Yosemite!

Okay, prepare yourself - this is a long one with lots of pictures....

Let's start from the beginning.... We decided to "cheat" a little (technically you are supposed to wait until they are a year old) and turn Aaron's carseat around for the 12 hour drive, as we figured this would make everyones' lives a little easier. He was so happy to be a part of the conversation and see us while we drove!
(Yes, Aaron's feet are really big but not quite as big as his head, which this picture makes it look like =) )

Home sweet home.....

Okay, just for the first night - It was FREEZING at night and I was not prepared at all for just how cold it would feel. So I barely slept a wink that first night in the tent as I shivered continuously and got up every hour to put Aaron's blankets back on him. Which created a vicious cycle as the pacifiers would get lost in the blankets and he would get upset that he couldn't find one when he woke up. Finally, around 3:15 am I pulled him in our bed with us.... Just when I thought I might luck out and get another hour or so of sleep, some guy a few campsites over started yelling horrifically at the top of his lungs. Then it was quiet and I was petrified so Lee decided to go investigate - just as he was about to unzip the tent and go out, a lumbering shadow moved across the wall of the tent. I was hoping I was seeing things so I whispered to Lee, "What was that?" and he said, "Be quiet, it's a bear." Fortunately, I didn't pee my pants at that moment as I clutched Aaron saying the old "dear sweet Jesus help us and if you do, I promise I'll do whatever you want me to even if it's to be a missionary in Africa." The bear moved on since of course, all they are looking for is food, but I still didn't really like that one bit. Anyway, all that to say, our tent became the nicest walk-in closet I have ever had as we opted to sleep on the couch and floor of my parents' RV the rest of the week - Much warmer and definitely allowed more peace of mind. Our nights continued to be a bit rough as Aaron didn't sleep well so neither did we, but by the end of the week, we found 3 more teeth (two of which were molars) had surfaced so that explained a lot.... Not that he's a good sleeper anyway mind you, but that's besides the point....

Moving on, Aaron LOVED being outside and was dirty all the time. We put out a tarp with toys on it that he usually ended up crawling off of course, but it provided a good little area for him to play on.
(This picture doesn't quite capture the dirtiness, but definitely captures his joy in being able to be outside and explore =) )

My parents bought one of those covered bike trailers for the week -it was awesome to have that to tote Aaron around in....

It was dual in purpose as it also provided much entertainment at whatever destination we stopped at.....

One of the days we were there, some of my cousins and I pushed the kids up in their strollers to a waterfall about a mile up the hill, which was a pretty good workout.

Kristin and I were laughing and rolling our eyes as we went up since everyone we ran into had a smart-alek comment about how they'd liked to get pushed up in a stoller, or "could I have a ride too", yada yada yada..... People. =)

Now, of course, what you've all been waiting for - the big hike day. My dear mother graciously watched Aaron all day while my dad and I went up Half Dome and Lee went up get this, Clouds' Rest AND Half Dome. The mileage of our hikes below:

It was so great for me to be able to do that hike once again! Some sights along the way....(Vernal Falls)

(Nevada Falls)

We're getting closer to the top.....

The final steps - the cables to get to the top of the rock.....

Here is my dad and I at the top about 4 hours after we started! (the peak of Clouds' Rest is behind us)

And who should meet us on our way down at the bottom of the cables, but Lee. I was shocked to see him already, but he told me to not be surprised at his studly-ness.... I told him that it's hard enough to grasp my own.... =) But anyway, I was very proud of his accomplishment and it was also fun to hike back down with him and have that time together - I'll be honest, he had to slow down his pace quite a bit for me at that point.

Oh yeah - on our way down, we got to see a helicopter rescue a hiker - if you look closely you can see the guy repelling out of the chopper....

It was pretty cool. Don't be sad or alarmed - that's what those guys are there for and the hiker turned out to be okay. =)

Some other random pictures....

Some nights we would all head into the Village for ice cream - I can't go a whole week without ice cream so that was a big relief!

Okay, whew! You made it to the end! In conclusion, we had a GREAT time and were sad to leave, though a bed and a long shower were good to come home to.