Le Wis Wis at Mt. Rainier

We packed up the car and we were on the road to Mt. Rainier by 10am. Surely we should get there early enough to get a camping spot at Ohanapecosh, which is the camping location that Matt and his family have gone to since he was a kid. When we arrived just after 1pm we saw signs posted that the campground was full! Matt and I were in a little bit of a panic because Renae, Janelle, and all the kids were going to be arriving after us and we had no cell phone coverage to call and let them know that there were no campsites available.

We headed back up the road a few miles to another campground called Le Wis Wis. As we entered the campground we said a little prayer and asked for assistance in finding 2 campsites so that we could enjoy the weekend with family. As we drove around we noticed a site here and there available but finally we spotted a double site big enough for the whole family. To add to the excitement it was right on the river which would be perfect entertainment for the kids.

Matt and I quickly set up 2 chairs to "reserve" the site so that we could run and make our payment. We then got back on the road and headed towards Packwood so we could find some cell coverage to make our phone calls. Luckily we got ahold of everyone to let them know the change of plans.

We were overjoyed that we found a campsite but Matt was a little down that it wasn't at Ohanapecosh. I didn't have a preference and thought that it looked the same. Griffen's response was "I don't care if it is here or there as long as it is somewhere!".

We picked our spot so that Matt and Griffen could pitch the tent. We unloaded the car and got everything setup before anyone else arrived. Renee arrived next and Janelle didn't arrive until later that night. We had a great time roasting smores around the fire and catching up.

Luck was on our side and we had a beautiful warm weekend of camping. Each day was in the mid 70's which was just perfect! It was warm enough that the kids were itching to get into the river until they felt the icy water on their toes. Griffen and Kenton took the plunge but hopped right back out. We all spent time sitting near the river and talking along with skipping rocks.

We took a drive over to Ohanapecosh and hiked the Silver Falls trail with the kids. The hike is about 2 miles round trip so it is quite long for the kids but they all did fairly well and we all made it back in one piece. Knox rode in the carrier and loved the hike. Griffen even got some time on Matt's shoulders.

There was a short trail in our campground which we hiked with the kids on our final day before leaving Mt. Rainier. The trail followed the river and the kids really enjoyed splashing a little along the way.

The camping trip was a success! Matt and I along with Renae, Ryan, Janelle, and Jeremy were able to plan a fun filled trip. We look forward to getting together each year for a family camping trip to Mt. Rainier.

Matt and I would love to start camping more with the kids and little by little we will add to our stash of camping items so that we are good to go for next year!

Ward Camp Out

Matt, Knox, and I got to experience our first ward camp out. Unfortunately Griffen was visiting his dad this week so he could come with us.

Cascade Park is a church owned property that is only about 20 minutes from the house. It was a nice quick trip to get out of town for the evening. Matt and I decided to spend the evening at the park and then head home instead of spending the night. Lily, our new puppy, is still too little to spend that much time in the crate and pets aren't allowed at the property.

We had a great time seeing friends and getting to know some new people. It can be difficult on Sundays to get to know people because there isn't much time to talk in between classes.

We brought sandwiches for dinner and chatted with the Wisers, Follets, Barneys, and Nelsons. As the sun started to go down the ward gathered around the community fire pit and we sang songs along with watching skits put on by the young women, young men, relief society, elders quorum, and Bishopric. There were lots of laughs and some great family entertainment.

A tradition for the ward camp out is homemade doughnuts and hot chocolate. This was a yummy treat after the campfire gathering.

We said our goodbyes as night fell and headed home. Next year we will be fully prepared with our tent and plan to stay all night.

Knox is on the move!

On 7/12/2011, Knox's 9 month birthday, he began crawling! It seemed like he had been rocking back and forth on his hands and knees forever. We kept thinking that at any moment he would begin moving forward. Well it finally happened and we were so proud! Just like most parents we now wish he would remain stationary. He gets into everything he is quick. He loves to unplug things and his favorite item is the white rubber cap on the end of the door stop. He can remove it and get it into his mouth within a matter of seconds. I need eyes in the back of my head!

Papa and Nana come to visit

Papa and Nana came to visit from Chicago for 10 days and stayed at their property at Lake Tyee. We drove up a few times to visit and spend time with them. Luckily the weather was nice so were able to enjoy time and the pool and roast marshmallows over the fire. Papa and Nana just bought a 2nd property closer to the lake so we had the chance to take a look at the new place. It has a wonderful view of the lake and it is a quick walk down to go fishing.

Most of the family spent the weekend at the property including: Jenny, Werna and the kids; Maggie and Russ; Janet, Alan, and the boys; along with Michelle and Ryan. It was so nice to have the chance to visit with everyone since we don't get to see them very often.

Griffen got a belated birthday present. Papa and Nana gave him a new fishing pole to keep at the property so that he will always have one to use when we visit.

Knox wasn't too excited to have anyone hold him at first but finally warmed up to both grandparents.

We sure hope they retire soon so they can move back and we can see them more often!

Demiter 4th of July

We had a fantastic 4th of July this year! It was especially wonderful because Matt was off and Griffen was home so we were able to spend the holiday as a family.

We headed east to Richland for 4 days to see Grandma, Papa, and the entire family. Aunt Renee, Uncle Ryan, and the boys made the trip over from Portland as well. There are very few opportunities for all of the Demiter kids to gather in one household but luckily the Sunday before the 4th this rare event occurred! I love it that we have a big family! We even had the chance to take a photo of Grandma and Papa with all of the grandchildren except Mason.

The weather was beautiful for the entire trip and we got to spend plenty of time at the pool. On the 3rd of July Aunt Mindy took all of the kids down to the parking lot next to the pool and lit off fireworks. Griffen loved the sparklers and had a great time.

On the 4th we packed up the cars and drove down to the Columbia River. We staked our claim on a piece of grass on the Pasco side of the river and waited for the firework show to begin. There was a huge barge sitting in the river and we were front and center. The show got started just after 10pm and within minutes Griffen was passed out. The poor kid missed the entire show!

We enjoyed our trip and the boy's had a wonderful time. As always.... Griffen can't wait to get back to the Tri-cities!