The Blanding Family

Holi Paint Wars

Our Young Men's and Women's have an annual August activity that we hope we never miss. You wear your whitest clothing and do your best to come home white: NOT! 

Long Beach,

Our annual trip to the coast saw us back at Long Beach, camping, eating and playing. Because there was a burn ban on for most of the summer, the family reunion that was supposed to happen near the end of the week was moved to Ridgefield, but we still spent the first part of the week at Long Beach. We flew some kites, watch masters fly their kites, caught kites, ate dutch oven master pieces, rode bikes, played on the beach, ate s'mores, told stories around the camp fire (burn ban lifted)  and almost get blown away by the wind.  

50 Miles or Bust

Chris and Matt had a great opportunity to hike 50 miles through the Olympic National Park. They started in the north east corner of the park and followed the Elwa River over the Low Divide in five days. On the last day they decided to hike the remaining 16 miles out. That day happened to be matt's 16th birthday, so he likes to say, "I hiked 16 miles on my 16th birthday."  No pictures of the boys this month. 

Blanding Family Reunion

After our trip to Long Beach we headed on over to Mayno's home in Ridgefield and spent a few days with Steve's family.  It was great seeing all the siblings again. There were a few missing cousins, but it was great to visit with those who were there.  Even two of Steve's cousins made it with their dad, Uncle Curt. 

On one day we went and hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls.  I don't think I have done that in 30 years! It was so beautiful.  

Birthdays!

August is Matt's and Jessie's birthday. Matt turned 16 and went on his first date and Jessie is now 13! Boy how time flies.  They really , really wanted archery equipment so they got it.