The end of a long day

Girls must get their beauty sleep and Lauren is no exception. Really she doesn't need her beauty sleep as much as Mom and Dad need their sanity sleep. Mom is past beauty sleep....she just wants sleep to keep the bags from her eyes.

Checking out the area

Lauren was so excited while we were at the Lodge. She loved going in and out our sliding glass door. She did pretty good until she started exploring at a dead run straight toward the lake. She thought this game was especially fun. Mom and Dad did not!

Checking out the bed

No words necessary.

The Undiscovered Pacific Coast

About 30 miles from Lake Quinault lies the Pacific Coast. Most of the Pacific Ocean along the Washington Coast line is either National Forest or Indian Reservation Land. Either way it will stay mostly remote and uninhabitated. It also requires a small hike to experience the beauty.....worth every step.

Taking in Lake Quinault

We took a short one mile hike along the edge of the Lake Quinault. It was beautiful. We were in the rain forest in February and there was not a rain drop to be found. We could not believe our luck. Lake Quinault is a glacier-carved fresh-water lake located in the middle of the Olympic National Park.

Exploring the Rain Forest

Lauren loved hiking through the rain forest. She had to touch the trees, and touching the moss hanging in bunches from the trees like grapes was irrestable. Everything was wet and therefore more fun to feel.

Weekend at Lake Quinault Lodge

Nestled in the Olympic Mountains & Rain Forest sits the majestic Lake Quinault Lodge. It was first built in the early 1900's. Franklin D. Roosevelt stayed at the lodge around the time that he proclaimed this area a National Forest. It is one of our favorite places to visit. No cell service, no TV, no phones in the rooms, no noise in general. Add to that the cleanest air in the world, a world class restaurant, and a sauna, an indoor pool and on-site massage therapist. The welcome gift this time was a nice wine, cheese, and fruit basket. Lauren loved the grapes. (Mom and Dad loved the "grape-juice"...).

Pit Stop

Lauren slowed down for just a moment so I could get a picture. She just goes non stop....She is so full of energy.

We are amazed how much she has changed. She is starting to look like a little girl instead of a toddler. She will be two in about 6 weeks. We can't remember what life was like without this precious bundle.....well..... sometimes we can!

We are headed into the rain forest for a much needed retreat this weekend. Lauren has her hiking boots and rain gear ready...Hope we can keep up!

More Bunnies

Lauren and Mommy's friend Bonnie gave her a new bunny. This one sings and talks to her. The bunny she got for Christmas has a broken leg and no longer hops but just limps around. She still loves her bunnies. Singing bunny, broken leg bunny......they are all wonderful.