Relative Filth

Cousins make everything more fun...

because you can get away with a lot more.

Craters, Critters, Camping and Cousins

What's the best part about camping at Crater Lake?

The Scenery

Picture a startlingly blue lake.

Yes, it really is that blue.

The Water

Swimming in 1900 feet of water?  Stick close to your buddy.

Strike a pose for the ladies.

The Wildlife

Here's a cool salamander, found by a boy after sunset.

This boy can find crawdads in places most people wouldn't even think to look.

The Dirt

Bryn spent many happy minutes with her cup o' dirt.

Beautiful scenery? Who cares. Look! I found some dirt.

The Snow

Not usually desired when camping but in late August a patch of snow can provide a welcome diversion.

The Food

Be sure to control access to your s'more.

That's better. A two handed grip helps keep s'more thieves at bay.

Use caution when eating directly from the roasting stick.

Cole covered with dirt and marshmallow residue

Family

Here's a couple of little girls with dirty faces and plenty to talk about.

This photo brilliantly depicts the difference between boys and girls.

And, of course, the obligatory family photo. My, don't we look happy?

Thanks to John and Laura and the girls for accompanying us.

Camping in the Great Northwest

Summer has been so busy in other parts of the country that it's nearly forgotten us up here in the Pacific northwest. It's been a cool and damp summer so far but we still managed to go camping ...

...at a lake ...

... with cousins ...

... and few other friends ...

... in a cave ...

... and in the snow ...

... near an active (within the past five years) volcano ...

... where we found nature ...

... and pointy sticks ...

... and that's what camping in the northwest is all about.

Crawdads Beware

I've had to limit our trips to the creek to once a day. I know, I'm a mean mom.
If I were a nice mom, I would just set up a tent and we would live at the creek,
because Grant has developed the eye for catching things. He's been honing his skills all summer, and fills our little bucket with creatures every time we go to the creek. The challenge of the hunt, and a love of all things alive and kicking is something I can totally identify with.

Every time we drive by our favorite creek spot, even Bryn yells, "CEEK, mama, CEEK."



(Notice our fancy new camo childrens waders. Snazzy.)

Reunioning 2010

What was the most fun about the Simper Reunion at Olympic Nat'l Park (Olympic Peninsula, Washington) this summer? Let's see...

Fighting over the tractor was fun...
Grant might say holding hands with a girl was the best (even if it is his cousin)...
Hiking in the Hoh Rain Forest was cool...

riding bikes on the beach was a hit...
Sea otters were cute, and the tide pools amazing...
A lot of people wonder what to do with a star fish, well...
here's a brilliant idea:

Evan drew quite a crowd of cousins with his crab.
Brynnie learned the fine art of burying others in the sand.
And she ran around wet and cold for a few days, blissfully unaware of how chilly it was.
Bryn just liked the sand the best. It was good tastin' stuff!

The amazing thing is, Evan's parents and all 6 of their kids (+ families) made the journey up here, many from Arizona. Thanks for a great party, everyone!!

If Summer Had a Face

... it would probably have mud freckles and a Band-Aid on it.

And don't forget the big smile.

Marinating

Other verbs that come to mind:
irrigating
germinating
hydrating
dissolving

FHE: On Location

Leaving the house for Family "Home" Evening (and picnic dinner) is a great idea:
1. Spill all you want, I don't have to clean it up.
2. Ready-made lessons abound, with lots of visual aids

3. The activity portion is always a huge hit!
We did have to touch on the "modesty" topic towards the end, for Brynnie's sake (I'm pretty sure streaking is not condoned in "For the Strength of the Youth.")
And even though we brought a couple donuts for dessert, some of us just ate dirt. Mmmmmm.

Location: Salmon Creek (across the street and down the hill from our house.)