Yosemite National Park

Nearly two months into our journey and we have seen some spectacular sights. After the Grand Canyon my expectations for the extraordinary had diminished. Yosemite has been more than extraordinary. The Grand Canyon and Yosemite are similar in their grandeur, but what makes them different is the Grand Canyon is like looking at the most magnificent painting you have ever seen, looking, but unable to touch. At Yosemite you get to step into the painting. Feel it with your feet, touch it with your hands, smell the forest and be made wet from the mist of the waterfalls. While both are equal in their "wow" factor, Yosemite is an emersion experience that stays on your skin after you leave. With each turn you are greeted with new and increasingly beautiful scenery. When a good friend of ours, who is seemingly impressed by nothing, told us she has not been to a more beautiful spot on earth, I knew we were in for a treat. As I do from time to time, one night before bed, I asked the kids if they are ready to go home. To which Madison replied, "We are home." Prior to our departure, during the planning, I had so much anxiety about whether this was a good idea, if it was good for my kids and if I was doing the right thing. Since our departure, there have been countless affirmations that my anxiety was unfounded, but none as meaningful as Madison saying, "We are home."