Monday, July 22, 2013

Our Blue Eyed Baby is 3!!

Well, it had to happen.. Laura has moved from baby category to the category of 'big girl'. Sniff.. BUT, she still lets me, her mama call her my baby when we rock at bedtime so that makes the transition easier! :-) Her birthday weeks was so filled with activity and people that we decided to just have a quiet day to spend with her.. Ash made a cute and yummy cake, "chocolate with flowers' like the princess requested. Mama made her a special birthday dress and Gracie drew her a photo. It was a special day for a very special little girl.






'Thank You Mama!'

Laura in her new 'birthday dress'

 






After cake, we all decided to take an evening walk




We are so blessed to live at the end of a dead end road where there is hardly any traffic

It was such a relaxed and sweet day with our little Laura. It is so hard to believe it has been three years since she joined our family. What a sweet and spunky little one! We love her SO much!
 
 
 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Mt Rainier Hike

Our family was invited to come along on a hike up at Mt Rainier to a place called the Grove of the Patriarchs which is located in the southeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park. It is located in Ohanapecosh, named for a Taidnapam (Upper Cowlitz) Indian habitation site along the river, is thought to mean “standing at the edge.” Situated among Douglas firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks, visitors to Ohanapecosh can experience the beauty and complexity of an old-growth forest. The east side of the park is also somewhat drier and sunnier than the west side, making it a good destination when Paradise and Longmire are wet and foggy.

It was glorious weather and such a wonderful time for all!

The Hiking Crew
 
 

 
                                                                                  


 
                                                                              




 
 









 
 



 
 

 
 
 
 

 
After the hike we all headed back to our house for a shared meal:
 I ended up not being able to go as I was not feeling very well that day but Laura and I had a nice quiet day at home, getting ready for dinner.
 
Visting with these ladies is always a blessing!
 
Mandy baby-sits Gracie's baby
 
 
 
The kids have a great time playing and running around! Even *after* a long hike!
What a fun day of observing God's creation and spending time with friends!