Enchanted Valley with the Kids: Day 1

 Joe and I decided to bring the kids to the same place that 

he and I did a "Second Honeymoon" at two years ago.

We did it at a much reduced pace, though, which was enjoyable for all.

Here we are just as we started the hike.

We just did a few miles to Pony Bridge the first day, but it was uphill, 

so our campsite was still a pleasant sight.

All of the kids did great!

On the drive to the trailhead, T was in song-writing mode.

The song wasn't sticking in her head, though, so she attempted to document it later at camp.

I brought a couple things to read. 

I was super thankful that I was inspired to bring "Hatchet" as a read-aloud for the trip.

It. Was. Perfect.

Everyone enjoyed it.

A common mantra on the trail was that I was "in charge of fun".

I did my best... mostly bribing kids with candy and another chapter of Hatchet.

I think I did a pretty good job.

Oh... and have I mentioned that we had amazing weather to go along with all the BEAUTY!?

And, for the most part, all of our gear worked wonderfully!

Thanks, Joe.

Oh.... and my husband started a new camping family tradition:

The Nightly Whiskey Nightcap!

Yup. He is one-of-a-kind.

Love, Us.

Littles Fun with Oma and Opa While the Bigs Went Camping

Oma and Opa did a great job documenting the fun that was had at home 

while Mom, Dad, and the Big 3 were camping in the Olympics.

I'll let the pictures tell the stories.

What joy!

Thank you so much Opa and Oma!

Love, Us.

Another Amazing COVID-caused First!

Joe and I have been planning to take a longer back-packing trip 

with our physically able and rational kiddos before leaving the PNW. 

The complicating factor in our planning, however, was childcare for the irrationals.

Then COVID happened.

And COVID brought yet another before-unheard-of blessing: 

Oma and Opa BOTH came AT THE SAME TIME to see us and watch the kiddos!

Yes, this picture is not of Oma and Opa...it is of Opa with their other traveling companion: Song.

But, the presence of the four-legger shows that this was a full-family trip!

It. Was. Amazing.

Love, Us.

What My Supper Looks Like on a Good Day

 2020 was a year for the record books in so many ways.

For me personally, it was the year I discovered Macros.

It has been a life-changer for me.

I see it as my dietary prescription that has brought me so much more LIFE than I had before.

I have SO much more energy, cheerfulness, and even enjoyment in what I eat.

Oh...and I lost 60 pounds.

Maybe I'll say more about Macros and how I use it later, but for now I will just show you what supper looks like for me when I am on my prescription.

It could look like many things, but this is what I have found to be 

delicious and enjoyable every single time.

Oh...and did I mention that I get to have a sweet coffee and a cookie/candy every night, too?

Pretty great, right?

Love, Us.

Our 4th of July with Fr. Laski

 We had a visitor for the 4th of July this year. 

So, even without public fireworks, we had a friend and great conversation 

to enjoy while we listened to all the neighbors doing their own celebrations.

Oh, and we also had daily Mass...something that was unheard of at that point in COVID!

We even joined some friends for kid-sized fireworks!

And, as usual, games of physical strength and endurance in the backyard.

I did mention great conversation, right?

T made sure that everyone dressed for the occasion.

She also made sure we documented it with a kiddo pic.

AND she made a flag CHEESE cake! 

Ummm...YUMMMMM!

It was a wonderful 4th!

Love, Us.