Leavenworth Summer 2012

A few weeks back we were able to sneak off to Leavenworth for a few days. We love Leavenworth, but hadn't really taken the kids there for any length of time.

In true Hayes fashion, we packed in the fun, start to stop.  On the way over, we hiked into Twin Falls.

I love the way the kids come alive out in nature. 

Daddy and his girls!

The Falls, themselves, were impressive, but of course it was hard to capture on film.

There were some BIG rocks and trees to play on.

Once we got to Leavenworth, we hit the pool immediately.  You can see Peyton in the picture below doing a front handspring into the pool, a trick both the kids learned this trip.

Got to stop and love on the Bear outside the Chocolate Shop.

We spent the evening walking around town and listening to the music.

In the morning, we went up for breakfast and listed to this guy play the Alpenhorn.  He was actually the original owner and builder of the hotel and such a sweet man.

He came inside to play too and pushed his horn right over to Peyton's feet. :)

Yes, my kids are still in the PJ's.

The next day was SO HOT.  We swam, stopped by the river and hit a playground, but the kids were super tired from the heat.  They even all took naps that day....actually, Morgan was the only one that didn't, lol!

That evening, we took the kids to see The Sound of Music up in the hills at the outdoor Amphitheater.  It was FANTASTIC!!  All three of the kids loved it and couldn't wait to get home to try a play themselves.

Friday morning, we got up, left Morgan with a cute little babysitter and took the kids White Water Rafting on the Wenatchee River.  I was so excited because I knew the kids would love it.

We actually launched in a thunder and lightning storm (talk about adventure!!) but quickly paddle to clearer skies.

These pictures all show Will and I paddling, but both kids took their turns paddling as well.

As expected, it was the highlight of our trip.  We can't wait to go again on a bigger river.

On the way home, we stop at a State Park that had some incredible bouldering opportunities for the kids.

We made our way to the top, climbing all over the place.

So fun!

The Valley below us was beautiful!

At the top!!

That evening, we went back to town to enjoy some fun shops, like the crazy hat and glasses shop!!

The kids also like visiting with the Goat across the street from our hotel.

........and more swimming the next morning before we left for home.  Lots of pool time and the kids made some awesome improvements in their diving. 

Will and I survived another vacation with the kids!!!

Cheers to the Hayes Herd!!