That Place

I think everyone at some point in their lives should have "that place" that always reminds them of happy, carefree, adventurous, joyous times in their life. Our family's "place" has always been Packwood, a small town near Mt. Rainier.  My grandparents own a small trailer on a lot in the High Valley Country Club.  It may not be the most "luxurious" of accommodations, but it packed with family love and memories!  Here are a few pictures from our trip a few weeks ago.

Family Shot  (We missed all of you who couldn't make it!)

Hunter's onesie was given to my dad one year prior in Packwood, to tell him he was going to have a grandchild!  Perfect timing that he fit into it for this photo op!

Enjoying the pool!  (and trying not to get burnt!)

An adoption celebration for this family

Great Auntie Lori taught Hunter to be a "STRONG BABY" with grunts & arm flexing...He's just taking a break right now because he's worked so hard!

Hunter loves Great Auntie Vickie!

Beautiful Cowlitz River just a walk away from the cabin

Jake cooling off in the river.... and calming down our crying child

Great Grandpa has finally won Hunter over.  The two of them hit it off!

Great Grandma and Mimi reading stories together in the trailer

Golfing!

Sweet moment with Great Grandma

I only hope that we will always provide Hunter (and future kiddos) with a "place" that seems magical to them, and encourages family time.  Perhaps it will be Packwood for them too!

Crossing the Border

Hunter left the country for the first time last week!  Canada was calling our name, and we had to follow the road to the Northern land.  We headed into Chilliwack (ok we didn't make it very far into Canada) and it totally exceeded my expectations!  It was a beautiful area, and only just over an hour away!  Hunter dipped his toes in his first "foreign waters" (Chilliwack River) and lets just say that perhaps someday (most likely when he's a little older than 4 months) he might appreciate the river as much as his dad does!  He put up with it well enough though, being the trooper he is.

 

We enjoyed spending time walking up and down the river, checking out some rapids in case Jake gets a chance to kayak the river.  (He's already planning his trip I'm sure)

While there, we were lucky enough to see individuals practicing on the Kayak Slolem Course on one of the rapids.  These people are so strong!  

We drove around a bit and headed to Cultus Lake, as there seemed to be a lot of "hype" about it online and via the road signs and Billboards (so many of them!) as we drove.  When we got to the area, we were actually a little surprised!  This lake is SO beautiful, and it seems as though the area is a big "vacation destination" and we've never even heard of it!  There were tons of camp grounds, an enormous water slide park, a big putt-putt golf course, and a few different swimming beaches.  We decided it was a slightly closer version of Lake Tahoe, and next time we get the Tahoe itch.... we'll most likely head to Cultus Lake instead.  I'm pretty sure Hunter would appreciate that decision!

We then headed into the town of Chilliwack and enjoyed a huge dinner at a Greek restaurant downtown.  I'm pretty sure there was no food left in their kitchen after they served us our "platter for two". . . but we didn't complain!

All in all, a lovely afternoon in Canada.  The only thing I am still confused by is why all of them (Canadians) come to the states to buy all their milk at Costco?  They really do have Costco's in their country.  I saw them!  Oh well.  I suppose we can share our milk.  Perhaps they don't have cows?  Hmm. . .  something to look for on our next Canadian adventure . . . .

Torn Between

I LOVE SUMMER.  I pretty much love every summer, but something about this one is just outright magical.  I have a playdate with Jake and Hunter every day for 2 1/2 months.  In the sun.  In the Northwest.  How could I get anything better than that?  I suppose you could make it 5 months or 6 months, but then it would begin to lose its appeal.  2 1/2 months out of 12 months spent enjoying God's creation, enjoying our marriage, reveling in the new excitement of parenthood, spending time with family and friends, exercising (sometimes), staying up late, eating whatever we want, whenever we want....  Magical.  

However, having this restful time also allows me to think about the other angles and layers and aspects of life.  The other times when life seems much less... magical.  When its been raining for 2 weeks and the dreary clouds echo the emotions inside.  When I read about the lives of people starving in other countries, as I think of all the parents who have lost children, or of those who live each day wondering if it is their last as they deal with diseases and cancers of all sorts.  When I hear of people losing their houses, getting laid off, or becoming homeless for reasons far more complicated than anyone ever gives them credit for.  I know God says that He will never give us more than we can handle, but why are some seasons of life so difficult?  Why can't everyone have 2 1/2 months of their life to focus on "summer-type fun"?  I sometimes feel guilty for enjoying my life so much, and for living in my little world that can so easily shut out all that is unjust, things that seem unfair, and situations that seem so obviously wrong.  

I am torn between the joy of my season and the suffering that goes on around me, unnoticed.  The woman with deep secrets that will never be shared.  The man who avoided opportunities to make peace with his father before he passed unexpectedly.  The child in an orphanage who barely gets his basic needs met.  The sweet old lady who just heard the dreaded words from the doctor.  The woman who miscarries.  

Life is about seasons.  It is about giving of your time to others.  It oftentimes focused on working with all your heart at your job.  At times it is about tradition and routine.  It can seem frazzled, pieced-together, out-of-control, and crazy.  Life can bring sickness, sadness, heartache, stress, decisions, and fatigue.  It also can be quite overwhelming to just get through another day.  

God, as I enjoy this season of life, the gift I have been given, I pray that I use the time appropriately and adequately, as my season will someday change and take a new shape.  I want to be ready to embrace it and move forward, as You continue to change my heart and change my life.  

Shots

If it weren't hard enough to just be a baby, us adults have to go and add SHOTS to the mix!  After Hunter's 4 month doctor's appointment today (with said shots) I couldn't help but want so badly to let him stay up late, pick out his own ice cream, and watch his favorite movie.  I wanted to say its all going to be okay, that in a day or two the soreness will subside, and those scary needles won't bother him for a long time! (well, 2 more months at least).  But the poor thing doesn't know that time can heal owies, that we are immunizing him for his health, that even though he feels yucky he can trust that we will always be there to help him.  All he knows is that something isn't right, and he should cry about it!  Life must be so confusing to a 4 month old.  Thank goodness we grow up!