First Hike of 2010

We have had over a WEEK of amazing weather. I keep having to remind myself that it is February!

Luckily, the tournament this past weekend didn't kill our entire weekend. Friday I was back by 4:00 and took the kids to a huge park for while, hit some Mexican on the way home and then watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It was a fun night (and thanks to Will I went to bed with Morgan at 8:20pm!!).

The tournament went well. I had to play the boys and did okay. My doubles partner and I won the Mixed Open Doubles though, which was nice.

Sunday after church, we packed up the kids and car and headed out the Olympia Peninsula (Olympia is the gateway to EVERYTHING beautiful). On the drive, Morgan privileged us with the cutest songs she was making up. She makes us smile endlessly.
We decided to hike the Big Creek Trail Loop, which was 5 miles, 1200ft elevation gain. It was listed as taking 3 hours (for adults) and the sun sets around 5:15 right now. Cutting it a little close, but we went for it!
Morgan offered lots of commentary during the trip. Unfortunately, she doesn't like to stay even on Will's back. But all in all, she did pretty good. Just a few comments like, "I no like the forest".
It was mostly a forest walk, with a million bridges to cross, which my kids think are pretty cool.
Little Peyton was the best trooper. She walked the whole way and kept a pretty great attitude.
We got some pretty views of Mt. Washington....
.....and Mt. Ellinor.
The kids also love climbing on the downed trees.
The bridges were really cool. You can see Morgan holding Will's hand with the death grip on this one though. The planks were just far enough apart that it made her a little nervous. Especially with the roaring creek below.
We decided as a family we are going to try to hike 100 miles in 2010. This will take some commitment (especially because Will and I have about 30 miles of hiking planned just the two of us). I think we are going to start a separate blog to track our travels.

On a side note.......you wanna guess which of my offspring left Magic Markers in my white laundry last week??? Good thing they weren't buried!
Hope you have all loved the amazing weather!!

Oh-and the Grill is going great at the restaurant. Sales are holding strong, and each day seems easier and easier. The customers have been great and supportive. I think we are starting to see life "back to normal-ish" pretty soon.