Post-Merry Christmas Greetings!

It's always so hard when Christmas is over....    We spend at least the month of December, perhaps even earlier, around Thanksgiving, beginning the preparations and talk about Christmas; shows are on TV; decorations are put up; plans are being made; gifts being purchased or made, etc etc etc.  The colors, the sights, the sounds...they are all so happy...so festive.  It's hard now to not be a little sad or melancholy that the festivities are technically...over....

We've had a good time, however.  At least since we've pushed the sickies out of our house, however.  I was sick with the stomach bug last weekend, and then poor Allison came down with it Tuesday. Thankfully Bruce did not come down with it (crossing fingers that it still doesn't catch up with him at this later date).

We spent Christmas Eve Day here at home, just Allison and myself.  Bruce had to run out west to one of the other radio stations for some emergency maintenance.  Then Sunday we were able to travel down to my sister Amy's house with all the other fam members.  That was really nice.   Then today we drove a total of just a couple of blocks to Bruce's folks' house for festivities with his side of the family.  We had very nice times all around. So very thankful for family close or fairly close by to gather with.


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Los Angeles/Southern California Vacation, Day 6

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Los Angeles/Southern California Vacation, Day 5

Headed up the highway north of Los Angeles to the Sierra Nevada area, to Sequoia National Park, and the edge of King's Canyon.This is beautiful area.  I really just don't know a lot about the layout of the state of California. I knew it was obviously a huge state, and it's huge from the long perspective...meaning it runs "up and down" in the whole scheme of the United States, so there is a lot of potential for different.  Texas may be the largest square miles-wise, California has a lot of different terrain by virtue of it's shape basically.  Southern California to me has always inferred warm weather.  Well, that's not necessarily true the first or second week of December. Oh, of course it's not like it is here at home, but the temps are still likely to be in the 40s - 60s.  The difference:  Bruce and I are in shirt sleeves without a jacket on during the day, feeling really good, and we see folks walking around with a heavy coat and stocking hat! :)  Loved that!

Anyway, as I said, we were heading north of L.A.  It was a beautiful drive until we reached the opening of Sequoia National Park.  Allison took our picture.

...and then of course she and I had our picture taken.  Do you happen to notice that Allison got us centered in the picture better than her dad got us centered? LOL

There is a Visitor's Center at the "foothills" and one again at the "end", which is actually the entrance, if you choose to go that way, to "King's Canyon."   We love when we stumble upon areas that are child-friendly, and provide some hands on learning for kids in addition to the exhibits for adults.

I thought that this was pretty cool, how the rock fell over this area to look like you could walk through it.

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Los Angeles/Southern California Vacation, Day 4

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Los Angeles/Southern California Vacation, Day 3

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Los Angeles/Southern California Vacation, Day 2

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