We {HEART} Camping

Last weekend we loaded up our camping gear and drove up into the Wenatchee National Forest north of Yakima.

We got a lot of crazy looks when we told people we were driving 4.5 hours each way to reach our camping destination for just a two night trip.

But we had our reasons,

namely these two:

my BFF Amanda (she and I go waaaayyy back) and her fiance Chris, who both live in Seattle.

We met them at this semi half way point between Clarkston and Seattle for some time in the great outdoors.

And great it was!

We enjoyed some delicious meals around the campfire.

Amanda introduced us to Kalbi Beef, which was prepared kabob style.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it again.

Dee-lish!

We threw Kendry into the Kelty and hiked the short distance up to Boulder Cave, where we were a little freaked out over the "watch for bats" signs.

Funny there were no "watch for giant slugs" signs.

The cave exit:

As cool as the cave was, I was fairly relieved to get back into the daylight.

Walking through that kind of darkness with only the tiny beam of my flashlight as a guide started to give me Blair Witch Project flashbacks.

Plus, bats give me the heebie jeebies.

I didn't actually see any, but I know they were there.

I think Kendry and Justin shared my relief at exiting the cave.

Make new friends but keep the old,

one is silver the other is gold.

Kendry threw about 100 rocks into the river over the course of our weekend.

Look at that technique!

Without a doubt, Kendry is happiest when he is outside.
So what better time to request a kiss for the camera?

After our amazing Kalbi Beef kabobs (seriously folks, you gotta try this meat), we cooked up some s'mores.

Actually, Amanda brought Reeses peanut butter cups to use instead of the standard Hershey bar.

What can I say? The girl knows how to eat well when camping.

I may never eat another old school s'more again.

My new favorite kiddo pics:

While the weather was a wee bit cooler than we expected

it was still a fun and memorable weekend.

Justin even saw his first bear!

The icing on the cake was getting to drop in on my friend Phyllis in Yakima on our way home.

(this is me kicking myself for not getting a photo of our visit)

We love you, Phyllis!