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!)

My Beautiful Girls!

Holden Beach (year 11!)

 It is my favorite two weeks of the year.  My best friends, favorite weather and nothing to do but enjoy my those I love.  It is my own slice of heaven.  The kids LOVE it too. 

Pond Study

The girls were itching to learn about something this spring and summer.  I was beat and didn't think I could pull off a space unit like last year.  Nor did I think we could travel all around to see monuments and other great American symbols.  They loved those units so much that they were happy to repeat them.  I needed something easy and close to home.  PONDS!!

Our study was pretty free form.  We already had tadpoles at home so we decided to investigate other living things in a pond.  Daddy dug up lots of pond muck.  It stinks!!  The girls sifted through it and found all sorts of interesting creatures.

We found. . .

snails

 beaver dams with snakes resting on top (zoom in)

lots of plant life

 

and algae.

This was just one night at one of our local ponds.  We went to many.  There were fish, birds, water striders, turtles and one very large and creepy spider!  YUCKY!!

We charted our findings and made little books.  It was low key but I find their learning continuing to pop up every time we visit a body of water.  What was more important is that it gave us something to do as a family that interested all six of us.  Well, almost all six of us.  Evelyn was more or less along for the ride. 

Seven!!

Happy Birthday to my bright shining, seven-year-olds!  I love you more than you know.