Beautiful day and BIG trees

Today breakfast was something new to us.... Orange Roll Waffles.
We have had Orange Rolls (Pilsbury, in case you are curious), they are a family favorite. And of course we have had waffles... quite recently in fact. But today we put the rolls in the waffle iron to cook them... Crazy? Nope. Awesome!

And a very quick way to make them... 3 minutes, compared to the traditional way - 20 mins.
We thinned out the glaze a bit and drizzled each little waffle - such fun!
Both kids agreed it was a hit. Thank you pintrest.

We had amazing weather today. After two days of overcast and rain, we weren't sure if we were going to see the mountain while we were here... but today I took sooo many pictures of the elusive Rainier, that I finally had to just put my camera away.
We started off the sightseeing back at Longmire for lunch at the National Park Inn. Then started the trek over to the Grove of the Patriachs, with several stops along the way.

It was all so beautiful. We had such amazing weather and crowds were still light, a great day.
Back at the cabin we couldn't waste this good weather... tonight we gave S'mores another go, and it was good.

Waffles with Peaches

Our second morning in the cabin we had waffles again for breakfast... This time with an added warm peach topping - oh yum!

The kids settled into playing, finger-knitting and a puzzle, with a bit of time kicking it in the hot tub.

By midday, we were all dressed and ready to settle into some sort of activity... for the Dads and younger kids it was a hike in the park along Kautz Creek. For the Moms and two oldest kids it was chatting and watching DVDs at the cabin.

By two-thirty we were all back together and feasting on panini sandwiches.

Then it was time for our guests to head out, so we said goodbye and see you soon.

We decided with a few hours left in the day, it was time to see more of the Mountain.

Back into the park, this time heading up to the visitor's center at Paradise. Today was a foggy day with occasional rain coming around. 

Little lady and Dad going up into the snow

But we enjoyed the drive... some of it is VERY high up. And the visitor's center is great - they have lots of hands-on exhibits. We hit the gift shop and snack bar and even played in the snow.

Just like in the pictures

Our first morning at the cabin and it's just like it looks in the pictures.

The cabin comes with breakfast: waffle mix, waffle iron and syrup are provided. Oh, and of course coffee!

Little Lady lazing on the couch

We enjoyed a lazy morning, with family on the way to join us.

They arrived in time for lunch and a short hike before the rain hit.

Our cabin is very close to one of the entrances to the national park... From the main drag near us, you can see the Mt. Rainier sign. And our hike was one of the closer options: Trail of the Shadows. We parked near Longmire and walked to the trailhead. This loop was under a mile and very scenic.

Mt. Rainier National Park 

Hubby checking to see if the hot springs are hot... Nope!

girls standing my one of the old springs

We had planned to hit another trail about the same length afterwards, but the rain sent us back to the cabin instead.  

Dinner was yummy. We enjoyed hanging out and my little lady and I shared our new hobby with the cousins - finger knitting.

Our smores were almost rained out, but a few braved the rain and a few of us utilized the gas stove.... Gooey smores were enjoyed by all.

The cabin sleeps 10 and we are a group of 9 this evening, with every bed full.

I know there is a comment to make about it being "just right", but I'm not feeling that clever right now. I will give it a shot later.

A few days away....

We are off on our first adventure of the summer.

We have the next four days in a cabin near Mt. Rainier. For years, I have had the "Three Bears Lodge" bookmarked as a place I wanted to go... And we are going!

We left home at a reasonable time to get to our destination at a respectable hour... But then we needed dinner - Of course. And at that point realized we forgot something rather important, so back we went. And.... Take two.

We arrived rather late, but still wanted to explore. The cabin is homey and well stocked. Very comfortable.

Making up the trundle bed in the loft bedroom

view of living room from loft

The first night will just be our little band of four, but soon we will have guests.

Hot Chocolate 5K

 Chocolate made us do it! 

We made a weekend out of this race and stayed in Seattle close to the race location.
The Maxwell Hotel was our home for the weekend and it was a treat!

tile pineapple in the lobby floor

check in area

Espresso stand for early mornings 

Our room was a great size for our group - two queen beds and a sofa bed... so the kids each got a bed. The room was fun and comfy, and we could see the Needle from the room!

Our view of the Space Needle

Room from the window

room from entry area

fun mirror in entry - Hi! 

Tommy Bahama bath products - smelled great

Kids discovering the mirror has a built in light! 

Once the room was explored it was time to go to Packet Pick-Up! And get our bib numbers and "Goodie Bags". 

Just to note: Hotel has CRAZY good mini pineapple cupcakes in the lobby each afternoon.
Are you sensing a Pineapple theme here? 

Our "Goodie Bags" 

And an extra T-Shirt for good measure :) 

For dinner we had room service pizza and pasta from The Rock, which is connected to the hotel. And while the little lady did some homework our young man used his ipad. 

Bedtime was early as the race start time is EARLY!!!! The 5K starts at 6:45 am! Ugh. 

So the little lady and I got up early - before the sun and headed out with the crowds to get our chocolate. 

We are ready! 

And so is everyone else :) 

staying warm while we wait for our corral to start

Nice view while we inch towards the starting line

We can see it now! Here we go!!

Almost to mile 2... entering the Battery St. Tunnel

Taa Daa! We did it - Time for Chocolate! 

My official taste tester says the marsh-mellows in chocolate fondue is good 

Close up on Finisher's Mug

Yes, I drank the Hot Chocolate first! 

 After the race we returned to the hotel for a real breakfast... 'cause you need real food to go with your chocolate for breakfast!
We rested a bit and got ready for the rest of our day in Seattle.

Next stop: the Science Center. We saw the Imax, Jouney to the South Pacific in 3D.
And had a little time to explore.

Exploring the Well Body exhibit 

After the movie, it was time for lunch, which was just a monorail ride away :)

We took the monorail to Westlake Center and ate at P.F. Chang's. 

Then it was back towards the hotel. 

We hit the small but quiet hotel pool before dinner.

The towels reminded  me of Pineapple :) 

We stayed two nights and it was lots of fun. We all hope to stay at the Maxwell again.
Location is great for Seattle Center based events.