Boys Trip To Packwood

Uncle Pat rented a lot in Packwood and invited everyone to come.  Since Mom and Kayda were backpacking, the boys headed up.  Uncle Pat's Family, Grandma and Papa Hanis, Uncle Greg and Aunt Liz, and Uncle Scott's Family were all there part of the weekend.  They squeezed 3 trailers, all the vehicles, and 3 tents into the lot.  

Daddy had fun reminiscing about the old days he spent in Packwood.  His grandparents (Baba and Grandpa Hanis) owned a lot and cabin in Packwood (High Valley) for over 30 years.  Daddy spent a lot of time there growing up with his parents, brothers, grandparents, uncles/aunts, and cousins.  

He went around showing the boys where the cabin was, the creek they would play in behind it, they walked along the dike that divided the lot from the Cowlitz River, swimming in the community pool, eating pizza at the Packwood Pizza Parlor, and golfing at the nine hole course in the High Valley community (they were able to play two 9 hole rounds).  The boys also had a blast playing with their cousins, as always.  It was a quick trip but fun.

Getting ice cream in town.

The cabin in the back (which was an old water pump shed that was hauled up, and the mobile home to the right (you can see the window and deck.

When Daddy was a kid, where everyone is sitting used to be the main channel of the Cowlitz River.  You could not swim in it as the rapids were to fast.  Now, it was perfect for sitting and playing in.

Butter Peak

Family Pictures

When we were in Montana Uncle Pat and Aunt Sarah had a photographer come and take family photos.  We also took our own of the kids and Daddy and I.  

We had everyone but Aunt Liz and Uncle Greg who were not able to come because of work.

Kayda's 14th birthday and Thanksgiving in Montana

Kayda's 14th birthday landed on black Friday this year.  Dad's family decided to spend Thanksgiving at a big house in Montana.  We celebrated a little early privately and then she celebrated with everyone on her actual birthday.

I thought this picture was hilarious.  Everyone on their phones, not interacting at all.

 

The house had an access road down to the river.  It was amazing being in Montana with the lower humidity. It was below freezing but I felt more comfortable than 40° at our house.

Left-center-right with candy!

Ticket to ride.  

Happy birthday Kayda!

Uncle Pat and Grandpa H brought some 22's and the kids did some shooting.

When there's a river, rocks must be thrown.  The boys had a great time doing that while Kayda and I wandered and played photographer.

Climbing for icicles.

They attempted to have a bonfire. It didn't work but it was a valiant effort.