The ONP

Couple of pictures from our trip to the Olympic National Park. 

It looks like a picture out of a movie... (Twilight anyone?)  Not sure if my snapshots do it justice though.  

On our way to the Sol Duc Hot Springs.  

  

Carissa seems to find the closest downed tree and climb to the end of it at every opportunity.  

One stop was in front of a HUGE Sitka Spruce true. This one is said to be over 500 years old.  We were imagining the centuries of people that may have walked by.

The Hoh Rainforest was another destination.  Love the moss growing over the old phone booth.  Crazy but it rains over 241 inches in the rainforest a year.  To put that in perspective, Phoenix gets about 7" a year and Seattle gets 32".  The day we were there it was so sunny we got sunburned. 

(I continue to believe strongly God has a great sense of humor!)

Grandma turned six-two on this trip.  Happy we could share the day with her. 

We could just end here... forever.  

The sea stacks on Second Beach in La Push, WA.  

Beyond blessed to live in this glorious state!!

Carissa is 8 Plus a lot more!

Dear Carissa, 

This year I am off by about a month posting you a letter.  But I just know you understand, because, well you are just that kind of girl.  You notice the people around you and you adapt to your circumstances.  So thank you for letting us change plans on you and then change plans again!  In case you don't remember the first MAJOR thing that got in the way was this house!!  

Yes, we bought a house 4 days before your birthday and it is so wonderful and perfect.  I see us living her for a long time. (Like more then our 3 year average!)

While we were moving some of the things over one night there were some packages on the doorstep.  A big beanbag all your own from Grandma and Twilight Sparkle from your cousins.  You were in heaven.  People know what you like!

 Since our moving happened to be right in the middle of your birthday you had to wait just a tad bit longer for your party.  Uncle Jake came to help so we took a moving break and went to a Mariner's game.  You loved it!

 We had awesome seats!  It was so easy to watch the game and I think you really got it.  You were counting strikes and watching the guy on 2nd try to steal a base.   When it comes to learning something new you are all in!  

 Finally...we were all settled in and you had two of your best friends over for a camp out birthday party.  We made dream catchers and decorated flashlights.  

 You guys made crazy faces and played in the tent.  We ended the night with yummy s'mores.   

 You would think we could relax after that.  But not so fast... Recital time was the following weekend.  You and your sister rocked it at the dance recital.  You are a beautiful, graceful girl and a joy to watch on stage.  You learned so much this year and get to move up to Ballet II next year!

 Finally, we had the last day of school.  You goofed off with your crazy best friends and I felt so proud of you. My sweet, now 8 year old, 3rd Grader!! You are starting to memorize your multiplication facts and read and read and read. 

 After all that though, Mommy needed a break, so you jumped in the RV with Grandma and she took you and your sister to the Olympic National Park.  

 Even though school is out for the summer it didn't mean you weren't going to learn anymore.  You dove right in to the Junior Ranger Program and completed the whole booklet.  When we meet you up there for the weekend I saw you get sworn in at the ranger station.  You wore the badge proudly and I began to wonder just what you might become in this lifetime.  The possibilities are endless!!

 Sometimes, at birthdays I get a little sad that my "Kissa" is getting so big.  But this year I feel differently for some reason.  I can see great changes in you and am so proud of all you are becoming.  I love chatting with you and hearing your insight.  

You might be the youngest of our family but you will never be the least.   We love you so much Carissa Grace!  Love, Mom