Coal Creek Hike

Our second hike took us a bit out of the way. It was about a 40 minute drive which is a little long. Most everything around here will make you drive a bit so you might as well come to terms with it. Once we got going though it was so beautiful that we didn't even mind the drive.

We had a small group this trip. It was my 2 kids and 2 babies in snuggly packs. This was a bit weird for my kids to hike without any other older kids to play with. This meant they had to play with each other which can sometimes go a bit off course. Sometimes those 2 love each other and other times it's more of a strong dislike. We had a mix of both on this hike. They were certainly loud enough during the whole hike to be more like 6 kids instead of 2.

Within about 5 minutes of the hike starting we found our first huckleberry bush. Megan was really excited for this. We learned about these huckleberries the last hike and that they were safe to pick and eat. They are tart little things that Andrew and myself don't find very appealing. Megan loves to pick and eat them. We even had a spare baggie that she stocked full of berries.

As we continued on the trail it got a bit aggressive in it's uphill slope. I think the 3 ladies all broke out in a bit of a sweat as we climbed. My 2 kids even got a bit winded at times and we stopped for a break every once in a while. I was surprised at how much exercise we were all getting as the last hike was super mild.

This trail boasted of waterfalls and old closed coal mines. During our hike we had gone several miles in to the point you turn off for the first waterfall and unfortunately the trail was closed for that sections. This made my kids and I a bit sad as this was one of the highlights of the hike. The sign did say there was another water fall but it was going to be 1.6 miles further in.

This was nothing for my kids. We end up getting goal orientated in this family. We could totally do 1.6 miles no problem if it meant a waterfall at the end. Our little group started out toward this next water fall but we probably only got about .5 or less of a mile in. The 2 ladies with babies strapped to them were starting to get worn out. I forget sometimes what that is like since Andrew's almost 8. I haven't had to carry a child in a long while. I'm sure they were getting nice and heavy. Not to mention babies get hungry and cranky nap tired. The ladies asked that we turn around and find a spot for lunch.

I don't think my kids were very happy but finally agreed to turn around. They wanted that waterfall so bad and being roughly a mile away was so tempting to continue on. When you go with a group sometimes you've got to compromise. It was a good lesson for my kids to give in for the sake of the group.

We hiked back to the little creek and got right down in it. As we were getting down there were rocks that you could sit on or use to get across. Of course my kids decided why use rocks when you could just get your shoes trashed. It didn't take but 1 minutes before one child slipped followed by the next. Since these were their old shoes I was totally fine with them getting ruined. I thought ahead knowing my kids and balance someone was bound to fall and get muddy at some point.

My kids ate standing up in their socks in the middle of the creek. They loved being in the cold water and to actually be standing in the creek. They began collecting rocks to throw and watch splash. This was Andrew's favorite activity and it wasn't long before he actually slipped and fell fully into the creek. Got nice and soaked up to his waist. The creek was really shallow and probably was only as deep as just above the ankle maybe a bit on the calf. Somehow Andrew still managed to get wet all the way to the waist several times. Since I was kind of prepared to get dirty it didn't bother me one bit. We were there to have fun and that is exactly what we did. It was so beautiful and I loved soaking it all in. We may have to try and see if we can get Jeff out to this trail. We'd love to try and make it out to that waterfall. The whole hike was awesome and we can't wait to see what new places are out there to explore for the next one.

Debbie & Ed Visit

Got a surprise call that my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Ed were here in WA for a visit. They wanted to get a chance to see us so we made plans to meet at our favorite spot, Wild Waves. They were visiting friends about an hour and a half or so away so this was a little closer for them to drop in.

Megan was so excited to see them. She is so comfortable around them like they have known each other forever. She wastes no time chatting away and getting right down to fun. Andrew is a little slower to remember them but does have fun as well just not as chatty. Maybe this is more of a gender thing :}

We spent the whole afternoon with them. Got to hit the high dive and sea lion shows. We had yummy fair type food at the park and hit up a handful of rides. One of my best memories is getting to go to Disneyland as a kid with my Aunt and Uncle. It was always fun with Uncle Ed. He goes on every ride and lets you call the shots of what ride and when. He did this same method with my kids and they loved it. It brought back a flood of good memories for me and it was great. We had a blast with them and were only sad when it came to and end. It was only for that one afternoon but we packed as much in as possible. We look forward to their next visit.

Plaster Fossils

Found this play with plaster event. Thought it sounded messy and fun so we quickly signed up. This was at the Garfield bookstore near PLU and there was a $5 fee for supplies. I guess they have classes often some free and some for a fee but they usually fill up quickly.

As this was our first event there we had no idea what to expect. We started out getting lost getting there. I plugged the address into the GPS and it took me way out of the way. I then reread the flyer to see it say PLU and knew exactly where I needed to go and just how far away we had gotten. I think the GPS is on it's last leg as this is the 2nd time it's given me wrong directions.

After finding the place we were about 10 minutes late and surprised to see only about 6 other kids there. This class had not filled up quickly at all. We got our seats and got right in. Basically they gave you some clay which you got to make a dinosaur impression in. They had little figures to use. Then they had beads and stuff to decorate with. After you were ready they brought over plaster of paris to pour on top. We cleaned up and took our containers home to wait for them to dry.

At the end of the day we unmolded our plaster to see our fossils. The kids had alot of fun and want me to go buy more plaster of paris so we can make more stuff. Not sure what to do with the fossils we already made. Megan wants to attached a ribbon so she can hang hers on the wall. It was really fun and easy to do. The kids loved seeing their creations and it was a nice hands on activity for us.

Move It Movement

Wild Waves had a special Move It Movement day from Cartoon Network. It was during the week and if I wanted to hit this up that would mean I was flying solo with the kids. As they've gotten older outings like this have become a piece of cake if I'm willing to go it alone. I decided this was a good enough event to venture out to.

The kids and I suited up and got sunscreen applied and headed out for our fun. I don't think either child cared much about the kids day. They just wanted to spend the day in the water and any reason to go to Wild Waves is a good one for them.

We were running a bit behind schedule but still got there and found it wasn't really crowded yet. Our usual spots were still wide open and that was nice. We quickly got down to our swim gear and hit the rides. We hit up the fun slides first as later in the day the lines tend to get long and none of us care to wait. So if we get them out of the way first we can spend more time elsewhere.

We found the whole section set up for the Move It Movement event and decided to check it out. The kids were not thrilled with me for taking them out of the water to go see what it was all about. It was the whole reason why we went and I wanted to make sure we spent time on it. After heading up to the area we were told it wasn't open till after noon. Let's just say I got "looks" from the kids as we headed back down to the water section.

After lunch while we were dry I got the kids back up to the Move It Movement area. Of course once again they dragged their feet. We were all dry from sitting to eat lunch and I figured this was the best time. Let's get it out of the way and finish up with more water. Once we got over there Andrew went right to the football drill tent and pretty much stayed there the whole time. The guy running it was so nice he just handed Andrew the football again and again. The only exception was if there were other kids and he would politely tell him to get in line.

Megan tried out everything. I think she liked the basketball area the best. The guy there was really nice and took some time to show here the correct way to shoot the ball and give her pointers. She was all smiles when she finished and loved it.

The kids both got freebies from each section and had a great time. All Andrew would talk about was the football section and if we had time he wanted to go back. It's funny how I know they'll love something but they fight me on it. Then I make them go and they of course love it. Those crazy kids when will they learn? Mom always knows best.

After spending our fun at the Move It Movement area it was time for more water action. The kids didn't even flinch when it was time to leave. They love the water and couldn't wait to get back to it. We headed back to the chairs to stash our loot and get in more water play.

We even got to hit up a slide that has been closed many times. This was Andrew's favorite area for a while. It was fun for the kids and they ended up in line several times. Before I knew it the time had flown. I think this was the longest period of time we've ever spent there. I looked down at my watch to see it was already 4:45 and we were still hitting up rides. I gave the final ride warning to each child. They took it pretty well but asked that we go back again because it was so fun with just the 3 of us. We packed up and hit the road in time to have Jeff come home right as we walked in the door with a hot pizza. It was a super fun day and we loved coming home to have dinner with Jeff. I'm hoping to get out there again before school starts and the weather is nice. It was a great day.

Fish School

A neighbor took Megan out for a play day with his daughter one day and when she came home she smelled like fish. He took her to a fish hatchery that I never knew existed. I got some directions and put it on my mental list of things to take both kids to.

While we were out in the general area of the hatchery I remembered that we should try and hit it up. I couldn't remember exactly what he said but just the area was correct. I had to use Megan's memory of turn at the "funny tree" to help out. Lucky this tree was indeed weird looking and totally stood out. We turned at the tree and right down the road we came upon the hatchery.

Not much to do there . We looked at all the tanks of fish and read the signs for information on what we were looking at. We tried going in the building but it seemed empty. It was something completely different for us to do and I know the kids loved looking at all the fish.

Anyone got a spare?

Hit up kids summer bowling for free.  After having such great success with the free skating we thought why not add bowling to the mix.  I got us registered and all set to bowl.  We of course set out as soon as I got it all put together.

We had a few choices of bowling alley's to choose from and decided to stay with what was local.  Once we found the place we quickly got the kids in their shoes and the balls picked out to start their first of two free games.

They did play with bumpers on and Meg started out trying to be good and bowl like an adult.  Andrew saw a ramp and decided that the balls were just too heavy and the ramp was the way to go.  He quickly began racking up the spares using the ramp technique.  This got Megan's competitive juices flowing.  She was not using any help and even with bumpers found herself with a few gutter balls.

After Meg lost the first game to Andrew she decided maybe the ramp was the way to go.  I had both kids now using the toddler ramp to play.  Good thing these games were free.  Andrew still ended up winning the second game and the mood was not good.  It was time to call it a day with bowling.  We have yet to go back as I'm not sure with just the 2 of them it's a good idea.  We need to find more kids to play a good game with and then maybe it will be more fun.  We'll have to see if we make it back out.

Fore!!

Jeff took the kids out for a little driving range fun.  He wanted to brush up on his golfing and felt like the kids might like getting to tag along.  So after work he packed up the kiddos and headed out. 

He said the kids weren't too bad but probably each needed their own bucket of balls.  Some would trickle off the tee and some not bad shots.  They enjoyed getting to go out and spend some one on one time with their Dad. 

It was nice to have them go out and do something fun without me.  I usually coordinate our events so getting to stay behind while they went out was great.  Jeff even planned it so it was smooth relaxing for me.  I hope for more of this during the last part of our summer.  We've got about 4 more weeks to go and we are totally ready with all the back to school shopping complete.  Can't wait to squeeze in the last bit of fun before we set in with our school routines.