First real hike

It was a perfect Memorial Day weekend: gardening, family (saw Lori, Abigail, and Pat at Folklife!), friends, and...a climactic hike in St. Edwards State Park!

It was probably about a mile down through the woods to Lake Washington. The trail was steep in some places, but Tristen had his trusty broom handle -- er, walking stick. Ruby opted for a real walking stick, but she called it "doggie" the whole time. Funny kids.

We couldn't believe that Tristen and Ruby both made it all the way down and all the way back up -- after a picnic and some teeth-chattering time in the lake, no less. There was virtually no whining, and they even ran the last several hundred yards. The kids were fascinated by slugs (most were brown, but we saw one banana slug!), dog poop (I wish I didn't have to report this -- but Tristen was so obsessed, it would practically be dishonest to leave it out), and plants. We showed them the "ouchy plant," stinging nettle -- there was quite a lot of it along the trail -- and hours later they were able to point it out among the salmonberry without even being prompted.

But the real star was Erin, carrying baby Luca the whole time -- well, and baby Luca, who pretty much just slept and ate like a good baby should. :)

We also had a gorgeous afternoon and evening up in Bellingham with Vicki, Ross, Jember, Jonas, and neighbor Elizabeth. Hey Vicki, send pix!