Happy Fourth of July

With the 4th of July falling on a Friday, we seized the opportunity for a slightly extended camping trip. Knowing we'd need every diversion possible for our increasingly mobile youngster, we loaded up the landcruiser with all the camping gear plus quite an assortment of toys. Also a must, the potty...and off we were to the Dalles (not Oregon) near Mt. Rainier.

As it turns out the weather was not on our side. It was cool and damp when we arrived. It was too cold to continue the potty training at the campground. It would have been a tough sell anyways since it didn't apply to Dad rarely went down to the restroom...

Dad had a helper as he pitched the tent and started unrolling the sleeping bags, thermarests, and of course the pack & play.

Dad also had a helper as he cleaned up after breakfast.

Part of the plan was a family 4th. Shortly after breakfast Cary, Kenwyn, and DJ arrived; along with Grandma and Grandpa Bursch.

Kenwyn sticks out her tongue at Ella...let the games begin.

Well, we eluded to the diversions we brought to keep Ella busy; here you can see her bubble mower and her truck.

It wouldn't be the Northwest weekend without squeezing a hike in. There was a moderate trail that follows the White River from the campground. The trail begins at a bridge to a very large Cedar. It's no world record (that's in the Olympic Mountains if memory serves) but it took Ella quite a few paces to run all the way around. In reality the bridge over the brook was more interesting to Ella than any tree.

As we headed out we all stoped and posed for a picture for Mom. Who knew the Baby Bjorn was safety equipped (those aren't strobe lights on DJ & Kenwyn)? We never noticed that in New York.

Dad & Daughter on the trail.

Ella picked a flower for Dad to smell...

As the drizzle intensified, the ladies took shelter under the alcove tent (a recent addition to the gear). Baby bottles and Bud Light? Well, they we're playing poker at least.

DJ, Grandpa and Dad were under a tree keeping dry. Here you can see the vantage point as we squeezed everything under the canopy. It couldn't rain forever luckily (?)...

After the rain subsided it was back to playtime. Ella did her best to wear Grandma and Grandpa down.
The rain let up just in time for a feast of burgers, corn on the cob, and every salad but salad. As the day waned, our visitors started packing up for the drive home. Ella was sad to see them go, but with all the activity and fresh air she was ready for a snooze.