The Harold Clan

We will forever remember Day 8 as the day the troops got to sleep in! Of course, I woke up early, so Little Dog & I hiked the Thunder Creek Nature Trail. Since we were in the part of the North Cascades that is a National Reserve, Rex got to hike a trail for the first time (National Parks do not allow dogs on their trails). He went crazy smelling in every hole! It was overcast, drizzly and very quiet...aaahhhh...

When everyone started to stir, Ranger Daphnie stopped by. Samuel needed to interview a ranger for his Junior Ranger badge, so he visited with her for a good 45 minutes while we folded up the camper. We learned some interesting facts about the park from her, and Steve got to fill up on some more tree identification points that he loves (& now we get to hear "Douglas fir! That's a Red Cedar. Look, yew!" while driving down the road).

Since the troops were well rested, everyone was in a better mood during our drive out of the park, over the San Juan Islands and into the Olympic Penninsula. While on the ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend, we ran into my Uncle Nigel, Aunt Linda and cousin Caitlin. Needless to say, the 30 minute ferry trip flew by while catching up with them. We then had the pleasure of an extra passenger, Caitlin (11 years old), for the rest of the drive to the rental home.

So, here we are in a beautiful house (well, we are camped outside) by the bay with my mom's siblings and their families. It is so weird to see my parents here. It's like we had to drive over 2,000 miles to see someone who really only lives 50 miles from us. There is also a huge yard for Rex to run, run, run and have some freedom off of the leash!!

It's so good to see everyone, especially my two cousins, who are also my goddaughters. They are now 14 & 16 and becoming quite beautiful women!

We will be here until the 5th, so hopefully not a lot of driving for a few days & some good, juicy family reunion stories to come!!