Professional Adventurers
If you ask Brody what he wants to be when he grows up he will tell you a
"Professional Adventurer"
He "has seen every Bear Grylls episode and already knows what to do, in fact I (he) would work harder to find better food"

Today our family went on our first big outdoor adventure together. The kids are finally old enough that they can walk for a good distance without having to be held- aside from Hudson who Rex carries in a backpack.

Don't let the picture fool you, I only had the back pack for about 100 yards. I couldn't get it to fit right.

We went to the Ape Caves near the base of Mt. St. Helens. The Ape Caves were named after a group of tour guides that ran tours through the lava tunnel beneath the earth. There are no apes there!
It is dark and cold and damp like most caves are, and the kids had a great time.

The trail head is closed to cars this time of year, so we had to park below and hike up the hill about a mile to get to the actual caves.

We ate lunch underneath the overhang in front of the Ranger station at the top to get a break from the rain.

After lunch we headed into the cave. We did not all have lights, but the kids did well. Maggie was scared initially, but once she got down there, and was able to walk with her daddy she did great. We made it about half was through and turned around. There is only so much walking one little princess can take -and no I am not referring to myself for all those people reading who know how outdoorsy I am!

We explored a few trails and then headed back to the car.
It was cold, it was raining cats and dogs, and we were in the middle of nowhere and...

we had a great time!!!!!