Spring Break 2021: Marin and Muir Woods

 Last year, we had planned to do a large family spring break in Tahoe with Peter's parents and brother and our sister-in-law. Covid ruined that, so we thought we'd try again this year since all of us but Alayna were vaccinated. It didn't quite work out, but Peter's mom did join us for our Muir Woods hike and it was the first time we were seeing her in 14 months. We had a very low key vacation. We were cautious, doing exclusively outdoor activities, and always wearing masks unless we were well out of the way of other people. We were grateful there weren't a lot of tourists and even the locals were staying away because everywhere we went was not crowded at all. I am so grateful we got this time together, because, as it stands, it may very well be our last true family vacation. We will see what we come up with in the future, but, with one little bird flying the coop, our family trips will look different from here on out. (More about that in a future post!)

The view from our rental house!

"With" and "without" masks

The redwoods truly are where I am at the most peace...

This is where I want to be all the time always

This was the beginning of what would turn out to be a 7-mile hike no one was expecting. 

Still happy faces...

About halfway through the hike; it wasn't long after this that we stopped for a lunch break and the kids begged to turn around. They did while the rest of us made the full loop. 

A big banana slug next to Peter's size 11 shoe.

Helping Grandma with her new phone

Stinson Beach--Because what's spring break without the beach?

Stinson Beach was beautiful. Jeremiah refused any photos. But, we still had a fun day and even took a drive and got lost in the redwoods. It was kinda perfect actually. 

Peter and I got to have a date night on our last night there, with a sunset hike and an Italian dinner in a lovely restaurant in Mill Valley. 

Drive down highway 1 on the way home. 

An all around wonderful family vacation. We didn't take photos of a lot of the other things we did, like game nights, popcorn and movie and dinners on the back patio. I just soaked in the company of my family, knowing the kids are growing up and times like these will be much fewer and farther between in the coming years. I can't believe Peter and I will be empty nesters in 2 years!