Lovely Mt. Rainer

Jacob & I headed to Mt. Rainer today for a hike with friends. Paul was suppose to spend the day with me hiking to Camp Muir we had planned it for months. But of course the Army had other plans so my sweet little guy volunteered. He knew I really wanted to go see the pretty wildflowers & hike. We ended up having an amazing hike up the mountain.

We woke to crystal clear blue skies & nice cool weather with sunshine. We started at 9AM up the mountain at times laughing and at times huffing along. Jacob loved every minute , the smile never left his face. He made it .2 miles from Pebble Creek- he was the only child that age we saw up that high. All the other hikers on the trail told him how good he was doing & how impressed they where. Of course he said more then once "that's because I'm hard core mom!". I laughed and we enjoyed our day. Even on the hike down after we left our group so they could continue up to Muir. We stopped posed for pictures and saw amazing views. It will be one of my fondest memories when I look back later when he is grown. 

After we finished and where at the car he announced he needed a hamburger. I knew just the spot and off we went to Copper Creek Inn & restaurant. I let him get the most delicious old fashioned vanilla shake to eat with his hamburger. We continued to chat and laugh while we ate the delectable food. I knew that not many more of these days would come. Soon he will be like his teenager brothers and prefer to stay home with friends. But for one perfect sunny Saturday he was my sweet baby boy who I enjoyed a special day on Mt. Rainer with- perfection.

We came home to lay around & relax watching movies enjoying the rest of our day. Hunter ran off to a friends house Paul is out- so now it's just me & my little guys. A nice ending to a wonderful day.

Thursday's Tune Time

The song that is going on over & over in my head this week is a child's song " Rain, rain, go away come again another day!" Oh my how the WA weather has definitely come in like a Lion for March- I sure hope it goes out like a lamb soon! I won't be posting that song not even sure they have it on Youtube? But if you want to have fun & link up with Amber from Goodnight Moon for song week #50 please go ahead! I love listening to all the music every Thursday morning while waiting for the boys to wake up for school. 


 My pick for this week is Colbie Calliat - she makes me smile & I love her voice so much. Every one of her songs is good to listen to on the radio or your Ipods. 

I am pretty sure I have picked this in the past at some point- but it just makes me feel good & puts me in a wonderful mood! I need some sunshine in my life on these dreary spring days in WA. Enjoy folks & have a great Thursday!

Reflections Lake Hike, Mt. Rainer

Saturday came early with me trying to get the boys up & moving to head to Mt. Rainer for a little day hike. Everyone finally loaded into the van & off we went, excited for the moment. Once we caught up with Sam & her gang we where on our way to Mt. Rainer National Park which is only about 2 hours from the house or even less. It was a beautiful sunny but cool morning- great hiking weather! We had six children and three adults to start the hike to Reflections Lake. Off we go down a little ways then all the sudden straight up some super steep hills! This was suppose to be the easy path but on a scale of 1 to 5 , 5 being the hardest for little people under the age of 9 - I give it a 3.5 in spots. We where all trekking along at a pretty decent pace with only one melt down along the way. This mom wasn't having it! I told the child to buck up & keep walking. He would be excited once we got to our final destination. Mom was so right! Once we actually got to the lake there was some snow. Of course the boys immediately started pelting eachother with snow balls & having fun. Laughter ruled for about thirty minutes until it was time to head back.

The walk back was a little easier as most of it was down hill, we had done all the steep climbs heading to the lake. Now my calves where burning a bit by the time we got to the waterfalls where we started. But it was a nice 3 mile round trip hike, that any family can enjoy. Even all the kids agreed after it was over they had fun! It was a little rough in the beginning but with a little "attitude adjustment" from mom & a "no quitting" allowed motto we all made it! We got some great pictures  had some good giggles along the way & I can't wait to do another hike again some day!

 

The beginning when we where ALL SMILES....

 

Finally Sam & I at Reflection Lake

 The kids with dear ole mom who made them HIKE,oh- the Horror!!!

  The "STUD" who did the 3 miles with NO -COMPLAINTS!!

Last group picture of the day of my young men - it was a good day!

Last picture was of Matthew being silly- we all ended up having fun!


Now my husband & his group of soldiers gathered today to honor the memory of their Fallen Comrades in Arms. 31 Minutes of giving your all in Crossfit- 
In honor of our 31 lost in the helicopter crash. Way to go guys & everyone around the globe that joined in! So far close to $300,000 in money has been raised for the families affected by this tragedy- USA!!!! 

Our Fallen

My soldier during the workout