Wamic, Oregon

Not so long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, a mother decided it was time to take a break from the nonsense of daily grind, and escape into nature. She loaded up her children (dad sadly couldn't come), called school and said they weren't coming, and headed for the far side of Mt. Hood to a little known haven called Wamic. She didn't know exactly what they would find, but was certain it wouldn't have anything to do with Primary or homework. And she anticipated the wholesome musk of horses, the cool skin of little frogs, good company of family, and nighttime skies filled with stars. They were off!

Each day was so much fun the kids crashed before their heads hit the pillows. Isaac even fell asleep on Will's hand this time.

Grandma Mikkelsen took the kids on a death-defying truck ride. They all got to pile in back.

Elizabeth and her baby Scarlett visited for a day. What fun! There's my brother Matt who snuck in the picture behind us. He's always a fun friend for my boys. This really isn't a great picture of any one of us, so I'm wondering why I included it...

Meet Norman. Big Norman.

Miriam, John (good family friend and owner of the ranch) and I went for a long ride in the wilds of Wamic. It was glorious to be on a horse again, even if his name was Norman. Above Miriam and I are parked momentarily beside a stream. Early the next day we took the kids on a long exploration of the stream and a waterfall several acres up. Miriam has those pictures though, so I'll post them when I get them. Oodles of kids, frogs, stick wars, and a snake or two. One of the boys even found a long forgotten hand scythe. Clara took that as proof that pirates had once inhabited that bend in the creek.

During our ride we came to the Cliffs of Insanity. Where's Andre the Giant when I need him? Where's anybody--my sister was no good to me...

...she was roadkill. Can you see the river and trees below? It was a breathtaking view.

Clara, meeting her brand new cousin Esme for the first time. Wish I had a better picture because it was a sweet meeting.

Isaac completely in his element. He's our star creature catcher and found something alive for nearly everybody to keep. We came back with our share of pets, almost all caught by Isaac.

L to R: Ava, Elena, Grace, Clara. That combo equals trouble!

James planting a nice slimey one! After kisses he always says, "Day doo!"

Dinner over (and in) the campfire. The kids came back completely covered in dust and soot, and since we didn't have water at night they pretty much got to sleep in it. I think that fact alone made this adventure all the better.

One of my favorite parts of our little escape was riding with Jacob. After not too much trial and error he got pretty handy with Reno and we had a wonderful time.

Riding lessons for Will. After Jake's and my ride Clara got up behind him, and Isaac took my horse. That was a rewarding moment watching my three oldest ride off on their own little adventure. It took me back to my childhood when we kids would take off on a horse and not come back until we were hungry. A child's paradise. Makes me wonder what I'm doing wasting precious time living in a neighborhood (even though I do love my house and neighborhood). Some day we'll be able to save up enough to buy a piece of land and let our kids grow up with the smell of horses and farm life.

Gracie and Baby Grey cuddle up during a truck ride back to the cabin.

A view of Wamic from a ridge on horseback. It reminded me of why fall is such a favorite season. Thank you, Mom and Miriam especially, for organizing this little trip. And thank you, Bethany, Kathryn and Lizzie, for driving all that way just to see us! And a special thank you to John, for being so gracious with your property and horses and time. Here's the link to my sister Miriam's pictures and version of events.