Big Basin & The Ridge Trail

With the 4th of July falling on a Sunday this year, we were very excited to have Jon Jon all to ourselves on Monday, the 5th (hooray for holidays!). We decided to venture out into the wilderness not so far from home. A stroller "hike" on the Ridge Trail in Palo Alto & exploring the redwoods of Big Basin proved to be a perfect outing!

We were on the lookout for mountain lions, but mostly came across tiny bunnies & fat(!) lizards.

This pond was filled with little bluegill & totally reminded me of my family's backyard pond in the summertime:)

Every time we drive into the mountains Naomi gets so excited and asks if we are going to visit Auntie Ri-Ri & Carly in Utah. I am always tempted to say "yep!" and drive straight there;)

Jon Jon, Gigi & Naomi

Squeeeeezing Naomi!

Gigi just waking from her restful slumber

I love this photo of Naomi. Can't you just feel the sun on your face and smell the mountain air?

The vista at Big Basin - absolutely breathtaking!

And my personal favorite for last: my Jon Jon with both of our sweet girls holding his hands.
I guess the only way to improve the beauty of nature is to fill it with those we love.

Darling.