Cascade Challenge

Last weekend was a big deal- for both Addy and I. It was the Cascade Challenge for Girl Scouts. Addy was competing with her troop for the first time. I was one of the adult volunteers, also for the first time. This is a challenge that has existed for 40 years, but it was the first time since COVID. Addy and her troop (the Cadettes) had been working up to this event for several months. The basic premise is that there are 5 separate challenges that the girls compete in to earn points to complete the Cascade Challenge and the winner gets the "Mt Rainier" Award. 

The challenges were: Archery, Firebuilding, Team Dynamics, KPS (Knots, Plants and Shelters) and the biggest one the Boxed Dinner Challenge. That challenge involves the girls getting a box of ingredients that they have to create a dinner with using all ingredients and doing full prep and clean up by themselves and serve to judges. The best part about being an adult volunteer? You literally are not allowed to help. The girls have to set up the campsite and do all of the work ALL.BY.THEMSELVES. 

It was incredible to see what four 12 year old girls could accomplish when we were out of their way "trying to help." I was very impressed with all of the girls, but especially Addy who stepped naturally into the leader role ensuring the team was clear on who was doing what and they had a plan. The girls had a great time, they came in third and they learned a ton. Addy loved it so much she's already thinking about next year's Cascade Challenge. 

The Work of Cameron

I know I had a previous post bragging about my poet daughter. I also know that Cameron was aware of that post because last week after I read one of his new poem's and shared with him how much I loved it he said, "So are you gonna post this on the blog and tell everyone how much you love it?" 

Yes, Cameron, as a matter of fact I will. This one is for you. 

And Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mom's out there. May we never lose the right to decide how and when we choose to become a mom or not. 

Poem's and Art by Cameron Evert

Black Is

Black makes me feel empty,

but more full than ever before. 

Black sounds like the sky on a moonless night. 

Black's smell has a desire

the smell of smoke, 

a new campfire. 

Black taste like rotting fruit, 

left in the basket for far too long. 

Black is a shade of every color, 

mixed over and over again. 

Black is White

just

not. 

Black is a color that seems dark and cold,

but if you look closer you'll find a joy that's very very old. 

Black is a jewel, full of light. 

My Mom

My Mother is as sweet as a strawberry filled donut. 

She could be as famous as her Sour Cream Coffee Cake.

My Mother laughs when I make a bad joke

and then I laugh my gut out.

My Mom smiles when I'm happy so I do my best 

to be as happy as I can at all the times I can.

One of my Mom's favorite things to do is watch the sunset. 

My Mother is as cool as a python wearing sunglasses. 

My Mom is stronger than THE ROCK. 

Little League Day

Last Saturday was Little League day for the kids and it was the first one they've had in 3 years. We spent most of our day at the fields for pictures, the parade and games. Cameron was asked to raise the flag for the ceremony since he is a scout, and Brian got to help him.  I learned that there are over 820 kids in the league this year, including 19 tball teams! Cameron is the youngest one on his majors baseball team, called Seaview Boatyard. Adelyn is on the Aces team and has decided this will be her last year playing softball. I feel like the field are our home away from home as we've spent so much time there every spring and summer. 

 

A Coastal Hike

One day we headed to the state park where parts of Goonies were filmed and we went on an awesome hike down to a protected beach. We also saw over a dozen elk who were roaming around the woods. The hike was much longer and more technical than we expected but was definitely worth it with the views at the end. It was a perfect day followed by root beer floats!

Singing Sands

The house we rented was called Singing Sands and was only a block from the beach and downtown. It was also built in 1920 and clearly wasn't built for tall people. Brian couldn't use the "west wing" which was just fine with Cameron since it meant he got it all to himself. The yard had a great firepit and horseshoe pit and the kids had fun climbing the giant tree. It was a great location to explore Cannon Beach and we walked everywhere we went, despite Cameron's pleas to stop walking! I could definitely get used to walking to beach every day. 

Say Cheese!

Since we were so close to Tillamook, Oregon we decided to head to the factory and took a tour to see how they make their cheese and other delicious products. It really is amazing how big that place has become. We didn't get to see them make ice cream but we already know it's our favorite kind. 

Spring Break

Whew! Lots to catch up on, shortly after our winter break trip to go skiing I tested positive for Covid so March was a bit of a blur. Luckily no one else in the family got it but it definitely took me out for awhile. Brian was a true superhero keeping everything together. Our reward was our spring break trip to Cannon Beach. We rented a house one block from the ocean which was amazing. We saw every type of weather possible, including storms, wind and hail, but luckily there was also lots of sun. We couldn't get enough of the beach, ocean and iconic Haystack rock, so I'll start with those photos first!