TAM MACARTHUR RIM TRAIL

 We had a wonderful "weekend" off with daddy this week.  Monday we spent the day at the SHARC swimming and Tuesday we climbed a pretty awesome Mountain!

 In the background you can see the Rim off to the right.  This is where we would end up in 2.5 difficult miles.  We started out the hike by playing in the lake and skipping rocks!

 One of the many viewpoints.

 The trail was difficult and we were extremely proud of how well the boys did.

 Sawyer noticed the heart shape lake...

 the "scary" trees...

 and although you can't see them well, Sawyer also noticed the beautiful wild flowers along the trail. 

 To see nature in this way is a gift and we feel so blessed our kids notice the little things that make a hike so much more than a hike.

 Canyon and I hiking up one of the false summits to the top near the end.  Carrying August was tough on my body and I was definitely feeling the climb at this point!

 Making it to the top of the rim was so rewarding.  This was a huge hike for the boys and not an easy one.  We were so excited for them!

 We took the time to rest and recover and take in the many peaks surrounding us.

 The pictures only capture a small glimpse of the views.

 August...gosh he's a trooper!  He is such a character!

 They were certainly excited about reaching the summit!

 Heading back down!

 The hike back to the car went fast since it was all downhill.

 An amazing day, an amazing experience. 

 My boys:)

SHARC

 We finally made it to the SHARC in Sunriver.  It was the perfect 90 degree day to go and we had so much fun!

 August enjoyed the wonderful zero entrance pool.

 The boys enjoyed the water slides and tubes:)

 The lazy river with daddy!

 Sawyer enjoying the lazy river.

 I was on baby duty most of the day but took a ride with Canyon on the tube.  So much fun!

 It was worth the trip and investment...(ouch on price)!

HOSMER LAKE

 We explored a new lake today and it was worth the hour drive to get there!

 Hosmer Lake is just past the last beach for Elk Lake.

 We had fun exploring the different parts of the lake and the views were pretty amazing too:)

 The boys did great as always and both took a turn tipping their boats. 

 Canyon took the first spill and we didn't even know he did.  His spirit so calm.  He just enjoyed the cool water and carefully climbed back into his boat.

 Sawyer on the other hand let the entire lake know that he not only fell but was PISSED about it.  Full on meltdown and it took some serious calming tactics to get him back on his boat!  He lost his special net in the lake which was part of the devastation.  His net has been with him for years and on SO many of our adventures.  Maybe someday we will go scuba diving for it. 

 August was my boat buddy and enjoyed the ride while daddy paddled.

 Love this little man!

 Daddy always finds the animals for the boys to learn about and discover their unique qualities.

 

 Best view EVER!

 The lake is full of lily pads and vegetation.

 We saw beautiful birds and this heron.  We also saw some newborn ducks swimming with their mom and fish swimming in the clear water.

A great picnic spot at the very end of the lake.  What a great adventure! 

A summer favorite

 Sparks Lake is one of the closest lakes from Bend and it's a great place for the kids to play.

 The water levels are really low but the kids can walk out to all of the islands and are safe to kayak anywhere they choose.

 August is still waiting for his turn to kayak but he will be there soon enough. 

 He had fun playing in the water and finding sticks and rocks to throw.

 He never misses a chance to sneak a treat either.

 My usual but favorite task was to sit back and watch them.  The water was glistening, the birds were singing and life was still. 

 We enjoy coming in the evening when everyone else is heading home for the day.  The weather was perfect and the views...gorgeous.

 Worth a trip out if you want to escape away for a couple of hours.

We get to live here.  Blessed.