Katya's First Camping Trip

Well, we are home from a great trip to Lower Falls Recreation Campground in the Gifford Pinchot Forest. It is near Mount St. Helens (which Dad and Mark visited on their bikes on Sunday. They climbed more than halfway up the volcano and came back with some great pictures. I will try and get them from Mark and share) in Washington. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate Katya's first birthday!

Over all we had a very nice time but it was not without its drawbacks. Namely, Katya had a head cold and was not a happy girl much of the time. The first night we were there she slept great, the second night was horrible, the third slightly better and the last night was much better. I also developed the cold and became pretty miserable by the end of the trip. On the positive side we had a fantastic campsite which we shared with Mark, Mom & Dad, and for one night Doug & Sharon and Allen, Eryn & Addison. The area was so beautiful and the hiking and biking trails were very fun. It was a little hard having Katya out camping at this age because she puts everything in her mouth, thus can't be put down for long. And you all know how miss Katya likes her independence. She did enjoy crawling around the tent and playing in her pack and play and since she was not feeling well she liked being held more than normal. But, only by mom and dad. That was difficult on us and her grandparents! I tried to stay hidden as much as possible when one of them were holding her. She was very snugly though, which was a treat. Look under 'Picture Links' on the right hand side of our blog and click on 'Camping Trip' to veiw pictures of the trip.

We are glad to be home but it is super hot and we are not enjoying that. I am still feeling poorly and I am happy to have my parents here to help out with Katya. She went on an outing to REI with her grandparents while I got some rest and I was told she was a very good girl. Mom, dad and Craig are in Hood River right now hooking up with Uncle Mark for a bike ride. Katya and I are enjoying a quite evening at home. Love, Brenda