So long Summer!

Sorry I missed August, things have been a bit crazy here with the School year starting up.

But I think I am finally feeling caught up.

We finished up August with a trip to the Highland Games held in Mount Vernon.

I was SO excited.  They had highland dancing, highland drumming, highland bands, Clan booths, highland games, and sheep dog trials.  I think there was one food booth that was serving meat pies, and tons of vendors with swords, kilts and Celtic Jewelry.  I was very much in my Element!!

This is the MacLeod booth which is the "Father" Clan of the McClure Clan, where my ancestors are from.

It shows our plaid, coat of arms and motto.  I had a blast, the kids not so much but they did learn a lot.

Tye and I completed our last two hikes of the Trek for Treasure challenge we signed up for.

This beauty is from the top of Sauk Mountain.

This was a 4 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1200 feet.  This was probably the hardest hike for me, mostly because the entire hike is on the face of the mountain completely exposed to the sun and it was a very hot day.  I do not do well in the heat.  But, the views were so worth it, 360 degrees of the Cascades.  I especially love the picture above of the ridge of the Mountain I was standing on Top of!

So relieved to reach the top.

Our last hike was Maple Lake loop.  This hike was Seven miles with an elevation gain of 2000 feet.  My absolute favorite of them all.  We had to drive into the mountains just to start the hike.  The terrain was so varied going from woodland to mountain meadow to mountain lakes and finally mountain top.

It was such an amazing experience to see these things that can only be found on foot and then only if your are willing to work for it!  

Before summer came to an end we met some family for a picnic.  Uncle Brandon, Aunt Rebecca and Julia.  My kids are so in love with there beautiful little cousin.

So am I!!  Love these guys so much!!

So many festivals so little time.  This is Beren eating an Elephant Ear that is almost as big as him (no he was not able to finish it).  This was at the Anacortes Art Festival which my daughter loved so much that we went to it both days!!  Probably one of the biggest Art Festivals I have seen, people from all over the US had booths here.  There was some truly stunning work on display.  They even had an entire street of Active art displays.  

Our last big activity of Summer was Eris attending the Katy Perry concert with her friends.  Her first concert, to say she had a blast would be a gross understatement.  So happy she was able to have this experience with good friends!

I already have some wonderful fall pics for next month's post, we hope you all are enjoying the changing seasons!!