Yosemite

My first visit to Yosemite was so awesome. One of the most beautiful places on this earth for sure. The pictures do no justice! We only had about 3 days to visit and so as I mentioned earlier we did a lot of driving to cover all the good stuff in the park. We only did a few short trails, but I will definitely be back one day with Duke to do some more serious hiking. This place should be on everyone's places to visit list!

Bridalveil Falls

El Capitan!

The upper & lower Yosemite Falls

Me, my dad, Jonathan & Erica

Tunnel view with a 23 week belly shot

Viewpoint on the way to Glacier Point

View from Glacier Point with Half Dome in the back!

Got to see a landslide-super exciting stuff :)

Looking down into Yosemite Valley

The majestic Half Dome

The most incredible sunsets. Really loved this place.

Out and Around Yosemite

I took a lot of pictures on my trip, so I'm trying to split them up a bit! My mom, dad and 2 youngest siblings flew into San Francisco and we headed off to Yosemite. We covered A LOT of ground out there. We stayed in Sonora and the first day we drove all through the Stanislaus National Forest, then drove all the way down to Mono Lake, and through Yosemite on Tioga Road back to Sonora. The whole drive was incredibly beautiful, although I think we were in the car about 8 hours! 

 We stopped at a bunch of sites along the way and did a little hiking...

Donnell Vista

 23 weeks^

 Found some big ol' pinecones which my mom decided would make a good souvenir ;) 

Mono Lake 

 In-n-Out stop at 1am. This is why I love America.

 Stopped at some fruit stands along the way to Yosemite. And you bet I stocked up like a mad man!

I think I ate about 50 peaches while I was out there. They were SOOOO good and I can't find them out here! Oh i miss them already!!!

My momma

Erica & Jonathan

And my pops!

 I made my family stop at every Mexican restaurant I saw. My little brother kept saying "We just ate Mexican food!!!" but would later say "good choice Mickelle". (I'm always right ;) ) I basically dictated every food choice on this trip. It was only fair!

I also had to take a picture of this set up. We have too many devices!! I also love that my mom brought a power strip...not a bad idea.

San Francisco

I just got back from a wonderful but seemingly short trip to the States. Love that good ol' US of A! My trip began in San Francisco which was lovely as it was my first time to visit! The weather was such a nice change from the intense humidity and heat here in Okinawa. My first stop after the airport was Whole Foods. As I walked up to the store I couldn't help but have a big old smile on my face. You people in America are spoiled. I was hungry and wanted to stock up on some good fruit I can't get out here. Also, you know you are use to living in Japan when you go to Whole Foods and think, "wow this produce is so cheap!!".  My second stop was Target. Had to get the most important places out of the way first!

I only had about 2 1/2 days in San Francisco before I met my parents to head to Yosemite. So even though I hadn't been there, my main priority was shopping. I spent pretty much the whole first day shopping at Union Square. It was a dream come true.

23 weeks

 The Painted Ladies at night

The next day I did a little sight-seeing. Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge (which I could barely see through all the fog!!), and hit up some food places. 

 I was all excited to see the seals(/sealions?? I don't know the difference), come to find out they all migrate south for mating season! But there was this one lonely seal! 

 Alcatraz

 The foggy GGB

 Ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery=scrumptious

It was a fun, very short trip in the city. I hope to make it back with Duke to explore more!