We returned from vacation late Sunday night significantly more tan, well-rested and infinitely more relaxed. Looking back, I laugh at myself saying "I want to go to Europe" when Barkernews asked where we should vacation this summer. Ultimately, what I wanted to do but didn't know it, was spend time with my two favorite companions and enjoy their company in beautiful places.
Mission accomplished.
I have much to tell you, starting with our adventures in Mt. Rainier National Park, but instead of writing one obnoxiously long blog post that will take you days to read, I will tell my tales in several blog posts over the next few days. Before then, though, let me offer you some highlights of our family trip:
1. Watching Hizz pick up a stick at the end of a hike (she is required to hike the last 1/10th of a mile or so of every hike- we call it "training"), declaring it her hiking stick and loudly telling us, "I go HIKING!"
2. Riding my bike over Chinook Pass
3. After a long drive and some very hot weather, sitting in the Columbia River and pouring water down each other's backs while we all giggled uncontrollably
4. Stehekin (this is a blog post in and of itself)
5. Hazel trying to sneak out of the tent at 11pm (to meet her boyfriend, I suppose)
6. Hanging out on a floatie on the Columbia River in 95 degree weather
After this past week, I resolutely believe that every nuclear family should take a family vacation by themselves every year. No grandparents, no friends, no hanger-onners- just them. We came back a more cohesive unit and more in love with each other than ever before.
See you tomorrow.
