Memorial Day Bliss

We spent a wonderful Memorial Day Monday hiking beautiful Latourell Falls, with breathtaking views of waterfalls and the entire Gorge and Columbia River.  We invited 6 families to join us for the hike, because it's always more fun to hike with friends.  A few hours after returning from the hike all the families and more joined us at our home for a barbecue.

We took our time hiking the steep 2.4 mile loop because there were so many fun places to stop and explore along the way.

  Everything about the Gorge is unbelievably beautiful. Magical almost . . .

I think there might be 50 different shades of green in the forest. It's almost blinding. 

We lucked out with the weather - it was the perfect temperature and sunny.

 We carefully crept down the slick rocks to the area right under the waterfall. The power coming from the force of the water was amazing, and we got soaking wet from the spray!

 Our friend Kristi sang the same obnoxious camp song up and down the mountain. Aubrey joined in happily. Bailey was not amused.

 It's hard to tell from this picture, but we are standing on a ledge overlooking a REALLY high dropoff. Can you see the tiny cars in the left middle of the picture?  We were way up the mountain!

Joseph dressed in his special Pokemon trainer outfit for the hike.

The following pictures were all taken by Joseph, who says he wants to be a photographer when he grows up.

 Joseph also took some pictures of us setting up for the barbecue. We set up two tables on the deck for all the delicious food. We spread blankets and chairs around the yard.

We had a great time visiting with friends. It was hard to get back to the reality of school, seminary and work today!

Mmmmm - Cowboy Caviar just waiting for the guests to arrive.

Dan was a grill master - he cooked some fantastic burgers, hotdogs, and chicken.

Happy Memorial Day!