September, 2007
We learned a fair bit about restroom etiquette while in Yosemite. Partly because we spent a fair bit of time in public restrooms. It’s amazing how much time it can take to juggle showering, changing, teeth brushing with a 2 & 3 yr old.
One day while changing them into swimsuits in the pool restroom a bit of a larger woman came in, she went into a stall & changed and then walked out in her bikini. Danny’s eyes were wide as he blurted out, “Mom, that fat lady looks even fatter in her bikini.” Poor lady, I felt terrible.
When we were alone we had a discussion about our words and how they can make people feel, what’s kind/appropriate to say in public etc. I knew Danny hadn’t said it maliciously but just needed to learn.
Then next day we were standing in line for our breakfast buffet with another rather large lady directly in front of us when Danny, wanting to impress with his consideration said, “Mommy that fat lady doesn’t look so fat.”
The next day, again in the restroom, I told a woman that she could use the sink ahead of me. Danny said, “Mom, that was really nice to let the other lady go first, I’m gonna do that too.” So for the next 10 minutes while I was washing my face & getting ready every woman entering the restroom was met by a little boy welcoming, “Go ahead, you can use the bathroom before me, it’s ok, I can wait.”
We’re so grateful to the Lord for creating Yosemite and for giving us a whole week off to enjoy it with family & friends and most of all Danny & Carly. One of the best weeks of our lives.
The weather was perfect, highs in the 90s so we could enjoy swimming in the pools & rivers during the day and then it would go down to the 50s - cool enough for campfires at night. Last year we stayed in the heated tent cabins in Curry Village but this year we camped out in Upper Pines Campground with no electricity, no internet or cell phone reception but much more open space to hang out together. Carly & I even saw a bear & her cub which only furthered her “mommy/baby” craze.
Tom conquered Half Dome, along with Justin & Angie. Paula managed to create a outdoor theater for the kids by using an extension cord to the only electrical socket in the whole campground - in the restroom. Phil learned more history and facts about the place in his first day than all of us combined. Nadia beat Tom at Settlers thus ending his 3 month dynasty and I am now the expert at making campfire espressos.
Here are Danny & Carly playing in the stream in the back of our campsite. They would wake up in the morning and run outside to play and stay outside all day. Will put up lots more pics in the Gallery.
