First Campout, First Fish

The campground we planned to use was different than we had envisioned, and it was full anyway.  Our back-up plan campground was closed—washed away by a river diversion.  It was getting a little late for roasting knockwurst and corn on the cob over the fire, so we found a drive-in on the side of the road and had elk burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches instead.  We found two more campgrounds, both full.  So we struck out on our own and found a lovely little spot off of Forest Road 65-something or other.  Perfect.  Perfect for playing in the dirt, for roasting marshmallows, for crying babies, for setting up our new mansion-tent.  Perfect for Andrew’s first camping trip.

 

The next day we set out on a hike to Barclay Lake.  We think we may have been there before, and we didn’t make it to the lake this time.  We told stories and collected rocks until we decided on an alternate turning around point: a beautiful little creek which, lucky for us, had a few trout. Susanna caught her first fish. And her second, which was her first catch without pants on.

It was a refreshing trip full of sunshine, mosquitoes, sweets, and the people I love most.

Update

The big news around here is that Scott has accepted a fellowship position at the Emory Vaccine Center in Atlanta, Georgia. We’re all very excited. Scott’s excited to work with renown Rafi Ahmad, I’m excited for a new adventure in what everyone says is a fantastic city, Susanna’s excited because Bad Bear (who she claims lives in her room and of whom she is mightily afraid) will no longer be around, and Andrew is always excited.

Other than that, we've been beating the heat with popsicles, fans, beaches, and wading pools and trying to get out on our bikes as much as possible. We also took a family trip to the Ballard Locks and fish ladder, and yesterday I took the kiddos to the zoo.

Here’s a video of yesterday’s trip to the zoo (I finally caught the singing siamangs on camera).

Dancing Drew

I turned on the Chieftains this morning and Andrew went nuts. So I pulled out the camcorder and made this. Unfortunately, I didn't get his initial reaction to the music, but I think I still got some pretty good dancing (and a couple steps!). Enjoy.

FYI: We use our DVD player to play CDs; that's why the action is centered on the television.

America, the Beautiful

“O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountains majesty above the fruited plain! …O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!”

I love that anthem!  I must have been singing it all weekend because Susanna has been singing it all day today.  Mostly just the tune, but I’m sure the words will creep in little by little.  I started trying to explain to her the freedoms we celebrate on this beautiful summer holiday, but I didn’t get very far before I gave up.  Luckily, we’ll have many more fourths to discuss it).

This year, aside from reading about Lewis and Clark’s expedition west (in Undaunted Courage), we went to a traditional Fourth of July barbecue.  It was fantastic thanks to our foodie friends and their decision to brine the chicken (not to mention their patience with the goat in their backyard who provided the cheese).  We also went for a few bike rides, notable among them was Andrew’s first ride in the trailer, well documented above.  Andrew tolerated it pretty well, and Susanna was ecstatic about it.  She wiggled and squealed the entire time, and in one moment of ecstasy yelled “Look! We’re all connected! well, most of us.” (I was the one not connected)

You’ll notice we’re wearing jackets; in true Seattle form, summer started yesterday.  We plan to be at the beach all week; hope to see you there.