Riding her Bike

Adeline learned to ride a bike while in Washington.  She is pretty fearful of falling and hasn't expressed interest in learning. The Belle is quite good on a scooter and rather content that way as well.  We pushed her to learn and it only took one night.  While she hasn't mastered turning, she is pretty good in a straight line!

Washington 2013

We headed out west for another summer vacation.  It was amazing weather almost everyday - 98 degrees and sunny.  Our desired temps!  I could be at this computer all day blogging about what we did.  Instead, I am going to pick some highlights and favorite pics.

The most notable adventure, was hiking Mount Rainier.  We made it a little more than half way to to the top.  Most of that was done by car but the last mile and half was straight up on foot.  It was tough going.  Lots of run off from the snow made the rocky climb even trickier.  The girls really ponied up.  I was so proud of them. We made it past the timberline and up into the snow.  The pictures are at a lower elevation because I had my hands full trying to get the girls up the mountain once we really started to climb.  

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One of our best days was on spent on the river.  Uncle Adam was generous and rented a boat!  We had a blast.  We spent hours on the water and the girls were in heaven.  What a gift he gave us!  Everyone rode the tube behind the boat and Alex and I got to revisit our roots and water ski.  No one skis anymore because wake boards rule the river.  Savannah was brave and gave it a try.   She didn't make it up but she gave it her all. A big thanks to Aunt Amy for staying back at the house to watch Evelyn.  She made it possible for me to join in the fun.  Just imagine if I had to miss all this!!!

 Adeline and Papa on the tube.  I never thought The Belle would ride. . .

Other fun and memorable times. . .

A Slice of Summer at Home

In between the beach and our trip out West, we enjoyed a week at home.  After quickly unpacking and hiding the suitcases, we settled in hoping to make the week stretch on and on.

Here are some highlights.

The girls went to a Makin' Music camp which they loved.  One of the highlights was the rope swing.  Each day at pick up they begged me to swing. 

After an impressive storm, we caught a glimpse of a double rainbow!!  Evelyn wasn't too impressed.

Did I mention that it was hot!!

Evelyn stayed out of the heat and hung in her swing. Next year she will likely be a part of the action. 

Savannah, Lila and Daddy ran the Triple Threat Relay.  They were the youngest participants.  Each runner ran 1.67 miles.  Savannah ran her leg all by herself.  This was her first time navigating an adult race solo.  Lila was accompanied by Alex and ran like a superstar.  They might have been the youngest runners but they certainly weren't the last to cross the finish line!!  I loved watching them compete as a team.

At the end of our week, we drug out the suitcases and packed it up.  On the road again. . .(don't laugh until you have traveled as a family of six for a 21 day vacation!)