Colchuck Lake

Last weekend Brad and I went on another adventure.  The plan was to hike up to the Enchantments to see what many describe as one of the most beautiful places.      This hike has been organized for the past few years but we have always had conflicts with kids sports and Brad's coaching.  This year since we didn't have much of those I knew we had to make it happen.   Our good friends backed out a few days before and Brad wasn't as thrilled about going so he left the final decision up to me. The kids were looking forward to going to Papa Bob's so our childcare was already sorted out and time in the mountains has been so good for me. 

We drove over on Friday evening and stayed in a cabin near Leavenworth.   We woke up early Saturday morning (5:15) then left to the trailhead.  (This should have been our first sign that we weren't going to make it to the Enchantments because we should have started much earlier).  

We started our hike a little after 7:00.  The parking lot was full and the trail was like a major freeway.   We weren't going very fast so a lot of people passed us.   

After about 4 hours we made it to Colchuck Lake.  It is amazing!  The color of the water is unreal and these pictures don't even do it justice.  

We hiked to the other side of the lake and made it to the bottom of Aasgard Pass.   Since it was already 12:30 we knew we didn't have enough time to make it up to the top and into the enchantments before it would be dark.  We were bummed but we know we will be back to try it again.   

It rained on us as we were hiking back down so we know if we had tried to climb to the top we would have been in the same rainy weather....so maybe it was for the best that we didn't get all the way there. 

In the end the most important thing was that Brad and I got to spend time together and had another adventure.  We certainly miss our kids during these outings but we are thankful they are having fun and we get to explore more of this beautiful place. 

 Brad and I and Arnie (he is the organizer and leader). 

Remote Learning Report

We are about 3 weeks into this remote learning and we have all gotten cozy and comfortable.  None of us want to be doing this but we are rolling with it and trying to make the best of the situation.   

It does help when its rainy but I am looking forward to a week of sunshine because it is better when we are all outside. 

 

Seahawks Birthday Party

We celebrated Abi's 14th birthday party.  It is always fun when it is also a Seahawks party. 

(Thankfully the Seahawks pulled off the victory for Abi)

 

Tooth Extraction

 Brody had to get a tooth pulled to get his teeth ready for braces. He was really nervous about the whole process especially since it was a different dentist and office.    The procedure was very quick but Brody didn't particularly enjoy the whole experience.  But now he can tell his siblings what to expect if they have to get their teeth pulled.  We did see that Brody doesn't have any wisdom teeth so he won't have to worry about that procedure.

Broncos Fans

 The Broncos kicked off their season with Monday Night Football.   Ollie was so excited and he was able to get Bo in a Broncos outfit and Brad even wore a hat for the game. 

Unfortunately, Ollie's prediction for a Denver win didn't happen.

 

Bootcamp Hike

I organize a boot camp for the ladies in our neighborhood.  We had to stop during the shut down.  Thankfully we were able to meet again in the middle of June, careful to follow all of the safety precautions we could.  

I decided to organize a hike to "celebrate" the end of summer.  We went up on a tuesday evening and it was the first day when the smoke had started to move in.  It wasn't very bad yet so we still decided to go. 

We just went up to Poo Poo Point and even though the view wasn't that great we did get to see a paraglider launch.   

We also didn't take any pictures of the ladies. There were only 4 this year.  Me, Jen, Jenny and Robbin. 

 

Sushi Date Nights

We have reached an interesting point in life where Brad and I can leave the house for a little bit while Brody is in charge.  But really the XBOX is keeping them entertained.    

One of our favorite things is going to the local sushi place to eat some dinner.  We wear our masks inside but then take them off while eating.  We have been enough times now that the guy knows what to make for Brad.  This is his own platter of a Tiger Roll.  Brad loves it.  And of course a little time together is always good for us. 

 

Jenga Blocks

On Saturday night we all got involved in an intense game of Giant Jenga.   It lasted a lot longer than any of us predicted.   Doug was the one who finally lost. 

The kids also had fun using the Jenga blocks for building ramps and "domino" courses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yo-yos and more

Hammock time 

 

We bought some yo-yos for the trip and we spent all night Friday trying to figure it out.  It took us awhile but then we all got the hang of it. 

Kara braided Darby's hair.   She usually won't let me do it so it was fun for her to get it braided. 

 

Shooting Practice

These pictures aren't coming in order.   Sorry.   

This is a picture of a fire we saw on our drive down.  It was just outside of Ellensburg on our way to Yakima.   It was surreal but also a little scary thinking about all the damage it was causing. 

The campground looks empty.

Our activity on  Saturday involved driving up to move the cows.  Then we went a little further to shoot some guns.  My kids were excited and I think a little nervous about this idea.  

Ollie was the only one who ended up not shooting. 

Back at the campground enjoying conversations by the fire.  We didn't think we would be able to have a fire but the Park Host said we could as long as it was inside the ring.  They also regularly rake the area around the fire to prevent any flames or sparks from catching the pine needles on fire.