There's a New Driver in the House!

A few months back I saw a post on FB about a Summer Drivers Ed class. I didn't know if Anthony was going to be old enough, because I don't know the rules for how things go here in WA, but I soon learned that the age requirement was 15, and it just so happened that Anthony would be 15 by the cut off date. So it all worked out perfect and I was able to get him on the list! Furthermore, I learned that because he was taking this class, he could actually get his permit right now! Before he even completed the class! 

Boy was he excited about that! It just took a little bit of paper work, and voila! Permit in hand! 

Anthony has actually been driving for some time now. Since we live way out in the country, it's quite normal to have him drive down to the mailboxes or to the neighbor's house, which are both about a mile away. He's been doing that for about 2 years. Then, every once in a while, over the past year, we've allowed him to drive home from the bus stop, which is about 3 miles away. So he's gotten in a fair amount of driving practice already, which has been nice for building up his confidence and driving knowledge. 

He has now had his permit for 10 days, and I know he totally feels like a badass whipping it out of his wallet, haha! He has also completed his first week of Drivers Ed. The class started on July 25th, and will run until August 24th. He goes 3 days a week, for 2 hours each day, with additional days added here or there for driving with his instructor. His first driving day with his instructor is tomorrow morning! He's pretty excited about that. 

Now that he has his permit, he can drive wherever as long as he has Sam or I in the car with him. And you better believe he is taking advantage of that! He loves to drive to town whenever he gets the chance, which is almost 20 miles! He's also driven around town a few times so far, though doing so makes him a bit nervous still. He's doing really well and we are so proud of him! I am really enjoying riding along with him and giving him instruction, tips, and insights as we go along.  He truly is a conscientious driver. It's awesome. I look forward to watching him progress! 

It's so hard to believe that I'm old enough to have a teen driver. It's crazy. 

Keep up the great work, Anth! We are very proud of you! 

With love, 

Mama Hauck 

Timothy Lake Camping, July 21st-24th

We had the most pleasant camping trip to Timothy Lake this past weekend! This go-around, Molly decided she wanted to stay home with Gma Cathy to watch the animals and hold down the fort. We also didn't have any friends join us this time, so it was just Sammy and I with the boys.  

We stayed in a spot we've stayed in many times before, # 19. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! The past few summers, we've gotten the short end of the stick warm weather wise, but this trip it was in the 80's each day. Perfect for water fun and sitting around without feeling chilly! 

After we set up camp, like always, we headed right down to the water. Timothy kayaked around, Anthony went fishing, and Sam and I enjoyed the views. The boys got a kick out of a little family of ducklings that came up to investigate us. Anthony hand fed them noodles, hahaha, and it was the cutest thing. 

At the end of the day, we enjoyed a nice roaring fire, provided by Anthony, and then a beautiful sunset on my favorite lake. 

Friday morning was perfect. Breakfast burritos by the fire definitely hit the spot. After breakfast we took a little drive to Government Camp to check out a few shops and walk around. We'd done that once before, years ago, so it was nice to get out and do that again. From there we toured a few of the other camp grounds in the area, just to see what all was out there. Pine Point Timothy Lake will forever be my favorite, that's for sure. 

Once back at camp, we wasted no time getting in the water. We all did a lot of kayaking, and Papa and Tim did a lot of swimming. I'm more of a lounger as opposed to a swimmer, and can only take the sun in small doses or I start to wilt and feel ill. As it was, even with all my precautions, I wound up getting a nasty heat rash all over my torso. Ugh! I still have it! So that wasn't fun. But hanging by the water watching my babies have a good time was sooo nice. And I really enjoy kayaking with Sam and the kids. It's always a good time, with good views. 

Later that day, Sam and I ditched the boys and went on a couple mile hike just ourselves. It was nice to get that alone time, since we rarely get to. 

That evening, while Papa and Anthony hung out reading, Timothy and I shared some time together in the tent. Then Timothy provided us with our camp fire for the evening! We had dinner, Timothy showed off his ghillie suit he got for his birthday, then the boys enjoyed a bit more water fun before calling it a day. 

Saturday we loaded up first thing in the morning and drove to Little Crater Lake, a place we've been many times before, to take in the beauty of the lake and connect to part of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Timothy Lake Trail. We had such an amazing time! Ohhh it was so beautiful out! I truly am the happiest when out hiking in the woods with my family. There is no better feeling. It was divine! I wait all year just to be able to go on hikes like this. I wish we could do it more often. I'd like to come up for the day during the fall. That would be amazing. 

The rest of the day we spent at the water swimming and kayaking, and at camp just hanging out and relaxing. Hot dogs and smores were on the menu, and they were mighty tasty! 

Sunday morning always comes too fast. We ate breakfast, packed up camp, got a few photos, and as tradition calls for.....said goodbye to the lake. This was our only planned camping trip for Timothy Lake this year. Usually we try to camp at Timothy Lake twice a year, but booking has become extremely difficult, we're lucky we even got to go once. We're thankful for any chance we get to go to one of my favorite places! 

With love,

Mama Hauck