Saturday Mt. Rainier Outing

Shad, the boys, and I took a somewhat impromptu road trip to Mt. Rainier on Saturday. We had sort of been planning on going all week, but then we stayed out WAY too late on Friday night (Date night seeing the new Bourne movie!) and got a late, late start on Saturday. After going back and forth on the idea, we FINALLY decided that it was perfect weather and timing, so it was now or never. I absolutely LOVE going to that mountain, it is definitely one of my favorite places. Plus Owen has been asking to go up the mountain for a while.

So we packed up a picnic and the boys and set out on our way! We decided on the Paradise side, because Shad had never been and it seemed like the better drive. It was certainly a long drive, I don't remember it being that long! (Maybe because I've never driven it with two little antsy peanuts in the back!) Plus, it was crowded! Everyone had the same idea to take their family up the mountain.

Overall, it was a fun little family trip, with a few bumps along the way! But, anytime we get to all spend time together, its a good time! We first stopped at Cougar Rock to have a little picnic. 

 

 

Then we decided to try and hike the Carter/Madcap Falls trial. It seemed like a good idea, only 1.1 miles and a destination to one of Owen's favorite things: a waterfall!! Well... we made it about halfway. Owen was WAY too tired and a little cranky from not having a nap. And 90% of the hike was steep uphill. Not exactly easy when you have to have a 6 month old in a hike pack, and a toddler you have to carry most of the way! Luckily, the hike was along the river... so we were able to see "mini" waterfalls that could placate Owen and pass as a real waterfall! I'm a little bummed that we didn't get to finish the hike, but maybe next time?

My Manly Men!

Nothing beats the awesomeness of these BIG trees... Love them!

 

 Nathan did really well on the hike...he LOVED being carted around! 

"Cheese for the Bench!" Owen Loved seeing these trees that looked like benches to take a rest. 

 

The view of the mountain at the trail head. So pretty. 

 

 

After our "hike," we decided to drive up the mountain and get some good pictures. Again, we didn't make it far, because both kiddos were on the verge of losing it... and we STILL had a 2 hour car ride home! So we headed back down and home. :) 

Our attempts at a good picture before we took off... Laughable. 

 

Owen liked to point out the "Really Biiiiiiig Mountain!" 

  

Seriously, so beautiful up there!

 More attempts at a good photo... not so much.

Finally! I got him to look at the camera! 

 

Pointing at the mountain again! 

 

We did have fun. And I am glad we decided to go...but next time, we will definitely go way earlier in the morning, BEFORE lunch/nap time! There were a few meltdowns, it was a rough hike to make during nap time, and we it was a LONG drive to make for just a few short hours up there. Lesson learned... when you have two little boys, maybe impromptu trips to the mountain may NOT be the best idea! :)