Immediately after our family cruise in the Caribbean, our niece Alison (13) and nephew Brandon (11) would tag along with us for the next two weeks. This would give their parents Allen and Lisa some couple time and the kids would get to extend their summer fun. We had previously taken Alison and Brandon on a 2-night local camping trip last year as a test for the whole family to see if they could survive without each other, which they did, so these next two weeks should be without issue.
The four of us flew home in first class on American Airlines using Amex Membership Rewards points to pay for the tickets. Having an Amex Business Platinum card gave a 35% rebate on redeemed points, so cash value of the points used ended up very close to an economy ticket.
A light dinner was served on the flight - an orzo salad starter, shrimp salad main, and a bundt cake dessert. We already had an early dinner at the FLL airport so it was enough to eat.
We connected in Dallas (DFW), and we were able to enjoy the Capital One lounge for about half an hour before it closed. Our Capital One Venture X cards allowed two guests for free at the time, but starting February 1, 2026, only the primary cardholder has complimentary admission.
By the time we got home, it was almost 4am Eastern time, so our bodies were feeling it. We slept in and took it easy the next couple of days watching TV and playing video games.
We then drove to Yosemite National Park. I was fortunate to find availability online for a 3-night stay in the Curry Village tent cabins just 5 months prior, as reservations open a year in advance. It probably helped that we were traveling mid-week. The tent cabins were sparsely furnished with electric lighting (no power outlets). Sheets, a pillow, blanket and towel were provided. A bear-proof locker sat next to the cabin entrance, convenient for storing groceries and toiletries. There were central bathroom/shower facilities for men and women. I noticed one or two community bottles of shampoo floating around but it would be best to bring your own toiletries.
The cabin got a lot of sun in the late afternoon, so it wasn't very comfortable to be inside until evening, despite having screen windows. In the meantime, we explored the area around Curry Village and got dinner at the pizza place there.
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| Half Dome next to Curry Village |
The next morning, we hiked the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. It wasn't long but had quick elevation gain, so not an easy feat. With a little encouragement, the kids made it!
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"Can we go back now?":
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After enjoying a bag lunch at the top of the falls, we hiked back down and hung out at our cabin. Later in the afternoon, we took the complimentary Yosemite Valley shuttle to other parts of the park and got dinner at Degnan's Kitchen in Yosemite Village.
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| Upper Yosemite Falls almost dry |
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| El Capitan |
On our last day in Yosemite, we checked out the visitor center and museum.
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We drove home and stayed in town for the next few days. It was amusing to watch Alison and Brandon try to cooperate with each other on two-player video games such as It Takes Two, Operation: Tango, and Overcooked. Lots of exasperated yelling and screaming between siblings! Kaleb and I joined in on four-player Overcooked; it was a challenge for us to maneuver around a kitchen to make pizzas, burgers and cakes before time ran out but it was really fun.
We also experimented with pairing Miracle Berries and sour fruit, enjoyed a nice afternoon swim and barbecue at a friend's house, and attended a magic show dinner at Mystique Dining.
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We went to the California State Fair. The family "Fun Pack" was a good value for four one-day admission tickets, four ride tickets and a parking pass. The kids enjoyed looking at all the exhibits, eating fair food, and being plain silly!
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Alison and Brandon experience a silent disco for the first time:
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With four ride tickets to spend, Kaleb and I were planning for the kids to use them twice. But Alison and Brandon insisted we all get on the wild mouse roller coaster together, so that was sweet of them.
Afterwards, we went to nearby Kura Revolving Sushi Bar for dinner. It was the kids' first time at this kind of restaurant. We managed to put away 30 plates of food.
We packed a lot of activities so far and that's just the first part of the vacation. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we join my cousin Sheri's family and friends at Safari West, head to San Francisco where I've planned a special surprise for the kids, and embark on other local outings!
(Missed reading about celebrating my dad's 80th birthday on a family cruise in the Caribbean? Click here! Don't miss a single update! Click here to subscribe and have the latest delivered straight into your inbox...opt out anytime.)
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Getting excited reading about these trips and want to go? Contact me at kat (at) yellowdogtravel (d0t) com with your ideas and I can help you plan it! Or if you've already put a deposit on a cruise through the cruise line, contact me to get more information on transferring the reservation to me to get bonuses like extra onboard credit or gifts. I have lots of happy repeat clients - references always available.
Another disclaimer: The intention of this blog was to remind Future Me in full detail about where I went and what I did. I could have made it private, but I frequently get questions from family, friends and internet folks about how I planned things, got deals, etc., so instead of repeating the story over and over, I direct them here. If you are offended by anything I say or do, save yourself the discomfort and kindly click away from my blog. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!
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