Our family loves camping. Earlier this year, we made it a goal we would go more often this summer. Of course it’s always more fun with friends!
We went with the Armitage’s and Ostler’s to a place close to Mt. Saint Helen’s in Washington. It is interesting to notice that as we drove to our destination spot, the scenery changed from gross desert to lush greenery, tall trees and beautiful mountains. The campground was very large and even had its own pool, hot tub, zipline, grocery store, playground, RV park and game room. Can’t think of the name, it will come to me sooner or later. Since that part of the state rains more, there was more opportunity for standing water. We camped in an open field and got eaten alive by mosquitos! Little buggers.
After the campfire, popcorn popping, marshmellow roasting, game playing and everyone tucked into sleeping bags, Nathan and I grabbed a blanket and laid down on a picnic table and gazed at the stars. That was my favorite memory of that weekend. The stars were so bright, and sooo many of them. They felt closer too, because of the deep darkness of the sky. We could actually see the milky way. MMmmm… loved it.
Hudson. Kase. Emily. Miss Emily wouldn’t look at me… so I took one anyway! Ha!
ZZZZach. Hailey.
Love her freckles.
The next day we hung out with some friends of the Armitages at a favorite nearby lake.
From the lake, we hiked in the woods for about 10 min to find this little spot is common to the locals. Almost everyone had several turns. Looks like fun! Me? No way. I love capturing the moments “safely” behind the camera. Maybe someday!
Ostler’s taking a crack at it. There goes Alaina! (right picture)
Shavon held on for 2 seconds longer than she should have and didn’t let go until she started swinging back towards the shore! Gave everyone a scare! I told Nathan to pose for me when he let go. Well done Madder!
Our brave, daring cop Clint jumped off the tree from pretty up high.
Everyone waiting for their turn.
The next day everyone packed up and went home. We decided to explore Mt. Saint Helen’s erupted volcano. This was quite the experience for all of us. The drive from the base of the mountain to the top(shown here) was about a 45 minute drive of winding and twisting highway. At times it didn’t feel like we were on earth! The terrain near the “blow down zone” was eerie. Huge massive pine trees laying down like toothpicks everywhere, the branches were completely blown off from the eruption. From all the ash and soot that settled killed everything too. Nothing living and completely desolate. As we rounded the final corner to get to the summit, there was a lake called Spirit lake that had the rest of the logs floating in it, covering the entire lake! And they are still floating after 30 years! There is so much information to learn about this amazing event. We were all sponges listening to the park ranger give a presentation. Here is some more info if you are interested.
At the top!
Dad being the photographer.
The picture with Morgan made me a little nervous (above). Right behind her, dropped off a sheer cliff to the lake. She wanted a picture to “show how vast it was to be at the top of the world”. Quote from Morgan 
As soon as I took the picture, I quickly asked her to come to me and step away from the cliff. Pheww. My heart can go back inside my chest. Thank you.
It was a steep hike to the top. This is only half way down.
See that white dot behind Nathan? That’s a person. That’s the top. Super fun!
Love our girls. They huntin’ fer wabbits.. Shhhh.
