slept in his car seat. Despite the patch however, at about 2am we found ourselves with our feet in the air and heads on ground. I was awakened by Ben saying something like, "We're going under Captain!" We had to contain our giggles while he reinflated the mattress a few times that night, but at least we were warm. And not sharing the bed with two kids. And laughing. Yes, it was a much better experience.

Saturday morning we went to explore the beach at Crescent City, California. We went our on a pier where many people were catching crabs. That was really fun for all of us to watch.

Watching someone bring up a crab trap

Having fun with Chelsea on the pier. I love the motion of this picture. And I love Chelsea. She is becoming such a great young woman.

 We then walked along the beach and combed for seashells and such. Nayeli played in the sand until we dragged her away kicking and screaming. Because that's pretty much the only way she'll exit any area with sand.

One of the many pictures I have of Nayeli happily playing in sand at the beach. She is very good at playing by herself.

Later in the afternoon the day turned hot so Ben found a river for us to go swimming in. And by "us" I mean him, Chelsea, Dave and Nayeli. I graciously stayed with Teddy of course :)

Wherever Ben is he creates fun. Here is Ben, Chelsa and Nayeli building things with mud.

And of course they had to jump off the rocks into the water.

Saturday night Ben's dad was kind enough to give us his bed and sleep in the tent. That meant no 2am mattress inflation duty for Ben so it was a much better night. Sunday morning we woke up and got ready for church. That meant pictures too. Of course.

Four generations of Petersen boys

All the Petersen clan, sans me because I insisted on taking the picture. But they are a good looking crew aren't they?

We went to a small ward in Crescent City, then drove back to Wilsonville. Ben's grandparents and Dad stayed a night in the RV park and then drove back to Utah.

What a great trip it was. Not only did we get to see some amazing nature, but we got time with Ben's grandparents, dad and sister. Living away from family makes you really relish in the time you get with them, and we sure relished in the time with had with the Petersens. Thank you Kent, Nyla, David and Chelsea for the wonderful trip!