Spring Break

 We took a much-needed break from school, work & gymnastics this past week and spent a couple of nights at Cooper Spur Resort.  We rented one of their idyllic and quaint cabins, complete with a spiral staircase to the sleeping loft and a gas fireplace.  The snow wasn't the best for sledding, but the girls made the most of it and still had a ton of fun!  We went on two hikes during our stay.  Before we checked into our cabin we did Wind Mountain, which is next to Dog Mountain on the Washington side of the Gorge.  The views of the Columbia River atop this 1.5 mile hike were breathtaking!  The next day we did the Tilley Jane Trail, and once we got above treeline we were able to see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams (all in WA).  Unbelievbable!!  On the way home we stopped at White River where the girls took some more runs on their sleds and we got to observe a lenticular cloud surrounding Mt. Hood.

Crooked tree at Cooper Spur

From the left: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams

We took a drive to the E. Fork of the Hood River so Landon could throw rocks in the water

The only visible section of White River

Check out the cloud around Mt. Hood!

McKinley's 11th Birthday

 McKinley was fortunate to have two birthday celebrations this year!  She invited a couple of friends from co-op over for a lunch & playdate where I made Auntie Shawna's famous star bread and put together my very first charcuterie board.  One week later she flew to California with Benji and Piper and had party #2 with the Howard clan.  Nothing but the best for our big girl!  She loves to read, write and work on her six-pack.  She's growing out her bangs, responsible enough to be left at home alone with her siblings, and constantly reminds me she'll be a middle schooler next year.  What?

Cousin Lizzie, her birthday twin!