LFP Weekend: Sheridan Sleepover and the Blue Angels on Lake Washington

I didn't feel up for the Mount Saint Helens camping trip we'd planned with my leg needing a little TLC. So we stayed in LFP instead. Charlotte and Reed got to do the Sheridan Beach Sleepover on Friday night which was actually really fun for them and a cool experience. The next day we got to go out with TJ and Jessie on their boat. The kids loved tubing and it was really neat to be able to see the Blue Angels! We capped it off with dinner al fresco, a game of Ticket to Ride and a dinner at the Fudges a few days later.

Hiking with Heidi: Oval Lakes and Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness

Frolicking in the Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness outside Twisp with my hiking buddy, Heidi. I've never been seriously injured hiking before... guess it was a matter of time. I managed to get impaled on a tree on way out - her first aid skills, level-headedness, and overall rockstar attitude saved the day and we were able to hike out and get treated in the ER.

Amazing hike. West Oval Lake and the ridges/peaks in that area were unreal. We saw two people the whole backpack trip. Got up early and went up to Oval Pass and Gray Peak second morning which had stunning views a very dramatic sky.

Lots of blowdowns on the trail. Got tangled up in one of those - impaled my leg. Heidi was a quick thinking wilderness first responder. Got me pulled off it, set up a tourniquet, and I managed to hike out the last 6 miles since she took weight out of my pack and gave me her poles. 12 hours later finally got sutchered up and 15 stitches to close what the ER doc the "really gnarly wound."

Ugh - that will be a wrap on my backpacking this season. So sad - it was just getting good! But - I'm going to be fine - it could have been SOOOO much worse.

Tips: stock up your first aid kit and hike with a buddy. Have no idea how I'd have made it out without Heidi and a ton of gauze and steripads. 

AUGUST - All City and Banquet

 All City was a super fun meet! So fun that all the kids were competing in races. I got to be a meet official, but luckily had time that I could be a mom cheering for the kids, too. They kick it off with a parade of the 16 teams in GSSSL and then they run all the events. The kids swam awesome. Reed even won first place in the 25 Breaststroke and second place in the 25 Backstroke. WOW! We celebrated at the Team Banquet a few days later. I was so proud of each of them. Reed was recognized for setting a record in the 25 Breast and for being the hardest worker of the 8U boys group. Edison got the sportsmanship award for being a team leader and cheering for other swimmers during their races. We also had a farewell for our Head Coach Matt Edwards who was retiring after 20 years. So fun to wrap everything up with a crazy pool party.

Reed and his friend and neighbor, Hudson, were both in the 25 Breaststroke finals!

Reed won All City for the 25 Breaststroke - lane 3!!!

Maple Pass, Winthrop, Tiffany Mountain

 Amazing few days in the mountains off of the North Cascades Highway. Maple Pass Loop had vignettes and views everywhere one looked. Got to enjoy Jupiter Cafe in Winthrop - loved the deck with the trees growing through. And went up to Sun Mountain Lodge for a lovely dinner with an incredible view of the valley. Plus the sliver of a moon was showing off right above the silhouettes of the mountains - absolutely stunning. Tiffany Mountain at 8200' brought the wildflowers and solitude. Love re-centering, feeling strong and free.