Camp set up

One of the first things we do when we get to our camping spot is get our stuff set up.  Brad and Dan do a great job managing all the things.  This year they were very pleased with hanging their food bags so they had to take a picture. 

They also set up a tarp because it started misting on us.   We thought it would stop but it ended up raining through the night.   It wasn't as bad as last year but it wasn't an ideal situation for camping. 

Brad took a picture of this log because it looked like a dragon. 

Hiking in

Last week we had plans to climb Mt. Baker but the trip was postponed.   So, we did some last minute scrambling and moved our scheduled backpacking trip to last weekend.   We are still impressed with how quickly both families were able to adjust so quickly.   Since this is our 4th trip we have some things figured out.  But like most camping trips we always learn ways to improve.

The first plan was to go to Troupe Lake near Cle Elum but after calling the Ranger station we learned that we could not have campfires.  So, we decided to head west instead.   After Brad called the Ranger Station near Olympic National Park we were given a recommendation to go to Elkhorn Deserted Campground.  

Another adventure was awaiting us.

Our family picture. 

The kids and Ozzie the dog.

The Hodo and Barquist Family

The hike in ended up being one of the easiest hikes we have done.    I was a little disappointed with how short it was but no one else seemed to mind.

It took us a little over an hour to get to our camping spot.

It was flat with one little fun section that involved pulling ourselves up a rope.

On the Lake

Our neighbors invited us out on their boat last week and we couldn't pass up the offer.  We drove down to the other side of Lake Sammamish and enjoyed a nice swim.

Then we ate dinner. 

Eric really wanted to teach the kids (and us too) how to wake surf.   Everyone except for Bo gave it a shot.     Bo really wanted to go but we didn't think it would be a good idea. 

We all made a great attempt but only Brody was successful.

Aside from a major wave we hit on our way in we had a great time hanging out with our neighbors and being out on the water on this gorgeous night.

Earning Money

Brody is motivated to earn some money so he has been going to work with Brad.  He has been working super hard and learning a lot of valuable lessons about work and saving money.

Training Hike with Marbs

Brad has been doing some training hikes and he convinced Darby to go with him on one of them.  They climbed the big hill up Lakemont.  Darby didn't make it as far as Brad had hoped but he enjoyed the special time with the two of them.

The Giant Rock

When Brad was digging up the space for our new Arborvitae he discovered a BIG rock buried under ground.   Brad enlisted the help of Colt to move the rock to the backyard.  He even let Colt pick out the perfect spot for the "sitting rock".

The lost season

Little League had been holding out for a long time hoping they could still salvage a season from this year.  But they finally made the decision to cancel the season this year.  Even though we knew it was going to happen, Brad was bummed he wasn't going to have a chance to coach Colt, or a chance to wear his new Rockies jersey.

So we took some pictures to commemorate the undefeated season.