Our good friends the Rushtons moved to Arizona last summer. This was especially sad for Aubree, because it meant saying goodbye to her best friend. "Don't worry," we reassured ourselves, "the Rushtons will come next summer and spend a whole month in Washington and we'll have lots of adventures!"
So, a few months back, when Elke suggested we take a three day camping tour of the Olympic Peninsula (sans husbands, who had to work), I agreed, even though I thought it sounded, uh, "ambitious."
As the time for preparation for our camping adventure approached, I experienced a mix of excitement and anxiety. A few days before our scheduled departure, Nellie started showing symptoms of a cold. It seemed mild, so we moved on with regular life, intent on being ready to camp and explore by Tuesday morning.
By Monday, Nellie was a mess. Miserable, feverish, not sleeping, constantly fussing.
Camping without Mark, with five kids (including a demanding baby) is crazy, but possibly an adventurous kind of crazy. Taking along a sick baby notches it up to the "crazy crazy" level. It would've been a nightmare all around.
Camping without Mark, with five kids (including a demanding baby) is crazy, but possibly an adventurous kind of crazy. Taking along a sick baby notches it up to the "crazy crazy" level. It would've been a nightmare all around.
Feeling flaky, we backed out. I was super disappointed to not be able to see our friends and spend time with them, but admittedly a little relieved at not having to manage on my own. Aubree was devastated, but the Rushton's saved the day by inviting her to go with their family.
And what a phenomenal adventure they had! The pictures they took and stories they told make me think we will definitely try again another summer. Aubree wrote all about her experiences on her (private) blog: aubrees.blogspot.com (if you'd like an invitation, send me an email).
Here are just a sampling of pictures:
The first night they camped at First Beach. Elke, a native to the Seattle area, told me she'd never experienced better weather on the Peninsula.
The point of the trip was a driving tour of the Olympic National Forest, with stops and hikes at some of the best waterfalls and look outs. It was a lot of driving. Apparently Aubree has not conquered her motion sickness as much as I'd thought.
Lots of driving, lots of hiking, lots of beautiful scenery. Aubree loved it all. She and Bethelle picked up right where they'd left off a year ago. That's a true friend!
The second night, they found a different campsite further along the loop and roasted hotdogs and made s'mores.
The final day they had more hikes and beautiful vistas. Amazing, right?! I'm so glad Aubree was able to have that time with her dear friend. The rest of us have to wait till next summer to get in our long anticipated Rushton time!
At home, though dealing with a sick baby, I tried to do some fun things with the boys as well since they were missing out on the big adventure.
We hit up our outstanding summer Story Time in the Park. It combines so many of my favorite things - books, friends, food (the Rotary Club provides a free lunch for all of the kids), green, the lake, and 70 degree weather!
And aren't these two girls just the cutest?
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