You would think with 6 kids high on trick or treatin Candy, and a three day trip in Seattle this week the last thing we'd want was a 'venture.  But ironically it made me want it more.  The three day trip is not pleasure, but a pulmonology appointment in Seattle, and baton.  And I just wanted us for fun time.  So we loaded up and headed up to Ellis Mountain.   I'm still mastering my camera, but as the day progressed I learned a LOT.  Needless to say the above picture, was at the beginning of the learning experience.

There are several ways to get to Snyder Peak, and Rob had been wanting to try one we hadn't been on in about 3 years.  We got most of the way up it, and woops BIG wash out.  So, back down we went, and around to 101 to go the way we knew we could get up.   This is the kiddos standing at the washout.  It was a LLOONG ways down if you were to look the other direction.

Half way down we stopped and took a small hike to a creek that looked like it was going to look purdy.  It wasn't.  But I did snag this of Mr. Goofy.

Jeremiah chose from there to the top of the mountain to take a nap.  Didn't hurt our feelings.   I took pictures of falls on the way up, but not gonna share those.  They were rather blurry.  But the last picture I figured out what I was doing wrong.  So when I got to the top...here's the view.

The fire station is closed off.  They consider it "unsafe" whatever its quite solid.  And makes it so you can't get the "whole" view.  But it was still incredible.

Its not really a place to go if your afraid of heights.   See the road down at the bottom.  That was where we'd come from.  And in the distance are my beloved Olympics.

The fall color is fading...but there were still some brilliant ones.

With my old camera and the 12x optical zoom, you could use it at full telephoto without a tripod.  And I kept attempting to do that.  This camera however has a 24x optical.  You can do the 12 without a tripod, but 24...is just not gonna work.  Tis fine.  I have a tripod, and there's always a rock or something to steady on if its not with me. 

I *NEVER* could have taken the next two shots with my old camera.  The kids were calling this the peanut river.  It was soooo teensy from above.  But I'm amazed at what the zoom did for it.

Thats the Sol Duc.

And I've tried and tried and tried with my old camera to take pictures of the Olympics from this view point.  But usually they were little gray glimpses.  Not for my lovely new Nikon

.
Mount Olympus peaking through the clouds.

While Rob and the kids were at the top view point, I was going to wander down towards the bathroom when I realized you could go under the deck of the fire lookout, something we'd never done before.  So I called them to come see, as we could get a peak-a-boo view of Lake Crescent there.  Rob took this for me.

If you stare really really hard.  The little tiny blue spot purdy much in the middle of the picture is lake Crescent.  LOL

The lighting up on top was wonderful, and made it easier to experience with what worked, and didn't.  And enabled me to finally feel like I'm getting a bit of understanding of what works, and what doesn't.  So after the kids got a wee bit farther away from the VERY steep ledge where they posed with me, I snagged one of Rainee with the fall color.  She doesn't like her "funky" teeth.  I LOVED her blue eyes.

On the way back down we stopped at two different falls, and this time with what I'd learned I was able to get some wonderful pictures.  I'll be kind to those patiently loading this, and just share my favorite.    I'm still fuzzing some up, but that was due to it getting dark, and definitely needing to carry a tripod with me.

While stopped at the last falls, Rob picked me some vine maple leaves, and a lonely daisy.  I had to snap a picture when we got home.

So there ya go...one late fall adventure

So today was Halloween...and Christmas?

Rob ordered me to replace my camera...and call it Christmas.  I'm okay with that...though irritated I had to replace a basically new camera.  Note to self...kids are careless.

Note to self again...always place camera in camera case.

On that note, here's my trick and treaters.

This year we had a Knight (zeria) Captain Rex the Star Wars Clone (Samuel) Baton twirler (Kaylin) Robin HOod (Jamari) and Lightning McQueen (Jeremiah.)  The costumes were made by them (Zeria) by mommy (Jamari) or bought at Goodwill.

The lighting is a bit wonky in the picture.  But it was like the third ever picture I took with it, so hopefully I'll get things figured out soon.  I bought a different brand this time, for many reasons.  Its a Nikkon Coolpix.  It has a 24 optical zoom.  And is 12 mega pixels.

Zeria worked very hard on her costume.  Unfortunately the facemask started breaking.  It was very cool.

The Lady Knight

Samuel very much wanted a clone mask, but we couldn't find any for a price I was remotely willing to pay.  So I did this way super duper cool make up on him.  Which he rubbed off before I could get pictures, due to not having a camera until we got to town.  *growl*  It was super cool.

And yeah that's the best shot of him...he's ornrey about the camera to say the leat   The rifle he's carrying is actually his twirling rifle.  He will be learning to do that this year, and compete in it.

I'm not thrilled with the white-out on the faces, but I know that there's always an adjustment period with new cameras, so it'll get figured out eventually.  KK loves this costume that I bought for her to twirl in last year, but her coach did not.  So Halloween was a good option for it.  The coach didn't like it, because she LOVES sequins, and sparkles.  Which is fine.   I only paid $1.99 for it anyhow.  LOL

I found this loverly sparkly polar fleece at Goodwill in May or so, knowing I would find a use for it.  It was perfect for Robin Hood.

Rainee found this goofy witches hat at the Unique Junque store in Clallam Bay.  It was 25 cents.  She decided as a result she wanted to be a witch.  So the next week at the Unique Junque store, I found a black costume for another twenty-five cents LOL.

And my very cute Lightning McQueen.  Jeremiah LOVES cars and trucks, and things that go.  I mean really really loves them.  He's always got one in his hand, pushing it somewhere.  So when mommy saw this at Goodwill in early September it HAD to come home with her.  Its just so perfect, and you can see how much he loves it.   

My sisters 7 year old daughter is in severe pain in the hospital.  They believe it is an appendectomy, but it didn't show on the CAT scan, so they are going in to do exploratory surgery.  All prayers are appreciated.

I met the worlds most fascinating man today.  At our little rummage store.  He'd stopped by the day before to ask for directions to Cape Flattery.  And enjoyed himself so much, he stopped by on the way back through.  He had the most delightful accent.  And fascinating stories.  He's litterally travelled all over the world in his little wee motorbike.

I asked if he'd pose for a picture, and he insisted the kids get in it.  I just wish I'd had all of my kiddos.  Cause he was one of those once in a life time experiences.

He insisted that the wee lad get a picture by himself, so that one day when he gets his first motor bike he would remember the first time he got to sit on one.  I wish you could here his accent as he says that. 

Actually you can.  Because as he was giving me his info to send him the picture, he told me if I typed i into google, and you tube I'd find him.  He was right.  So here's a funny little news piece done on him.

So I finally got my camera in from the car.  And have a bunch of randomness to share.

The monkeys in monkey tree forest.  This is a small alder patch we have that the kids love to play in.  We were there trying to figure out where the ponies got out.  And had to take a photo op.

Beautiful batch of forest on date night.  See that green glob on that mostly dead tree.  I was amused by it for some reason.  It looks like a green bear climbing a tree.   Well I thought so anyhow. 

We are rather enjoying our local high schools foot ball games.  Even if they loose every time.  They are a mostly very young team.  With only 2 seniors, and one junior.   Over half the team is 8th grade.  Rob had been asked by a friend at church to run chain, so we're going to all the home games.

Its been a good way to get involved in the community--as its this communitys main source of entertainment.

Its also brr freezing cold watching it.  So you wear layers.  And if you have money to burn like KK you buy your own hot chocolate.  LOL

More random football.

Switching gears again....
This is Jeremiah at his second baton practice with Judy..  He's learning how to march.  And he LOOOVES it.

And in other randomness we found this awesome maple tree on the way home from baton, and had to snap this.

Our house still STINKS of smoke.  But otherwise we're fine.  And as I forgot to blog the lizard amazingly is fine.  He moved to the opposite end of the cage and did just fine.

Now pictures of Friday.

Jeremiah was invited by coach Judy to learn how to march.  He was a bit nervous, but he's really been wanting to do it.  So I told him I'd give him a dollar if he would.  "A real paper dollar?"  He asked with waaay too much enthusiasm."  I nodded.

He went up and learned basic and military and did a awesome job.  And I might had a BLAST.  He was beaming from ear to ear over it.  And when he came back he wanted his paper dollar.  He clutched that thing so hard.  But marching was apparently exhausting, so he curled up on his daddy's lap and took a nap.  Clutching said dollar for all it was worth.  ROFL.  Too cute.

We are hoping to add Presentation to the mix before the first contest, but we shall see.  I will not let him do a solo this year, unless he REALLY begs.  But this way at least he won't be totally bored.   I even have a costume for him--ordered one for Jamari and its way too small.  All I need is to find some very small dance pants...or make them.

After baton we went grocery shopping in Aberdeen.  Rob and the kids played at a very nearby park.  When Zeria and I drove to pick them up this is where we found them.

It worked well to shop in Aberdeen, and I think we will do that again if pay day falls so close to a baton trip.

As a result of shopping we were much later then we normally are, and by the time we hit Klaloch (our normal break stop) we had *just* missed the sunset, and got just the after glow.  It was getting dark, but we had a nice quick wiggle anyhow.  And I of course shot about 25 pictures.  I'll share five.

Moon rising, while sun is setting.  Too cool

Not the only one enjoying the after sunset.  LOL

Beautiful splashing waves.

Princess Z

Jamari bein Jamari.  ROFL

We had baton today.  And after baton we chose to grocery shop in Hoquiam rather then do a 2 hour run tomorrow to P.A. to do it.  So we didn't get home until 8:45.  We walked in the sunroom and immediately smelled smoke.

I opened the door to the rest of the house and immediately saw that the lizard light had fallen down.  Its a very hot heat lamp.   The lizard had been living in a HUGE plastic tub.  The light had fallen off its nail, into the cage and melted the seed, through the plastic, through the laminated flooring, and into the subfloor.  It was hot.  But not flaming.

And we still have a house.  God is truely good.

Its been a fun-filled wonderful warm hot sunny day with t he in-laws.  It POURED on Tuesday, so we were rather concerned about the weather for our annual visit with grandma, and grandpa, but today was amazing weather.  Actually hot enough we had to move to the shade when we were at the river this afternoon.

So this morning they came in about 9 (having got in the night before)  and we headed pretty much immediately to Neah Bay.

The first stop was the marina to see the Sea Lions.  But alas there was only one.  And he wasn't really intrested in showing off.  So after taking some pictures of the reflection, we headed to Cape Flattery.

We were there earlier this summer, but we'd never taken G&G so decided it was time.

The waves were delightful looking down off the cliffs.  VERY foamy.

And we enjoyed each of the five look-outs to its fullest.

And when we were done enjoying the lookout before hiking back we had a nice picnic.

I love what Jer is doing to Jamari. *giggles*  Notice in the background KK's new haircut I did that on Thursday, its soo cute.
After the picnic we had to head back up the steps and the hill.

Its a rather steep little booger, and we had to take several stops so that we still had ya know oxygen.

We also had to take a stop to treat Rainee.

At least we've gotten back into the habit of having her meds with us.

We also had to have a stop or two to explore.

Don't they look comfy?
And I of course had to stop and take pictures of the scenery.

I loved this bright colored mushroom.

Making our way up the never-ending hill.

When we got back to the top we had a grapes snack, and then headed back to see if we could spot some sea lions.

Once again I had to take pictures of the reflections.  The water in the bay was sooo calm.

And played some more with the textures, and colors of the boats.

And one more boat picture.

We still didn''t see as many sea lions as before.  But we did find one that was willing to give us a nice show, and as a extra bonus we got to see three fisherman cutting up some squid.  Man those suckers were UGLY.  But they were also why we found the sea lion as they were throwing the extras to it.  So we got to watch it throw its food up, torture the seagulls, and so on. 

I just love watching them.  

We then drove back home (45 minutes)  and had a lovely sit at the river with a hot dog roast.  And tomorrow is another day.

Random Photo blog here.  Very random LOL

So first my birthday outing on Saturday was to see the sea lions in Neah Bay.  I just love going out on the docks and exploring.

It is super hard to take pictures of the sea lions, cause they bob under about the time you get the camera focused.  But here's my favorite one.

The sea lion had a tuna head that the fishermen had thrown in, and the sea gulls really really thought it should be theres.   He threw it up in the air, and let it sink, and then would dive under and get it again.  I don't know what the rules were to the game, but its always very entertaining!

And there I am with my kiddos, in my birthday jacket.   

Sunday after church Kaylin was baptized in the river.  It was a short but sweet ceremony.  And we gave Rob a hard time cause he didn't get her all the way under.  ROFL

And as soon as that was finished my dad met me to spend some time with me on my birthday.  This was a compromise visit.  He wanted to take me out to eat, and I just didn't want to.   I don't particularly enjoy it right now duue to the fear that the fatty food is going to hurt me, and I'm not thrilled with face to face conversation with him.   I was hashing that out with my mom on thursday (when we celebrated my birthday)  and I realized I just needed to do what I love doing with him, and thats driving.

So he met in my driveway, and I drove in my car--because I have 4 wheel drive, and we had a great adventure.  We went and visited a cool falls that I'd seen (no pictures they were a bit fuzzy) 

Went and revisited the big tree that he found with us before his visit to jail.


At which point I had to play nurse cause he was cutting down some hemlock, and his knife broke and he sliced his hand rather badly.  It bled profusely, not enough to need stitches, but definitely NASTY.  So after that little excitement was taken care of we had to go get gas for the car, and I decided to take him to see some stumps Rob and I had found two days previously.

Yeah stumps.  But these were way cool stumps.

Do you see how big that old tree was?  There was like 25 this size within a five acre area.  He wandered around taking pictures of them all, while I took pictures from the road.  I wasn't dressed for clearcut bashing LOL.

It was fun, it took the pressure off, and we will be doing it again--but not every weekend as I'm sure he'd like LOL  Its about boundarys. 

And I would have shown these sooner, but my cord to my camera quit working, so I had to order a sd card reader. 

We had a quick visit from Grandma and Auntie Thelma yesterday.  And I got my baby Kiah fix.  Who LOOOVED our river.  She just was fascinated by the sparkly water, and the splashes, and Jamari.

Jamari in particular LOL  He even got her to giggle.

Although the best entertainment of the day was watching Auntie Thelma keep trying to get her chair comfy, as it kept sinking into the rocks.  Well it was funny until mine did it.    Gotta be careful what you laugh at LOL

What do you think of that outfit?  Blackmail material when she hits 25?  Ironically my sister Brittany threatened to steal the socks--and she was serious.  Brittany LOOOVES bright socks.

Some people sit on lawn chairs beside the river.  Some...get a little bit confused.  It was particularly funny when the river decided to take the chair out and she went upside down. 

Uncle Rob even held Kiah.  Actually he loves Kiah...though you can't see it in this picture. Friday is his sleepy day.  He works all night and then doesn't go to bed cause its his weekend.  He instead spent most of the day rebuilding our woodshed, and visiting with company.  Poor guy.  He's still working on the woodshed.  IN THE RAIN.   Drenching rain.  I know I was out in it picking a gallon and a half of blackberrys.  I took a shower with all my clothes on.

Jeremiah playing king of the mountain.

And one more cute Kiah picture.  Of course I'm fully aware I'm prejudice!!   Aunties are allowed to be.