Portland - Day 5

WARNING: There are a bazillion pictures in this post!

So, Day 5...Thursday. We spent the morning packing and getting ready, then drove up to a campground on Lost Lake near Mt. Hood. Yes, there are tons of pictures, but I think looking at the pictures will show that it could not have been more perfect. The weather was perfect, the sights were amazing, the campground was nearly empty since it was a week night after Labor Day, and we all had a BLAST! We were wondering how the kids would do. They did awesome and had a wonderful time.

This is either Mt. Hood or the other one (can't remember the name). Either way, the drive up was beautiful.
Fortunately the kids weren't as impressed, so they got a good little nap in.

The campsite was right next to the trail that goes around the lake. John helped setup camp.

OH! You guys are doing it all wrong!

Still working

Seriously? Are they ever going to be done? (she's not actually asleep. She just really enjoyed climbing on the logs and rocks...came home with lots of bruises like a good little girl)

Success! Papa would've been so proud.

After setting up camp, Grandma and Grandpa Bucky showed up and we went to rent a few row boats for the lake. No motor boats allowed on the lake, and actually we had the lake to ourselves. The view was breathtaking. John loved the boat. Eve couldn't get past her frustration with the huge life jacket to enjoy the ride. These are out of order, so it may seem that a lot of "Musical Boats" was played. Not really.

Oh Captain, My Captain!

See what I mean by breathtaking?

Gotta get him ready for the Lightweight 4. Rowing is in his genes.

Thought we'd try for a Christmas card picture. This was the best we got. E for Effort.

Good shot of Aunt Michelle and Eve...

Let's try that again. She really did hate the life jacket...and the fact that she couldn't go swimming (WAY too cold)

Uncle Greg bought John a fishing rod. They tried several times, but for some reason the fish just weren't hungry. Fortunately John was thrilled with the idea of fishing and it didn't seem to bother him that he didn't catch anything.

Back at camp...

Yep, Tully was there too, and even went out on the boat. She had a tough job keeping Eve out of the water.


I LOVE CHEETOS!

John helped Daddy with the fire and the hotdogsThey cooked a special one for Grandma Bucky...just the way she likes it.

This "dock" was maybe 50 yards from our campsite, and there were others along the walkway that circled the lake.

The kids really enjoyed walking on the path, and it was a bit easier to keep up with them than when they were climbing on the rocks and logs.

Cool dragonfly

You really can't beat this campsite.

Another go at fishing. Still not hungry.

"This is how you do it, John"

Of course we ended the evening with a campfire and smores. John's first. He wasn't crazy about it, but somehow we ended up with Strawberry marshmallows (YUCK!) so I can't say I blame him. It was still a good experience.

After the kids were asleep in the tent and it got really dark, we headed in shifts down to the "dock". The stars were like pixiedust. It was absolutely amazingly beautiful. I only wish we could've taken a boat out to the middle of the lake and just laid there and looked up. Unbelievable. No question in my mind...there is a God...he is Big...he is beautiful...he is amazing...he must really love us.