Thanksgiving 2010 (Part II - Muir Woods National Monument)

It was a chilly, damp day, but mere weather would not stop Lyra from her quest to see the world's tallest trees. So it was off to Muir Woods National Monument, a mere 20 miles away from Opa and Nana's home. The National Park Service had thoughtfully paved about a mile of the path: perfect for a baby in a stroller. Or two babies in strollers! Because Lyra was joined by her chum Benjy, the son of her dad's good friends Jennifer and Jeff.

Lyra: "Hi Benjy, cool hat! Did you get that from Kurt Russell in The Thing? What? You aren't allowed to see R-rated movies yet? Lame. Anyway, what happened to you guys? We've been waiting here for more than 30 minutes."

Benji: "Sorry dude, my nap schedule was discombobulated today and things got all kerfluffle. It won't happen again. Well, it'll probably happen again. But I'll feel bad about it."

The adventure begins!

(from left to right) Ming Yang, Lyra, Matthew, Benjy, Jennifer, and Jeff

Enraptured by the beauty of Muir Woods, Lyra has some deep thoughts.

One of the smaller trees at Muir Woods--only a thousand years old. What a pipsqueak!

 Dad, Nana, Opa laugh at Lyra's perfectly delivered one-liner. Good one, Lyra!

As usual, Lyra wondered if her uncle Greg had been to Muir Woods. But -- the horror! -- there's no cellphone service amid the tall trees. So she asked her Opa instead.

Lyra: "Opa, I guess Uncle Greg hasn't been to Muir Woods yet, huh?"

Opa: "Actually, as far as I can remember, Uncle Greg has been here a few times."

Lyra: "Well, I bet Sara and Joe haven't been here yet."

Opa: "Yes, you are correct about that."

Lyra: "So can I claim that I am a California girl since I have been here already?

Opa: "Of course you can, Lyra."

Lyra: "How about Sara and Joe then? Are they also California kids?"

Opa: "Yes, they are also California kids."

Lyra: "But...but..."

(Lyra, confused, is quiet for a while. How can they be California kids if they've never been to Muir Woods? She'll have to ask her Dad.)

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Soon after this blog was published, Lyra received a photo from her uncle Greg. Lyra looked at the photo (below), and murmured,"Sara is a California girl indeed."

Sara at Muir Woods