Wednesday, December 25, 2013 – Yosemite National Park
What a breathtaking place to celebrate Christmas. Our day began gathered around the fireplace, where Chrissy surprised the kids with stockings and a few small gifts she’d managed to hide in her suitcase. With our holiday cheer firmly in place, we laced up our boots and set out to explore.
Our Christmas hike took us along the Mist and John Muir trails to Clark Point, a spot with a spectacular panoramic view of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and a few other peaks. The climb was no small feat—about 1,500 feet of elevation gain—but the journey was worth every step. For us Floridians, the bit of snow and ice on the trail added a touch of wintry magic to the adventure.





The hike was invigorating, the views were awe-inspiring, and we appreciated the warm cabin and glowing fireplace that greeted us afterward. Dinner was a treat: grilled steaks enjoyed together as we recapped the day’s highlights. We capped off the evening with a family movie, bringing a wonderful Christmas Day to a cozy, satisfying close.