California | Family Road Trip
One year ago, we used our “off season” from photography work to road trip around glorious Southern California. The thing we kept marveling at was the incredible and vast differences a few hours of driving would give you in the landscape. Looking back, we are so grateful that we were able to squeeze in this adventure before things started shutting down. As usual our journey brought us cherished memories and lessons learned. The most important of these memories being Steve’s epic beard which he has sadly trimmed since this trip. While life has been far from boring for our family, we cannot wait to travel to other amazing places. But I wouldn’t be surprised if California made it to the list again soon.
As we were traveling from a chilly Northern Virginia climate to a sunny Souther California climate we naturally it up In N Out Burger and the beach the minute we stepped off the plane….
Joshua Tree is just the coolest. A natural jungle gym for kids of all ages. With SO many lizards. Also, please appreciate this photograph of Steve wearing a U2 Joshua Tree tee in front of an actual Joshua Tree inside Joshua Tree National Park. Inception.
We stayed at the coolest Air BnB just outside of the park.
Yosemite is just breathtaking at every turn. Even in the cold and wet. The road to get into the park was a bit terrifying and Steve and I had flashbacks to the only time we fought on our honeymoon: on the precarious the Road to Hana.
San Francisco was just bursting with fun. We were so grateful to our Air BnB that included tickets to the San Francisco Zoo and the Exploratorium. One weird note: kids aren’t especially stoked to be up before the sun to see a foggy bridge.
The California coast is beyond words and we want to go back immediately. Also, children really help you appreciate the little things: wildflowers, purple sand, and taking advantage of any chance to be barefoot.
Yes. We only have one family photo from this trip. And it was taken by some incredibly gracious friends. We were exhausted and anxious what we were returning home to. But so grateful. Ever so grateful.
