Mountain weekend

Hazel and Co. spent their weekend on the east side of Mt. St. Helens.    They were very busy because Hazel does not like to sit around.  Summer is only so long and the list of potential adventures is endless.

Mom and Hazel admire Mt. St. Helens from the road to Windy Ridge.

"Lookee here", says Hazel, "This mountain blew up once, see?"

Carrying the ubiquitous lovey, Hazel and Mom wave to the rest of the world.

Hazel directed Dad to get some exercise, so he did.  The whole family hiked up to Norway Pass for a view of the mountain and Spirit Lake.

While there, Hazel gave Dad a botany lesson.

In the tent that night, Mom read Hazel "Curious George Goes Camping".  Hazel is not smiling because the book is funny; Hazel is smiling because SHE knows she's not going to sleep anytime soon.

Hazel was right.  So, Mom and Dad gave in (but only because it's a weekend and it's a camping trip) and let Hazel enjoy the campfire with them.  Dad gave Hazel very clear instructions on what to do with a poker stick.

The next day, everyone went to explore Ape Cave, a two-mile long lava tube.  Turns out Hazel is kind of scared of the dark.  She got over it.

Hazel also took everyone to Yale Lake for a swim/nap/picnic, but there is no documentation of said event.  Just know that it was 82 degrees, the water was clear and cool and the views were beautiful.  After THAT, Hazel demanded Mexican food, so Mom and Dad gladly obliged (mmm...margaritas) and Hazel ate her weight in refried beans.

Hazel really likes summer.