Yes, that time of the year - Isabel opening birthday cards in a hotel room. We worked out that well over 50% of her birthdays have been abroad. We brought a few small presents with us and a batch of cards. One card brought tears to her eyes - tickets for her and Jo to see Ed Sheehan in LA. When I saw the price I also had tears in my eyes. I'm not saying that his music is dull but as there are no armchairs and blankets on offer, I am happy to give it a miss.

Moving on to today's activities, we drove into the Park for a bike ride after the girls had been horse riding for a couple of hours. Whilst they were riding, Jo and I visited a local waterfall - Chilnuana Falls. On the way we drove through a village that it seems time has forgotten. Rather than house names, each property had the surname of the owner which I suppose is quite quaint. Having been savaged by flies we decided to end the exploring early. The girls enjoyed the riding which included the horses walking through water and pooing a lot apparently.

Having arrived at Yosemite Valley Lodge for a bike ride around the valley, Ella in particular was distinctly unimpressed by the bikes. Unlike her bike at home, this one had no gears, strange handlebars and no brakes. You cycled backwards to stop! Her and Isabel then took the teenage rebellion a notch higher by cycling relatively quickly to ensure a swift return to the Lodge. We had planned to be out for few hours - to stop at various spots, perhaps wade in ice cool water, admire the views, take family photos with beautiful landscapes. Er no. We were homeward bound in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Bloody teenagers! The only upside was that it cost me a lot less in bike hire but it was a hollow victory. Tomorrow there is no escape for them - an 8 mile hike from the top of Glacier Point! I can't help smiling at the thought.

On the way back we stopped in Wawona and Jo reminisced about camping there when she was little and got Isabel to re-enact a race over a bridge. Jo remembered winning said race but she was pretty confident that Isabel's pace would not have earned her the same result. Barry, we need photographic evidence of the victory - we have our doubts.

Just a quick word about the birthday girl. We are enormously proud of her. She wears her heart on her sleeve (as shown by tears over Ed) but she is a lovely, genuine girl. She has a great sense of humour and is beautiful (inside and out). Isabel, this is a momentous year for you and you will get out of it what you put in. x.

Top tip - organise a holiday in a place where a mega star can't rip your eyes out over ticket prices!