Packwood Lake Family Backpack Trip

At last, our first family backpack trip! Elliott has been asking to go on an adventure since he has watched Adam pack and leave for 6 or so trips this summer. I prepped him about the commitment it would require and he agreed to the terms. Elliott insists he will make it to the top of Rainier soon. Adam is proud of this desire and tempted to oblige (we read that the youngest person to summit Rainier was a 4 year old. It took 7 days, but he made it).

On our way to the trail head, we had a lovely view of Mt. Rainier (somewhat in the clouds). Adam has summited twice and enjoyed sharing some of his love for the mountain with us.

 Adam had recently been on the trail to Packwood Lake on the SE corner of Mount Rainier and remembered it to be very moderate and doable for our current "combined ability level." After packing all morning (first day of Paternity Leave!!!), we drove away at 2 pm and began hiking at 5:30 pm! Luckily, we made it the 4 1/2 miles to the lake by about 7:30 pm - just as it was getting dark. Elliott did great on the trail. He rode his bike on the relatively flat places which meant fast hiking, and he walked on more steep areas while we carried his bike. He carried his own backpack with snacks, jacket, headlamp the entire trip. As i said, he wanted to go on this trip, so he never thought to complain about anything.

 Adam carried all our gear and helped motor Elliott. I carried Arlin on my front and all our food on my back :)

 On uphill trails, Adam would give Elliott a "motor" with his hiking pole.

 I kept a bored and squashed Arlin placated by slipping him a red mountain huckleberry every couple seconds. He must have eaten 100+ berries over the trip.

  Blister care...Adam was recovering from Mt. Rainier the week before.

 We made it to Packwood Lake:

 View from the eating area of our camp:

 Adam kindly set up the tent  (I was near useless as far as camp stuff went because I was holding a mobile and rambunctious Arlin) then we feasted on smoked salmon, incredible Gina Marie cream cheese in adorable packaging, and crackers.

 Best camp food. Was supposed to be our idyllic lunch picnic, but we got a late start.

 Tent doggies:

Lost Lake day hike photos coming soon....

Luther Burbank Park (twice)

My cousin invited us to Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island. It was a convenient midway point between her place in West Seattle and mine in Woodinvilleplace, and we hadn't been to this park yet. There was a grass mound maze, several lakefront beaches for swimming, newly installed playground with a zipline, large grass fields, walking trails, dog parks, etc.

We went back again in the evening with take out dinner.

Skandia Midsommar 2014

Yesterday, we went to Skandia Midsommar Festival at Saint Edward State Park. First off, I love that park, it is beautiful, has lake front beach, trails, large grassy fields, huge playground. Second, I love folky stuff, especially Scandinavian and there were many authentic costumes to oogle over since Skandia is a folk dance group. I have been learning more about traditional Icelandic costumes (you must check out that link!),  and it was great to see the similarities and differences between the Swedish and Norwegian ones. However, there were no Icelandic costumes, so I will take the challenge to make something wearable by next Midsommar to show off. Most likely it will be the peysufot since that is the simplest and has elements I can use in all the other costumes. My goal is to eventually make the 18th Century Faldbuningur, 19th Century Upphlutur, and 19th Century Peysufot. It's very ambitious, and who knows where I will end up in the process, but we will see. I love folky stuff and felt a connection to the Icelandic Costumes.

Here are some photos from the event:

 I liked the Viking booth. Great costumes, props, interactive peg making and grain grinder.

 Viking stone grinder and sifting bowls.

 Kids Maypole: 

 Buckets of flowers to make flower crowns: 

 The maypole before decoration:

 The musical procession:

 Wreath bearers:

 Garland bearers:

 Beautiful (Estonian?) costume:

 Decorating the maypole:

 Audience participation to raise the maypole:

 Dancing

Costume presentation:

These Norwegian ones were my favorite. I liked the intricately embroidered yoke with full skirt attached above the bust line. Optional belt. The grandma in the center had a lot of silver jewelry somewhat similar to the Icelandic style.

 Showing how the felted skirt border (to make the skirt spin while dancing) can also be used as a rain hood.

Little (Norwegian) embroidered dress.

 Troll sightings

Various goods for sale. I liked the cross stitch panels.

 I was tempted to buy these wooden food tools ... and regret not doing so.

Various 'viking' dry goods.

Happy Midsommar!
Here's to a new year inspired by folk embroidery.

Aunt Candice

Candice came to visit! It was so epic we have only a few photos....

I wanted to leave this next photo out because I am having skin issues...but I'm trying to not be that vain.

We mostly spent time together while helping me get my life back on track (clean out the refrigerator, clear out my closets, exercise, etc.) Candice babysat the 2 boys one morning, we made the pilgrimage to Cafe Besalu in the rain, and we made Raspberry Blood Orange Bars (like lemon bars...) Delicious!

Here is Elliott in the morning before Candice came. (I spy the dried apricots that gave him stinky toots).

And here is Arlin, yawning: