Camping!

We kind of decided last minute to do an overnight camping trip as a family. The girls and I got back Friday from Albany and Saturday morning we left for Cloud Cap to camp. Our plan was to drive there, set up camp and then hike around a little bit. 

We are fully equipped for backpacking but we realized we don't have normal camping stuff. So now we are in search of a big family tent. Even though we slept in 2 different tents, we still had a blast. 

Both girls completely shocked us by being INCREDIBLE hikers. We could not believe how awesome Reese did. We hiked up a pretty steep trail to the edge of Elliott Glacier and she was just trucking right along. By the end of our hike back to camp she was pretty tired, but she walked the whole way.

 We got back and had some dinner and after that Bria wanted to hike more.

Reese was pretty tired though so her and I hung out at camp while Brian and Bria climbed and hiked all over.

 Once she got her fill we got them ready for bed. Both girls did great during the night, I slept with Bria in one tent and Brian slept with Reese in the other. We contemplated putting them in a tent together but didn't want them to wake up at night without one of us being there.
In the morning we got a fire going, coffee brewing, and oatmeal cooking. Then we hiked a little more.

Taking in the gorgeous view of Mt. Hood

"Whoa, that mountain is huge."

 Once we were all packed up we headed into Hood River. Normally we like to go to Full Sail, but our camping neighbors said their new favorite was this place called pFriem. It was right across from the waterfront park so we figured we would give it a try.
Holy crap I'm glad we did. It was absolutely delicious. Favorite flight of beer ever and Brian's hamburger was out of this world. For real, when you got to Hood River you have to go there, it's awesome.

 After we ate and drank we still weren't done with the fun. It was Father's Day after all, so we headed to play in the sand and water.

Once we were good and tired we headed home. Both Reese and I fell asleep on the way home, not sure how Bria stayed awake after all her hiking, but she did. When we got home, Reese walked into the house, layed on her bed and fell back asleep. It was awesome. However, we woke her up because we had to get the girls bathed, we were in the toxic Willamette River after all.
So did we have fun?
Brian and I are still talking about what an awesome weekend it was and Brian said it was his best Father's Day by far. So yeah, it was pretty spectacular.
More camping and hiking for the Holcomb's for sure.

Busy week

Last week was our first official week of summer and I kept us nice and busy. Partly because I knew the summer was going to take off and be over before I knew it. 

Bria's friend, Laneah, came over for a playdate and they spent all day together. They had such a good time and just played and played. Bria did a good job of including Reese, so to reward her I gave them a little while without the little sister tagging along :)

 After Laneah went home, the girls and I headed down to Albany for a couple days! I am so glad we did, it was one of the best visits and we got to see so much family, it was perfection.
First we went to my Dad's and hung out, Lance and Kayla joined us and we BBQ'd.

Already looks up to his Grandpa

The girls love their Aunt Abby and Cassidy and kept them busy. They jumped on the trampoline, played iPad games, and played with Bella the dog.

Shortly before bedtime we headed to the Tegners and the girls were thrilled to see Jax. They played and then bathed...

 Morning couldn't come soon enough for these kids and they played and played and played...

 I took them all to Corvallis at the splash pad so we could hang out with Grammy. They spent the first 20 minutes snacking on all the food I brought...what is it with kids and snacking?! Then finally they decided to run around.

 Reese and Jax preferred running in the grass vs the water. And run they did, they raced and raced and raced. I had a couple ask if they were twins, I smiled and said they were cousins but I totally agree that they could be twins. They are two peas in a pod...

Cousin besties

 After the splash pad and some lunch, we went to Avery park. They have the coolest train there for kids to play and climb on and Reese has an obsession with trains currently. She loved it.

 Seriously, I can't believe my girls were still going strong. They started early and were still running around like crazy. Reese took a 10 minute nap on the way back to Aunt Jenny's but as soon as we got there she perked up and back to playing we went.

 My Mom came over for dinner along with Lance and Kayla and we got lots of good Ames time in.

 Seriously love getting baby Ames cuddles in! He has the best smile I have ever seen and just makes you feel so special when he smiles at you.

 And Bria was getting the best belly laughs out of Jax, it was so freaking cute!

That night the kids slept HARD. I mean, barely moved all night long. It was awesome.
Friday morning we hung out with my Dad for awhile and then headed to the Jensens for some swimming.

So yeah, we had quite an awesome couple days. Obviously we missed Brian, but he got some relaxing alone time/worked.

A Hiking we will go...

As a little celebration for school being over, we took Bria on her first overnight backpacking trip. We did the Ramona Falls hike which is about 3 miles in and 3 miles out. Perfect amount for a young, first timer.
Reese got to stay at Aunt Heather's while we were away.
The Buell boys joined us and all the kids had a great time. All of them had moments of exhaustion and wanting to be done, but overall they enjoyed themselves quite a bit.

 Brian and I were both so proud of Bria. She had such a good attitude and loved leading us.

 She carried her pack the whole way. We didn't put much in it, but we felt it was important that she carry it the whole way. Surprisingly she never complained about the pack.

Mt. Hood behind her

I think setting up camp and playing was her favorite part. Her and the boys built a perfect bed for her little baby and then they went and explored all around.

 Once we got all set up we went to the falls and all the kids loved it.

 It's hard to grasp the enormity of the falls in a picture. They are massive and breathtaking.
The kids were dying to get a fire going so we started one up and waited for some nice coals for marshmallow roasting.

 Once we had smores and some treats, the kiddos went to bed. Bria slept awesome, both her and I got a little cold so I taught her to put her head in the sleeping bag to stay warm.
Morning came and we ate and headed out.

 The way back went pretty good, but about an hour into it Bria was done. Brian and I blame ourselves, we didn't fill her up with the right food and I think her body was craving nutrients.

 Even still, she did awesome and we are so proud of her. She passed out in the car and slept the whole way home. Yep, we tired her out real nice.

And while we were camping, Reese was having fun with Aunt Heather: