Guest Post by Hayden: My Vacation

Hello everyone!  It's Hayden again, here to tell you about my fantastic vacation! :)  Mama decided to take me with her this past week when she went to visit Papa's family.  I was so excited!

Mama's sister-in-law's place is full of beauty.  I loved being able to explore her yard while I was there.  I'm sure Pemberly couldn't have had more lovely grounds (Tess has been getting me into Jane Austen...can you tell?). ;)  I only wished I was wearing more elegant attire.  Sigh.

There were so many wonderful plants to enjoy.

Mama had me pose for this picture...

...but before long, I decided to climb the tree trunk instead!  I couldn't risk being found by the Sheriff of Nottingham, or perhaps a desperate band of marooned pirates!

I was so glad that I got to wade across the creek this time!  The last time I visited, it snowed, and it was much too cold for wading.

There were all sorts of little paths to follow and places to hide.  My imagination was nearly running away with me, it had so much inspiration from my surroundings!  I pretended that I'd somehow entered Narnia.  I wondered if Aslan or Mr. Tumnus would come around the corner at any minute. (See Maggie?  I got a Narnia reference in there too, just for you!) ;)

There were even pine cones that were just my size!

I was so happy rambling through the yard.  I made up all sorts of interesting stories in my head, and must have imagined myself as 20 different storybook heroines. ;)

For most of my visit there, however, I stayed inside.  Most of Mama's relatives don't realize that I'm actually alive, so I had to keep very still to avoid startling them.  When everyone was asleep, though, I would sneak down from my spot and read books or open the drapes and look out at the beautiful stars.  Sometimes, I just listened to the wind blowing through the pine trees.  I think I'd like to live in that area sometime. :) 

On the last day of our vacation week, we took a long trip to the Trinity Alps Resort, where Papa used to go every summer as a small boy.  I'd heard a lot about it, and couldn't wait to see it for myself!

Here we are!

This is the General Store at the beginning of the resort.  You can buy all sorts of supplies here, wash your dirty laundry, or play pool and ping pong.  They also have ice cream!  Mama's daughters couldn't wait to have some, and I have to admit I was pretty excited by the thought of ice cream too! ;)

We had to drive a long ways in before we were able to get out of the car.  I was just itching to explore.  It was all so wonderful...just like something from a storybook! 

This tree was absolutely enormous and covered with soft moss.  Mama lifted me up so she could get a picture. :)

Bridge Camp is where Papa and Mama would camp with the family in years past (it's been several years since they've made it up here).  When Papa was young, though, he used to stay in the cabins up near the General Store. 

I so felt like Maid Marian in this picture! :D

The scenery was simply breathtaking!  Mama couldn't stop taking pictures.

This time around, we went to the Wilderness area to visit and eat together.  Later on, the plan was to hike to Cherry Flat.  I couldn't wait!

I wandered to the edge of the "Wilderness Area" and noticed that there was a great view of the Trinity River.

I was so amazed, I couldn't seem to tear myself away from the view.

I felt as if I could stay there for hours, just drinking in the beauty around me.

But eventually, it was time to return to the picnic site for lunch.  I wasn't very hungry, so I spent my time doing some more exploring while the humans ate. 

Later that afternoon, we went down to the river and found a spot that was the perfect depth for me. 

Brrr!!  The water was so cold!

After a while I got used to it, though.

After a full day of playing in the water and having another meal, we all decided to hike up to Cherry Flat.  (Papa's sister said that she didn't understand why it was called that...there are no cherries there, and it's not flat!).  The scenery was simply amazing the whole way up!! 

And it was no less amazing when we got there.  Papa, 2 of his nephews, and his brother in law all jumped off of the big rocks into the water (not in this spot...there was a nice, deep pool nearby!).  I was kind of thankful I was a doll and not allowed to get all the way in the water...I think I would have been a little too scared to jump that far! 

After Cherry Flat, it was getting late, so we packed everything up and headed back towards the front of the resort.  We stopped for ice cream at the General Store just before leaving.  I decided to try Strawberry ice cream in a cone.

It was absolutely delicious! :)

After that, we all piled into our cars and went home.  I feel like Trinity will forever be imprinted on my memory, though, as one of the most beautiful places I've ever known.  I feel like I've walked through Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest, and discovered the Seven Dwarfs' cottage.  I believe I may have even caught a glimpse of Buttercup and Westley as they headed towards the Fire Swamp, or seen Sleeping Beauty dancing and singing with her forest friends. :)  

All in all, it was a wonderful vacation!