Camping Brown Style

A family camping trip was on the list for this summer and we decided to head up to Washington to visit the beauty of Mt. Rainier.  We found a great camping spot in the park along the Ohanapicosh (spelling) River and stayed there for 2 nights. 

Elliot getting dirty from the very beginning
Excited about the tent

Playing by the river at camp
More river fun
Our little beach

When we weren't at camp, we were hitting the trails every chance we got.  There were a number of family hikes that Elliot could keep up with so we stuck with those.
Miles wearing my shades in the backpack
Checking out the huge roots of this tree

Loops around the cedar
Shadow fun
Only one person across this bridge at at a time.

Evenings at camp were spent around the fire, smores and small hikes around the camp sites.  There were river trails and a trail leading to some hot springs.
Miles discovered the lantern.
Yum... smores!!

When visiting the visitors center near our campsite, Elliot discovered he could become a Jr. Park Ranger.  He was ecstatic.  Elliot needed to complete his Jr. Park Ranger Activity Book and attend a class.  That is all he talked about the rest of the day.
Working hard on his book at camp.
Miles helping by keeping camp safe.
Participating at class.
Ranger Bev handing Elliot his certificate and badge.
Officially a Jr. Park Ranger!!
Check out his badge.  He wore it proud every day -     especially on hikes!

Mt. Rainier was more spectacular than I had imagined.  It's size and beauty was breathtaking. We spent a good long day hiking around the mountains flowered meadows while staring at its glaciers and snow packed peaks.
Da Browns
Da Bros'
Mt. Rainier 
Meadows at the Mt.
A wildflower
In route... we stuck to some easier hikes so Elliot could walk.  This particular one was a 2 mile loop to a spectacular view of a glacier.  Some uphill, but Elliot did awesome.
Elliot proud of his badge.  He was constantly making note of it and wanted to let people know not to pick the flowers, litter or get off the marked trails.  At one point he stopped to listen to a guided talk by a fellow "park ranger" and was flashing his pin.  This ranger did not notice him or his pin and he was confused as to why she didn't.  He took his title of Jr. park Ranger very seriously.
More wildflowers
A funky/hairy one
Chilling out after a long day of hiking.  During the hike, Elliot stopped periodically to check off wildflowers we saw along the way.  We had a great time, despite some stress w/the little ones and look forward to more Brown family camping in the future.