The Wettest 50 Miler

Alex and his fellow Troop 141 headed to Stevens Pass on a warm sunny day.  Stevens Pass had been battling fires so there was a fire ban which no one thought would be a big deal.

The theme for the high adventure trip was "Be"...who you can BECOME.  We made these fun water bottles for each of the campers.

All smiles on the first day.

And then the second night...RAIN, RAIN, RAIN.

Everyone was SO wet that several reported the bottoms of their tent were like waterbeds.  By morning most everyone was soaked to the bones and GRUMPY.  Several kid's sleeping bags were water logged.  The group decided they were either going to go home or build a fire and try and dry out.  Most people stayed up all night next to the fire trying to dry out their stuff and warm themselves.  This is about the time that Birch joined the sad group. 

The next few days were still wet but the group enjoyed some sunshine as well.

Alex and Coby cookin' up dinner.

Birch and Alex enjoyed their time together.  I was so impressed with the time that Birch put into designing these neat little books that were filled with talks about BECOMING and also each family was invited to write a letter to their son with their hopes and dreams of what they wanted their son to BECOME.  I enjoyed the opportunity to write Alex a letter and also surprised Birch with one from me and his mom and my parents.  I love that these trips can build not only friendships but also spirituality.

Alex put together a little video of their trip.  Due to the rain most of the days are undocumented so the camera wouldn't get wet.  So here is the sunny part of their trip:

Click here to view:  http://youtu.be/78RWixKoMiY

The BIG Birthday Boy

We didn't forget about Daddy's birthday even though it was a travel day home from Lake Cavanaugh.  I had made some yummy make-ahead mashed potatoes and had some delicious marinaded steak from Costco ready to grill when we got home.  It was all tasty and even better because the Andersens joined us for dinner.

Don't you love it how excited kids always are to give a present?!!

Daddy trying out his new lightweight yet WARM sleeping bag!

Under the circumstances our birthday desert was a pile of frozen Snickers and Mounds bars!

LOVE THIS MAN!!!

Lake Cavanaugh Bliss

We can never get enough of our annual Lake Cavanaugh family trip!

Tyler taking it all in!

Chloe was really brave this year.

Alex was extra lucky to be invited with the daddy's on the early morning ski trips.  Lucky boy!

What life, work, church, family responsibilities?

Loved seeing gazelle Alysee out on the water skiing for the first time!!

Tyler

The new paddle boards were a HUGE hit this year!  Each year as our kids get older us parents are having to let our kids spread their wings a little more. 

Coop

Chloe and I had lots of snuggle time with our newest nephew, Lincoln.

This is as close as I got to the water this year.  I mostly snuggled with the baby and watched the kids play.

Cute cousins

"Bicycle built for two" keeps playing through my mind from Birch's days at the nursing home.

Birch and I were lucky to share our birthday party at the lake this year. 

Of course, the girls entertained us with a live show the last evening.

LOTS of Go-pro footage

He may have just turned 41 year's old but it doesn't slow down our Daddy!

2014 Lake Cavanaugh Ditto Clan

Wish you were a Ditto??

Click here if you cannot see the video:  http://youtu.be/FYR5obM1-us