Tipsoo Lake

Today we headed up Mt. Rainier to a hike near Tipsoo Lake. It was amazingly beautiful (my pictures don't do it justice). A lot of the hike was still covered in snow so it was a bit more slippery and muddy than we expected (Ian fell at least 12 times - was dirty everywhere and tried to hit me with every snowball that he possibly could). The day was perfect and hot and the snow made the kids forget they were tired.
Tipsoo lake, where the hike started.

You can see the top of Mt. Rainier behind the boys.

Jamesy rode in the backpack because of his broken leg - he was great.

and so was Mim, like always.

There was a LOT of snow.



We hiked to this small lake and then on to a waterfall before we turned around and headed back to the cars.


I have to admit that I love living this close to the mountain.

Ian's Birthday Party

Friday we had a slip-n-slide party for Ian's birthday at Grandma Leonard's house (our 3rd year in a row). It turned out to be a perfect day to play in the water and hang out with friends and family.

A few action shots:





Of course Jamesy couldn't get his cast wet but he was happy anyway.


We are so excited that the Jensens moved back so we can spend time with them (after a few times down the slip-n-slide with Sadie she told me I was becoming her favorite aunt - so worth it!)

Ian told me he wanted either a skeleton or a wampa birthday. I went with skeleton - turned skull and crossbones/pirate.


Thank you thank you thank you Grandma and Grandpa Leonard for letting us use your house and the best, hugest, most perfect slip-n-slide hill!

Ian is 6

Ian turned 6 on Wednesday. And I realized that I have a hard time with my kids getting big. I am totally heartbroken that he is going to be in school full time this year. That is so much time away from him. And even though he can be annoying at times and never stops talking, I really like hanging out with him and I like the little person that he is.

We started his birthday with a present scavenger hunt as soon as he woke up. He could even read the clues himself (see, he is getting too big). Then we had some fun with friends and a waterslide at the Reddings.



Then we picked up Curt and headed to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. Ian thought it was cool - James thought it was amazing (you can always count on James for a good reaction).

Things I love about Ian:
- he has no fear, which unfortunately often leads to lots of falls - but he rarely ever cries.
- he plays made up games all day long - he would rather make up a game than play with a toy.
- I guess it is the age but he has so much more stamina and physically can do so much more than he used to be able to do. This included kneeboarding and tubing full speed with the big kids this summer.
- He is very carefree - not much bothers him (including punishments - which can be frustrating for his parents) which makes him a very easy child.
- He gives hugs and kisses freely - to whomever wants them. I think he even realizes that it is a nice thing to do.

How sad/cute is this

Our NY vacation was perfect until james broke is leg on week 3. It was only slightly less perfect after that. Pictures to come.