Our mini-getaway

We needed to get away, even for just one night. So Larry picked the peninsula. Yes, Forks is on the way, but we went to see parts of Washington that we have never been to before. We left Friday morning and were full of excitement and enthusiasm to be on our way. The car gets a little crowded with 7 people now, but for the most part it was an enjoyable drive. The scenery is beautiful! We first stopped at Hurricane Ridge. We went on a short hike that made you feel like you are standing on top of the world.

We drove right along the water, through small towns most of the way. There were a lot of fishermen out that weekend, too. There were cool birds to see. And we saw several deer. At Hurricane Ridge, a doe and her fawn allowed the kids to get right next to them. On our way out, another doe walked straight at our car. It's neat to see wild animals so close (Riley shut the van door pretty quick when it looked like the deer would climb right in with us, though!)

We stopped by Crescent Lake. What a beautiful lake! We would like to stay there next summer. Even in the drizzle, we could tell it was a peaceful place.

We had booked a place to stay that night - after quite an online search! - in Beaver, WA. I had never heard of it either. It was the Hungry Bear Cafe and motel. Very cute and clean. Our family no longer fits in one hotel room. They gave us a great deal on two rooms; one had a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room, the other had a double bed and bathroom. To our pleasant surprise, they were adjoining. So we just opened up the door and took over the whole place. We cooked some delicious potato soup and french bread and watched Psych. What better way to finish a fun, family day.

The next morning we woke up, had a yummy breakfast and packed up. I'm glad we packed light. We went to the rain forest. Saw a giant tree.

Drove through Forks of Twilight fame. (It took us about 5 minutes to drive from one end to the other including a stop for gas - and, no, there were no vampires or werewolves spotted. Unless you count the posters in every business window!) We headed for the beach and the kids jumped right in. Everyone enjoyed the next couple of hours hanging out on the rocky shore, splashing in the waves. Well, Larry and I did not get wet- but the kids did! We wanted to get back to the car before our spot got overcome by the tide, so we decided to go. I love the sounds of the ocean. There is something definitely therapeutic about hearing it and watching it. Just amazing.

We stopped in Aberdeen for a little dinner at the local Denny's. Promptly decided we will never visit a Denny's in the future. And were on our way back home. A quick trip, indeed. But a much needed one at that. Who knows where we'll go next time. Just as long as we go together, smashed in a tiny van.