Summer Birthdays = Summer Camping

This was a fun and educational little Eastern Washington camping trip. I hadn't been to Sun Lakes since I was in elementary school. I had fond memories of Sun Lakes. Husband has fond memories of Blue Lake that is 2 minutes away so we thought Eastern Washington would be a win/win for us.

The weather would be perfect, we'd be with our favorite family of 6 - what can go wrong?? Uh...well, we got a late start. We left at 11:30amish because it was after all, Husband's 30th Birthday. I can't really bug him about getting up early. So, we took our time. The C6 gave Husband his birthday gift a well needed soccer bag! The one he had was from high school that's right, high school. Thank YOU, C6! He was so excited and they got me the Top Chef Cookbook - it wasn't even my birthday but Denise saw it and thought of me. THANK YOU! I am in love with that show so I read it on the way down to Sun Lakes.

We took Highway 2 which is very scenic - we had plans to stop in Leavenworth except it was crazy busy. So, we stopped by a local Safeway to potty and eat lunch...then, there was a storm. Not a little storm. A big daddy storm.

Rain and hail. Yes, hail. It just dumped on us where you could barely see out. We couldn't set up camp when we arrived in Sun Lakes and because we had so many kids and it was getting so late we thought we better find a motel before there weren't any. So, we checked Ala Cozy...yes, that was the name they were booked so we ended up at Banks Lodge near Banks Lake.

It was a quaint little place that gave us the opportunity to cook dinner, sleep and do some crafts.

We were cabin 6 and the C6 were right next door in cabin 5. We made foam s'mores and cooked Daddy his birthday dinner. Then, the locals reminded us that were close to the Grand Coulee Dam. And, there was a laser light show at 9:30pm. So, we hussled up and headed to the Grand Coulee Dam.

The kids were a bit freaked out at the vast darkness but they eventually got to see the laser show and was impressed...it probably had a bit too much history for the little ones but us and the big kids enjoyed it!


The next day, it was like it never rained. We packed up and left Banks Lodge to our campsite at Sun Lakes. We unloaded and threw on our suits.

The kids played and played. Until, Husband read a sign that talked of Swimmer's Itch. This sign was faced towards the golf course not towards where swimmer's would be walking. He called me over and I immediately yelled "GET OUT OF THE WATER!!" Yes, I am that crazy lady. We didn't think anything happened because no one showed signs...until Isa got up the next day.

We didn't have WiFi so we couldn't pin point if it was an allergic reaction to something she ate - or if she was attacked by bugs because NO ONE else had it. Then, like flies Haley, Denise and Dao got it. My other 3 never did get it but their skin is not as sensitive as my Isa's skin. How gross! She was inside the van and flies were swarming the poor girl was so tired from her Benadryl that she just let them land on her while she relaxed out of the heat.

The next day, we went to Moses Lake it was a further drive but well worth it for peace of mind of being safe in the water. The kids had a great time and even us big kids floated with them.

Then, it was time to head out. We stopped at Dry Falls to visit this amazing look out point. Dry Falls no longer carries water, but is the remnant of what was once the largest waterfall known to have existed on earth. Viewing the 3.5 miles of sheer cliffs that drop 400 feet, it is easy to imagine the roar of water pouring over them. It was BEAUTIFUL. So, what a great chance for a photo op!

All 9 kids, Haley from the C6 brought her neighbor and friend, Pj with us. She was the best little helper and was great to all of the kids.

Dry Falls!

We took I-90 back to do our Cle Elum and Ellensburg run through with the C6. We had Winegar's, visited Daddy's college stomping grounds and got pepperoni sticks + beef jerky from Owen's Meats.

I got my same Coconuttery Swirl, Nana and Madi got Bubblegum, Isa got Jacob Boo (she's such a Twi Nerd!), Dev had Minty Chip and Daddy had Yellow Church Mandarin.

Grandpa Eddie and Grandma Kim, I made him do this for you. Your baby in front of his college grounds! The C6 and our kids love coming here to see where Daddy went to college. Go, Wildcats!

The C6 were super thoughtful and brought her a Birthday Girl sash. What is the first thing she says? "Eh, blue - DD!" The girl loves Blue for one reason Cinderella. We love you, Diva.

More on her birthday in the next post! Stay tuned...