28 August 2011
We decided to take a drive and hit the Big Four Ice Cave trail. Big four (the mountain) had a stunning picnic area. There once was a hotel on the field. Not there now.
The snow caves were forming and they were pretty neat. The hike up to the caves was pretty as well. It was very tempting to go into the caves to explore them a bit, but as it is very dangerous to do so (in case of falling chunks of ice) we stayed out. There were maybe 5 or 6 caves, and many waterfalls around too. The boys explored up to the higher caves with Opa and I and the girls enjoyed more snow play in August.
On the way back down the trail we took a detour to the river just off the trail, and the kids enjoyed some wading time in the snowy cold water. Another great day.
27 August 2011
The last bit of summer cooperated with us over here, so I was able to take the clan out climbing at exit 38. It was a hot day and a super busy day up there, but we managed to get a rope up on a couple climbs and I think everyone had fun.
Ryan was first to climb and made it to the top with no problem on the first climb. After a second climb on a different route, he attempted to climb in his sneakers which I think increased the difficulty level a few degrees.
Julia surprised me with her level of enjoyment. She did not go high up, but she did not want to stop climbing either and has asked me when she can go again.
Owen also seemed to have a good time and sailed right up each climb. The second route had a tough finish, and he worked at it for a while. In between climbs he got back to his Northern Lights series having found a nice spot in the shade.
Kayla also had turns climbing and I think she is ready for some climbing shoes if she wants to climb more. Her third time up she went her highest for the day. Overall, fun all around. We hit the pub after to make it a true outdoor adventure.
25 August 2011
Opa rallied (most of) the troops and took us white water rafting on the upper Skagit river. We woke up before sunrise (or so it felt) and drove out to meet our guides. The river was beautiful. Mountains, trees, hills, waterfalls, really neat fog just above the water. The three kids braved the cold water and took turns floating down the river a bit then catching the rope thrown to them and coming in. They also hopped out (and/or fell, right Ryan?) out of the boat and floated along side. There was one series of rapids that were quite exciting, though most of it was a float type ride. Perfect to introduce everyone to the sport and let us all have a great time.
14 August 2011
We managed a camping trip to Mt. Rainier this year. After the drive down we stopped at
Paradise to get a look at the Mountain. There was still a lot of snow on the trails from the visitor center. It made for some slippery walking, but some happy kids playing in the snow. Rainier herself was stunning and it was a beautiful day to be there.
We camped at Ohanapecosh in some old growth forest. Our site was right by a river so it made for a peaceful sound at night. We did some hiking from the campground to Silver Falls, and then on to The Grove of the Patriarchs. The Grove was the reason I chose to come to this campground. You take a wiggly suspension bridge over to the island that has some extra large 1000 year old trees. Pretty amazing.
10 August 2011
We decided to try out Remlinger farms today with some of Oma and Opa’s friends from Florida. It was way more fun than I would have thought. There were tons of rides and not very many people! The girls are in a canoe log flume type ride in the picture. They also had their first (and then many more) ride on a roller coaster during which they were not terrified. Kayla even held her hands in the air for most of it.
The rides were not only for the children. The adults could go on several of them too. Here is Oma on her way to racing around the track on the pedal karts.
8 August 2011
Miss Kayla woke up this morning deciding she wanted to have a garage sale. She went around the house looking for toys and such she no longer played with. She had to wait until the afternoon as we had morning plans. We also set out some clothing they had outgrown. Here she is in all her glory after having set up the cash register filled with some of her money for change. As it was a Monday afternoon and the sale was unadvertised, we only had a few neighbors come by, but Kayla had fun.
7 August 2011
Julia attended a birthday party where there was a face painter. She was amazing. Very artistic and each different. Julia’s is a fairy (see the head and body on her nose) and her wings on each side of the face. One boy had a pirate bandana done that was super cool.