Dueck's Roost

With summer officially coming to an end in just a couple of days (of course, those living in the Pacific NW are asking, "didn't summer end weeks ago?"), I thought I should do a quick post about what we've been doing over the past three months. Mostly because of the pregnancy (and the aches and pains associated with it:), we didn't really manage much by way of family trips this summer. But that didn't stop us from having plenty of fun. Our summer was filled with library trips, backyard sprinkler & slip n' slide sessions, daily swim lessons, Tuesdays at the Behrendt's pool, and more. We had fun hanging out with cousins at a local splash park ... Spending the 4 th of July with Grandma Dueck (while the men were gone on the man hike) ... Go easy on 'em, Grandma! The poor child obviously grows up with nothing but brothers. Making a quick trip to City Hall (boy scout requirement:) ... And taking advantage of any remotely sunny day to pla...

For the 4 th of July this year my very manly husband went on his annual man hike to Mildred Lakes (in the Olympic Peninsula). Each year the man-hike participants vary. Last year it was Kevin and his good friend Doug; this year, Kevin and his dad. But, the degree of manliness remains the same. The hike is basically a grueling goat hike. It's only about 4 1/2 miles one way, but the terrain is rough and very steep. You'll see in some of the pictures (although I hear they don't do justice) that there are parts where the guys are climbing straight up tree roots. Add to that very heavy packs (53 pound for my father-in-law and 70 pounds for my hubby) and it's a pretty intense hike. Why, you might ask, would anyone want to go on such a backbreaking hike? Well, other than to prove manliness, it's really a very simple answer ... the FISHING! Yep, the fact that this is such a tough hike to get through means that the three lakes at the end of the trail are mostly untouched by ...

I had the privilege this year of being the girls camp leader for a group of twelve incredible young girls (ages 12-15) for an lds church camp that takes place every summer. The theme this year was " Campalot ... Build the Kingdom" and each ward (church group) was a different kind of kingdom character/creature. There were some really fun ones like unicorn, mermaid, pixie, etc. but of course we managed to be assigned as the Giants. Ugh. Initially I was not really very thrilled about our group assignment, but it did end up being kind of fun to come up with some crazy ideas despite the fact that we had to think outside the box a little bit. Our giant spirit fingers that we took to firebowl every night Porter crazily awaiting scouts while I set up for our first camp activity of the year Our giant cupcake that quickly became the evening mascot , and even more quickly the coveted dessert. yum! More giant- ish cupcakes Giant waters set out awaiting the girls' arrival ... c...