Steidlmayer Blog: 4th of July Adventures

Two silly kids in Butte Meadows

And so our summer continues! The weekend before the 4th of July, we were lucky to go to Butte Meadows. We invited up the Merinos to try the rugged and quiet escape to the mountains. Teo and Clay played with Clay's cousins - Anna, Em, Chloe and Cal. The kids played tennis, baseball, went slug hunting, roasted marshmallows, and played in the freezing cold creek. I think they had a blast.

The following weekend, we did a road trip down to Oakhurst, which is right outside of the Yosemite Valley. Being that we were so close to the national park, we ended up spending one day there. Boy was it worth it! I've been to the park twice before, but it was really special going there with my now family of 4. Luke hadn't been since he was little, and so it was also fun to share the experience with him. I think Clay and Ryan enjoyed the shuttles that we took inside of the park more than the amazing views, but that's okay. They are collectively only 5, after all.

Luke and Eric floated down the creek rapids.

Here is the audience watching the dads go down the rapids.

Look at Clay's determination to hit the ball!

The cutest baby ever!

The Merino's at Aunt Toni Ann's delicious rib dinner.

Did you have your 4th of July matching clothes as well?

As the saying goes, "The family that dresses together is most adorable."

Look at this cute little guy, playing with trucks!

Here are the boys getting ready for the campfire. It's nearly impossible to get a photo with all the boys smiling, Luke included.

Yes! Thanks Chris!

Ali and I feeding our babies. Except, my baby is giant.

Here we are, hiking in Butte Meadows with our ginger ale.

Both boys at the end of the hike. It's a good thing they didn't lose their ginger ales!

4th of July at the Steidlmayer's! We set our fireworks when it's still daylight out.

Sparklers!

Luke enjoyed the festivities as well!

Here we are in Yosemite, about to embark on the Mist Trail.

I had Ryan in my ergo, and Luke pushed Clay up the mountain in the stroller.

There was so much water coming down the mountain!!

Ryan fell asleep during the hike.

Clay enjoyed the relaxing push up the mountain by his dad.

On our way out of the valley, we stopped near the tunnel to capture this spectacular view. Hmmm, I didn't notice that man's head in the picture until now...