Damien Goes to Mineral King

Grandma Lolo has a couple of family cabins in Mineral King, California in the Sequoia National Forest. Momma and Papa have been fortunate enough to enjoy the magic of Mineral King for many years and this was D's first trip up there. Unfortunately, little D got quite car sick on the winding road. Poor little guy. So, it was a bit of a rough start. (Also probably not a good idea to feed him Mexican food for the first time at lunch before the drive up there - another parenting mishap). We were also sharing a room again, and that didn't bode well for nighttime sleep. D regressed and ended up waking up screaming several times in the night, except for one! Thankfully, Grandpa William and Grandma Lolo were more than happy to play with D in the wee hours of the morning (they are early risers!).

D was a little fussier than normal, and cut a tooth while we were there (his 8th tooth). So, wasn't exactly the most relaxing trip to Mineral King for momma and Papa. But, he loved the outdoors, especially eating rocks. He tried out his new backpack carrier on his first hike. D was not a huge fan, and after quite a scream fest, he got to enjoy the nature from the comfort of papa's arms. His favorite part, however, was probably taking a bath on the deck in his toy bucket. He loved to splash and splash around - even though there wasn't much room to move. We look forward to bringing D back many times.

The upper cabin, named "Hub's Barn"

Trying out his new carrier. Skeptical/content for now.

Splish splash I was takin a bath.

A man of the new frontier

Lookin Good.

Watching Papa and Uncle G go in the freezing stream water.

3 Generations of Craig's

Into the wild.

Stopping at the creek for a lunch break for D, and a little swimming for G.

Card sharks!

Somebody loves the great outdoors

Our serious sock monkey.

Dining alfresco.

Our little mountain man.

Toasting to Nelda with the last of the Cordi Brother's White Port

Damien had a BLAST with his Grandpa, who taught him how fun rocks are.

Lots and lots of rocks to choose from.

Enjoying his teething rock he found.

Getting measured on the stairs, a Mineral King tradition

There Damien is, taller than the dogs Dilo and "Red Dog" Dungan!

Enjoying the farewell meal - his first ribs!

Mastering the sippy cup finally!