Boulder Cave Redo

After a failed attempt in May, we finally made it back to the Cascades! And we actually were able to hike to Boulder Cave. Success!

Jared really believes in the importance of sports drinks for even small hikes.

Note to self: If you are going to a cave, you should bring flashlights. Or your children may be slightly terrified walking into the dark. And you'll have to rely on the kindness of strangers and their cell phone lights.

(I really didn't think that one through!)

Portland Adventures

I've been doing a little more exploring. I've driven past this a few times, but I decided that we needed to stop and really see it.

Multnomah falls from a distance

This is the view from halfway up! We hiked up to get a better view.

See?!?

She likes striking a pose.

My awesome cousin took my brother, Joe, and I blackberry picking.

(Joe had a business trip in Portland, so I had to skip over to see him!)

Rosie mostly snacked while Jared and I picked.

Matthew, Grace, Rosie, Jared, Christian

Wild children!

I just love Matthew's face. I can't resist!

Swimmers

So, I finally got brave enough to enroll Jared and Rosie in swim classes! It was good for them to get more comfortable in the pool.

 Unfortunately, most of Rosie's lessons consisted of her teachers trying to lure her off the steps. But two rounds of lessons ($$$!) got her this far!

Jared loved the showing off and competition aspect of lessons. He loved getting to the "otter level" class!

(It is a blast watching 6 year olds brag about their 6-7 second stints underwater!!!)

Family Day at PNNL

We don't usually get to go into Ken's building for work. It is pretty strict as far as who is allowed around. So, no lunch dates at his desk!
But this year, they had a family day and you could get passes to get tour a bit!
Since it probably won't happen again for a while, we thought that we ought to commemorate the occasion.