The Espinoza Family Blog

On Friday the 23rd, we went over to my parents house to visit and to take Isabel swimming in their community pool. My Dad had taken the week off while we were in town unfortunately my mother had to work during the week so we only got to see her in the evenings and the weekend. So with my Dad’s help, I took Isabel into the pool for the first time. She did really well.

She clung to me tightly at first and wouldn’t let my Dad take her.

Starting to loosen up a bit.

Hurray! she went to Gmpa!

Motor-boating around the pool with Gmpa! She really likes this.

The three of us!

After awhile she let me hold out away from me and float on her own.

I think she likes it!

We came back again to the pool on Sunday with all the “kids” and at that time she actually did a few jumps into the water from the steps inside the pool. We had a great time! Thanks Gma and Gmpa!

Between California and Utah, Isabel takes a much needed nap.
After arriving in Utah on the evening of the 20th, we spent the first two days just putting around Gino’s parents house and visiting my parents after they get off work.

Gmpa and Isabel spend some time doing her favorite outdoor activity.

Blowing bubbles with Gmpa is so much fun!

Gmpa holds the bubble bottle, so Isabel doesn’t spill.

We headed to Yosemite on Monday the 19th. It was a very delightful day of 94 degrees. We entered the park at the Big Oak Flat Entrance at an elevation of 4,872. As we made our way down to the valley floor, we kept our eyes open for an wildlife but unfortunately we didn’t see any. It took us about 2 hours to get to the Valley floor – what with road construction and site seeing stops along the way. Enjoy!

Yosemite valley.
The park was established on October 1st, 1890 and is 747,956 in size – roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails and 13 campgrounds in the park. The waterfall in the back is Bridalveil Falls (see below) which flows into Merced River.

This is called Elephant Peak (can you see it?)

Cascade Falls is along the roadway as we winded our way down to the valley floor.

Isabel and Gino in front of Cascade Falls.

Wild flowers along the way were few but very pretty shouts of color along the way.

A closer look of Bridalveil Falls which tumbles over a smooth rock face at 1,328 feet.

Yosemite Falls (upper). Yosemite Falls is the 5th highest waterfall on the planet,
it is 2,425 feet and is the tallest waterfall in the U.S.

Yosemite Falls (lower).

Isabel enjoying the hike back to Yosemite Falls!

Isabel and I; as we take a break while hiking back to the Falls.
We watched the river flow and 2 ladies painting the Falls.

Dipping our toes in some very cold water!

North Dome.

Yosemite Falls at the base.

Isabel loved the wind and mist spray from the falls. While everyone else ran over the bridge for cover from the wind and spray; Isabel squealed with glee!
(We didn’t even think to get it on video -it would have been priceless!)

Heading back to the car and she’s still all excited from the falls!

As the Yosemite t-shirt states: Go climb a rock!

Lizardbel says “hi” from Yosemite.

The famous Half Dome -which rises 4,000 feet above the valley floor!

The valley floor in front of Half Dome and Glacier Point (on the right)

Our family vacation (with Daisy) for 2008 began with a wonderful relaxing stay at a cabin in the Pine Mountain community of Groveland, California. A friend of Gino’s set us up with his in-laws to stay at their cabin while we were in the Yosemite area. The cabin, which was located just 27 miles from the Yosemite gate, was a spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath home. We arrived on the evening of May 17th and spent the following day relaxing and getting to know the Groveland area. On Monday, May 19th we headed to Yosemite and then on Tuesday the 20th we made our way to Utah to see family and friends.

Entrance to Pine Mountian community.
It’s a gated community with it’s own private lake, swimming pool, and golf course.

Our cabin. So very nice! Would stay there again!

Exploring the house and deck.

Panoramic view of area between Pine Mountain Lake and Yosemite.

Family photo (without Daisy – we kept her in her kennel at the cabin; to warm!)

This dead tree was stuck in the middle of a field of green trees. Very cool.

This toddler bed was in the master bedroom of the cabin. Isabel just loved it!
The whole time we were there she played on it or around it.
Should have gotten some video but didn’t think of it.

Isabel and her little bed.

This is just one of many, many, many deer that we saw while at the cabin. They just roamed around the cabins and golf course like they owned the place!