Washington

We got back on Sunday from a perfect family vacation to our favorite place on earth. It was a long two days in the van, but worth every mile. We left home early Friday morning and made it to Missoula, Montana the first night. Another full day of driving brought us to Birch Bay and some of our favorite people on earth, who gave us the best welcome ever:

We got straight to the business of catching up with our best friends.

Garreth and Jefferson.

Declan and Emmett jumping naked in the rain.

Josie and Sam making a fresh salad with veggies from the garden.

Grace was ecstatic to be back with her BFF, also named Grace; and their friend Ari and her little sister Zoe wasted no time in coming down to hang out with Grace R.! We spent that night with the Livingstons, then got up early to make it to church in our old ward. It was great to see so many people we love, and the kids were in heaven being back in their old Primary. After Sunday dinner with the Livingstons, we headed over to the state park to set up camp.

Birch Bay State Park might just be the most beautiful place to camp ever. Waking up every morning in that fresh, yummy-smelling forest was seriously good for the soul.

Boys at breakfast.

We picked this particular site and booked it way back in January just for this tree, which is the perfect rope swing tree. When we lived there, we spent many Sundays riding our bikes to our spot and setting up our swing. It was awesome to return.

It was also a happy day when we returned to our element, the beach.

The state park beach:

Hiking to the beach at Point Whitehorn:

On Monday night, we went to dinner at some more friends' house.

Grace and Georgy.

Sam and Becky.

Me and Sarah. Don't judge, I was camping. Plus, anybody looks bad standing next to Sarah. She is gorgeous. And also one of the best cooks ever.