i've decided that since summer never came to the bay area, i am exempt from blogging about it. the past few months will just have to live in oblivion.
so, i will start fresh since it is essentially fall now.
a couple weeks ago my sister, steffanie, came to visit and it was an awesome, action-packed week.
the day after she got here we wasted no time, and left at 5am to hit yosemite. four hours later, we were in the valley taking in all the sights.
the sights happened to include one of these; which, btw, is on my "scares-me-to-death" list.
after going aroud the valley, we decided to hike up to the top of vernal falls.
we still had a ton to see, so once we hit the top we didn't linger very long. we literally ran down, so we could rush to glacier point. when we got there, you could see where we had just been.
next on the list was mariposa grove. steff had never seen "big trees", and these did not disappoint.
by the time we were done in the grove, it was getting dark, so we headed home. after another four hour drive, we were home around midnight, and ready for bed!
day2
oakland temple, half moon bay, pescadero:
half moon bay was a bit of a bust, but we got some awesome artichoke bread in pescadero...totally worth it.
day3
point reyes:
our timing wasn't perfect--apparently the light house is closed on tuesdays and wednesdays, but the day was incredible. no fog! the view was crazy amazing. from chimney rock you could see point reyes, and the golden gate bridge.
day4
san francisco:
we did all the major tourist stuff which included a cable car tour of the city. 
day5
monterey bay aquarium and whale watching:
once again, we left early and drove down to monterey to go whale watching. we'd never done it before, and it turned out to be pretty fun--despite freezing the whole time.
we saw lots of dolphins
tons of these funny guys
and we managed to find some whales to follow
day6
steff to the airport and candace taken' it easy.
unfortunately the taken' it easy part was mostly because i was feeling sick, but i'll take it.
just so you know, i'm giving myself props for posting a picture like this of myself.
