Mount St. Helens

For Labor Day we camped near Packwood and enjoyed being up in the mountains. The boys loved the rope swing and zip line at our campground and we all enjoyed picking blackberries. We also spent a day at Mount Saint Helen's and enjoyed taking in the history and a few great hiking trails.

The view of Mt. St. Helen's from windy point lookout.

This is a view of Spirit lake right by the Mountain. All the white you see on the water looks like land, but it is actually logs left from the erruption over 30 years ago.

Logan on the trail to the lake

This summer we learned that pumice floats. The boys were having a great time throwing pumice in the lake watching it float to the other side of the dock, fishing it out with a twig and then starting over.

There is a great little trail down to this beautiful waterfall area.

Carter loved getting to cross all the down logs to make his way over the stream.

There were huge mushrooms and moss growing everywhere

There is nothing Logan likes more than throwing rocks especially when they splash!

Fair time

We got to enjoy the kick-off parade for the fair this August. The kids really enjoyed it, especially collecting the never-ending candy. I also included a few pictures from the fair. Going to the fair is a tradition for our family and it is so much fun to watch the kids explore the animals and get a thrill out of the rides.

If you look closely you can see how Logan waves at everyone who goes by. He is so friendly and sweet - he even gave the guy sitting next to him a kiss on the knee. That guy wasn't sure what to do, but after I laughed he thought it was pretty funny.

Carter borrowing my sunglasses

I thought this groups sign was hilarious "The Tri-cities Heavy Metal Band"

Checking out a tree in the park next to the parade route.

Logan was the one who wanted to ride the ponies at the fair but he was too scared to get on. So his sweet Daddy had the idea to walk him around while his big brother rode. Brady said Logan thinks he rode a pony and you can see by the smile on his face that was true.

The kids love to pet the animals...here they are in a pen with a newborn calf.

Logan was only up for a few rides, he loved going on the airplane with his big brother though.

I couldn't believe Carter went on this ride it takes you up and then drops you down in a few seconds. It scared most of the big kids, but Carter loved it...he is so brave.

Photos by Carter

Carter loves to take pictures, but I rarely post them. Most of his pics are like the first two close-ups of his feet, himself, his bedroom, decorations around the house. He also can capture some really great photos like the last two he took of his brother. Check out his work. :)

Weekend at Skamania

On our 10 year anniversary we got a weekend away without the kids and we got to spend it with our friends Kristi & Ryan who were married the weekend after us. We stayed at Skamania Lodge, did some hiking and went to a concert at MaryHill Winery. Mostly we just enjoyed the piece and quiet. It was such a great weekend and thanks to Kristi who took all these pictures since I forgot my camera.

Ten years later we can honestly say we are more in love than the day we got married and that is a blessing. Looking forward to our next anniversary.

We enjoyed some of the great kite surfing of the Columbia Gorge.

Mary Hill Winery amphitheater

Hawaiian birthday

Carter and Logan loved Hawaii so much they decided to have a Hawaiian birthday party. It was much cheaper than bringing everyone to Hawaii for his birthday like Carter originally wanted. :) The boys had a great birthday party and it was so fun to see these best buds celebrating together. It is always a blast to watch all their friends laugh, play, swim and of course run around squealing. Kids are so fun!

We had these fish diving toys for a pool game, but Logan just loved to collect them and carry them around.

Little Addelyn in her Hawaiian outfit - so cute.

The boys enjoying the pool

Jake relaxing in his floaty.

Slip n' slide fun

Logan was old enough this year to blow out his candles

and he clapped for himself he was so proud.