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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Home at Last!

Hey there, Hi there....Heeelllloooo!!!!
Yes!  We are finally back....and let me just say, I missed you guys!!

We were delayed a few days due to car trouble, but we got back late Friday night travel weary, but safe.  Despite a few hiccups, we had a lovely time!
Here are a few highlights... (if you are not a vacation photo person, click away now...this could take a while ;P)
But, before I get started, I wanted to share my new Blog Button with you...made for me by Sharon at Plumrose Lane!  Isn't it gorgeous!  Please take it, if you wish, (html code is on my sidebar) and consider Sharon for any of your badge, banner or background needs.  She does wonderful work!  :)



Most of you already know that we take this trip every year, meandering our way up the California and Oregon Coasts.


We stay in motels when we are just passing through....or in the larger cities that don't offer camping.  But, whenever possible, we stay in our trusty tent.  We just can't get enough of the fresh air, ancient trees, birdsongs during the day and bright stars at night. 


This campsite, in particular, was my favorite.
I loved falling asleep to the sound of the river below us.


A wonderful thing about camping is that it forces you to slow down a bit.  Everything takes longer ie., cooking, washing dishes, getting ready for bed....so, we don't feel the need to rush leisure activities, either.
Maggie and Daddy made a list of the animals they wanted to see in the campground.


She is coloring a butterfly.  Looks like she couldn't decide how many chipmunks to look for :)


We make it a point to return to the Redwood National Park every year to hike the stream trail in Fern Canyon.


Aqua socks are a must on this trail.


Oh, and it seems I'm looking for love in all the right places :)


Maggie adores water.  She's a little fish.


This was her first Summer without her floaties....and she is turning out to be quite a strong swimmer.


We drove all the way up to Seattle this year.


We saw the Space Needle.  We picnicked at the park watching people get drenched in this awesome water fountain.  It was actually cold and on the verge of raining at the time!


Some raindrops were sitting perfectly on this hydrangea....and I just had to capture them...



We also had fun in a Children's Museum nearby.


Maggie and her Daddy worked hard on their building project.


And made a house big enough for her to play in......


....we had fun with clay.



I made a slug in honor of these amazing ones we discovered in Washington!


Here's a view of Puget Sound on a cool, gray day.


 We visit lots of museums, aquariums and zoos when we vacation. They are filled with things my Science Teacher husband, animal-loving daughter and I can all enjoy.


I saw this sign in one of the Science Museums we visited....and it made me think of you, my beloved Bloggy Buddies...heehee!


While the photos of Maggie frolicking in water usually have Jim nearby, anytime there are animals involved, I'm right there with her....haha!  I just love touch pools and petting zoos :)


That's a baby opossum above.  We also got to pet a bobcat kitten :D


....and a puma kitten!


Maggie wants to be a Veterinarian  (of course, she does adds other things in the mix....Dolphin Trainer, Baker, Spy, Zookeeper....but Vet is consistently at the top of the list :P)


She sure seems happy around animals, that's for sure.


This apricot skunk seemed happy with her, too :)


We got the priviledge of seeing so many incredible creatures! 
 From this beautiful butterfly....


...to this wise elephant....


....an attentive Mother Swallow and her hungry babies.....



...a red panda...


....a tufted puffin....


....and a swan family....


Inspiration was plentiful...
From murals...




...to sculptures....


...to architecture....


Palace of the Arts, San Francisco


Creative sparks were ignited :)
We celebrated the 4th of July in Salem, Oregon...


...and, what's more, I met up with blog friend, Heather Henry, while I was there!! She was so sweet and we shared a lovely chat whilst perusing the racks of a local consignment store and getting a bit of Fro Yo.  You can read about our meet up (and see some of her amazing art) HERE :)

So, despite a bit of car trouble....


Our trip was definately an experience to remember!


Because you don't get rainbows without a little rain :)

...and as long as we have eachother....


Life is Grand!

Thank you so much for missing me as much as I've missed you!  So glad to be back to share our adventure! 
 Now, I need to go catch up....so, if you don't see me right away, please know, I'm making my way to you to give a big hug and find out what you've been up to lately!

Grabbing some coffee and stretching my fingers in preparation...haha!
XO,
Cam

25 comments:

Micki Wilde said...

Yay Cam's back!!!!

Looks like you had an awesome time loved the pics hun!!

X

Plumrose Lane said...

Oh Wow! What an amazing trip you had!! It really looks like a trip to remember and you couldn't have chosen a better place to camp ~ I love that area (it's been years). So happy you all had a great time ~ welcome back!
♥Sharon

Magic Love Crow said...

Happy you are back! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! Love seeing all the pictures! The donkey, the bobcat kitten and puma kitten, made my heart melt! Take Care ;o)

Carol said...

Looks like an absolutely marvelous trip! Loved every single one of the photos.

Carmen said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous photos. Such an amazing trip and an amazing gift you give to Maggie each year - she'll always remember these trips. She sounds just like my Phoebe who always (in amongst other things) wants to be a vet or Safari/conservation park keeper. Those two never change in amongst all the other ones that come and go.

MISSED YOU!
mMwah, mwah, mwah!

p.s (We're having a BOY!!! Say Whaaaaaa?)

Carin Winkelman said...

Wow! You had an amazing trip. I am just so jealous you got to pet a puma kitten! Welcome back.

Joyce van der Lely said...

Yay yay yay !!! Cam's BACK !!!!!! Love the post, the stories and the photo album !!!!! Thanks for sharing :) Looks like you must be filled with inspiration !!!!! xoxoxoxoxo

Fallingladies said...

Yeah, glad to see you back! looks like a totally wonderful trip....wehad fun on our short vacation as well and my goal now is to keep that vacation feeling alive back here at home.... Not so easy to do but i'm trying. All of your photos are just great!

Deedra said...

Oh Cam - it looks like you had a lovely time! What fantastic memories for you and your family!!! I'm glad you made it home safe and sound xo

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Welcome back, Cam! :) No doubt you had a fantastic time away. Awesome photos! :)

Jennifer Michelle said...

I HAVE MISSED YOU SOOOOO MUCH! I am so happy you're back. I was growing concerned after the 12th passed and still no sign of Cameron. Oh your trip looked absolutely marvellous! Maggie must have been in heaven with all of those animals and nature! That little skunk is so cute, I can't help it, I know he's a skunk... and the kittens! GAH!

Lisa Graham said...

Welcome back Cameron!!!!! Looks like you had a great trip! Loved looking at your photos. Kiss sweet little Maggie for me and tell her her butterfly is beautiful. :)

Geri said...

I did miss you - looks like you had a blast! Love seeing Maggie with all the animals! ♥

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Welcome HOME! I've missed you...I'm a Cam Follower after all! I know you had a fabulous trip. That is such a beautiful part of the country. Looks like you did things that the whole family could enjoy! I always loved to camp when my 4 boys were growing up! Enjoy being home! Post more pics!

Erin K said...

Yay! welcome back! Wow, oh, wow...looks like you had such an awesome time on your trip. What an adventure. Your daughter is so adorable with all the animals. <3

Daniele Valois said...

Awe yay, you're back! You're such a great mom! I think I have realized why I don't want to camp...because I have three kids and I have to do everything. Oh well, guess what??? This weekend...I. AM. Taking my kids...camping!!! Seriously. (I'm kinda excited but shhhh!)

Now I have had dinner at the Space Needle and Yummo!

So now that you're back... It's time for me to get to work making you something extra special!!! :D

Unknown said...

it looks like you guys had a good time...that's what makes for wonderful memories..

Dear Fireflies said...

What a fun road trip! So glad to see you and your loved ones enjoying the holiday. Nice to have you back. :) oxx

Lisa Richards said...

Welcome back! Sure enjoyed the mini-vacation via photos! :D

Raven Moon Magic said...

and she's back!!

I am here honest and I am watching, have just been mega busy, shit excuse but you may forgive me when you learn why, so lets set up a skype date because I type tooooo slow

loved the baby bob cat, cutest thing ever!! and loving the elephant photo too, its stunning

peace out, time for tea

xxx
sheree

Magaly Guerrero said...

Welcome back, luv! I'm enchanted by all the pictures, my favorite is the one of the Veterinarian Baker Spy and her daddy walking hand in hand. Maybe because a gave that little jolt of happiness I feel when I see my Piano Man and the Little Princess doing the same. And all the animals, oh, so wonderful. Then my smile got bigger when I had the pleasure of seeing that wonder family at the end. Thanks so much for sharing your happiness with us!

I've grabbed that lovely button!

Treehugger_31 said...

Your pictures made me SQUEAL!! The baby skunk...Oh my! I want one! Lol. I don't think Marigold would go for it though...she wants to be the only skunk in my house. :)

Welcome home!

Kristin said...

Awe!!! What a wonderful post! These pictures are gorgeous - I especially love the elephant and baby birds! AND your family is happy and beautiful. Thanks for sharing your trip with us and welcome home!!! xoxoxo

PiaRom said...

Hello sweet friend ♥ :))) So glad you are back! I LOOOOVE to read and see all your adventures on your wonderful holiday!! I enjoy seeing Maggie with all her new friends :))... the last tree weeks I am on the road too, and I find it so difficult so catch up all the stuff that is going on...it stressed me out a little bit, so I scale down my emailactivities a bit ;)...a BIG hug from Conny

Theresa MacNaughton said...

What fabulous vacation photos!!!!! I've never seen a red panda before! And a tufted puffin! How fun! Looks like your entire family had an amazing time. :) Thanks for sharing your memories. And I just added your lovely blog button to my blog!

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