This time really is just rushing by in the blink of an eye. It seems like just yesterday that my parents left yet we’ve gone on a camping trip, have had all of the end of the school year activities, and are heading to Chelan tomorrow, and we’ll be back in Michigan very, very soon. It’s all just happening so fast.
Immediately after my parents left we started gearing up the next adventure, our Memorial Day camping trip at Kachess Lake Campground. We were leaving for that straight from gymnastics on Friday evening and were spending three full nights camping. We were going with three other families, some who were only coming for a night or two. Reese still wanted to go to gymnastics and it worked out getting the car packed, going to gymnastics and then heading east to the campground less than 90 minutes out. We got there around 6:30 pm and had the tent up in no time, a fire going to heat are premade enchiladas over the fire, and got to see our friends and hang by the fire for s’mores before all going to bed.
The first day of our camping adventure was perfect, warm, sunny, and after sleeping in late, getting a slow start to making our bacon and pancakes on the camp stove, we got beach ready and headed down to the lake where we spent the full day. It was a lovely day of paddleboarding, the kids swimming and exploring the cold waters and weird little coves and beaches, having picnic lunches, and socializing with friends. We didn’t leave the beach until nearly 5 pm to head back to camp to get some dinner and relax at the campsites. We heated up another premade meal of chili before settling into more s’mores and the kids played Twister and swung in the hammock.
Our last full day started out much the same way. Reese slept in Rosalie’s tent this time and they slept in. We all set out for the beach with picnic lunches again but this time it was quite a bit windier. We still took the paddle boards out but it was a workout going against the wind. The kids still played on land and in the water but this time we broke out our little kites to fly. We managed to stay out until probably about 3 or 4 pm before we decided to head back to camp where it was just our family and Anne and Phillip’s family remaining. We actually made our dinner this time and had it at their camp, did more s’mores, the kids did charades and it finally got time for bed. We had another good sleep in the tent and woke to light drizzle. The mist/rain was light and on and off but it did make for a quick departure. We got everything packed, had a simple breakfast, and then hit the rode to head home, getting back to Seattle well before noon. Bryan and I each took turns going for a shorter bike ride in the sunshine, not something I was expecting on this day but that did feel good. We were all pretty tuckered from the weekend but it was well worth it.
Following Memorial Day weekend Reese had only 3-1/2 weeks of school remaining and in that time we still had gymnastics, dance, swim, Reese’s last team soccer game, Mayfair in Madrona, Taste of TOPS at Reese’s school, the Steven’s Carnival, a Mariner’s game with the Girl Scout troop, two birthday parties, a paella lunch at Harvest Vine, and end of school picnic at Gasworks Park yesterday and Father’s Day. A lot! We’ve made it through it all and every event has been a lot of fun and the girls have enjoyed it all. Bryan and I have also managed to get in some very long rides on the weekend, each putting in one or two 60+ rides and each getting in an 80+ ride. We are feeling pretty ready for the STP ride and I’m definitely ready to be done with the hours long bike rides.
Father’s Day was another bike ride but this one was different. The girls and I set up a scavenger hunt for Bryan with six total stops along the way. This was also our first family ride of the year and pulling the girls in the trailer these days is no joke. They are extremely heavy.
We started the day first thing in the morning once everyone was up. We left our house just after 9 am and our first stop was just about four miles away. Stop #1 was for breakfast, pastries and coffee and Saint Bread. The line was long but I waited while Bryan and the girls went to the waterfront park to relax. After a delicious breakfast and coffee we set out for Stop #2 at our favorite dock on Lake Washington. We hung out here, caught our breath and Bryan opened his first little gift. From here we had a big hill to climb with the girls to get ourselves west and connected to the Interurban Trail. The route was pleasant but the hill was a beast without the girls and excruciating with them. We did it though and we were shortly at the Bitter Lake Playground for Stop #3. This was an enjoyable stop and the girls were able to get out, run around and have fun. I walked next door to get an iced coffee and some food (particularly for the girls) but we also gifted Bryan some strawberries and a Yerba Mate. After a long time here we headed out for Stop #4 at Golden Gardens. Neither Bryan nor I had been here in ages and it was busy. We played in the sand, got our feet wet, had some Oreos and then placed our order in for Stop #5. Heading out on the Burke Gilman we had four miles to get to Outsider BBQ where we had our food ready and waiting for us and the girls enjoyed their kids play area while Bryan and I had so much delicious BBQ. Reese decided she loved the ribs and Brooke whined over the pepper in the mac n cheese. After a good while here we continued on the Burke Gilman to nearly back at our house for our last stop, Stop #6, at Kamp for their softserve ice cream. We got two to share and the girls were over each other, being crammed in the bike trailer for the entire day. By this time it was after 6 pm and we were all tired, dirty and ready to get home. The ice cream was delicious though and we only had a ½ mile left of the trip. Back home we quickly all showered and cuddled on our bed to watch a movie. It was a good end to an eventful and good day. See our clues below:
Clue 1:
To start this adventure we must fuel up
So enter the cafe and get a plate and a cup
Clue 2:
We’ve been here before to take in the lake
Walk down the dock for a gift and a break
Clue 3:
We love to play at the park with you
On the slide we have one snack or a few
Clue 4:
The end of our ride is almost in reach
But enjoy a sweet treat and kick back at the beach
Clue 5:
We are all starting to get hungry and our tummies are rumbling
Let’s get some BBQ inside to keep us all from grumbling
Clue 6:
Last stop is a great one for us all to enjoy together
A swirl shared as a family is the best in this weather
This week is still a lot, despite only being three days of school. Reese had a playdate after school on Monday and then I took the girls to the end of year picnic on Tuesday. We are in the midst of laundry and packing for Chelan and planning to head out first thing in the morning to hit the water park there tomorrow for the day. I’m wrapping up a bunch of work projects as well as getting my presentation up to snuff to present at our regional meeting next Tuesday, which I am going straight to from Chelan for one night.
Reese’s last day of school is today and we still have gymnastics on the calendar. Summer is definitely in full swing!
—
Chelsea
