Blake Island 2017

We just wrapped up summer 2017 with our last hurrah of going camping to Blake Island.  This is hand's down one of our favorite summer traditions and I am so grateful to my brother, Chris, for always making this possible.  Although my parents had other plans this year and couldn't come, we were treated from a rare visit from Ron who actually came out after work Friday evening and spent the night with us.  This is the first time he has ever camped out on the island with us and was the first time he has been there since summer 2007 when we first moved to Washington from California.  It was so great to have him join us and to share all of our Blake Island traditions with him!
And now it's back to reality...

Although she is getting a little too tall for it, Lia still enjoyed playing on the zip line at the park.

Trenton, Lia, and Logan getting ready to go down the slide.

And down they go!

Bryce pushing Riley, Trenton, Lia, and Logan on the tire swing.

Away they go!

Trenton and Logan chasing a deer off into the woods.

Striking a silly pose for the camera.

Most of the gang enjoyed a baseball game after dinner as the sun was setting.  Here is Lia up to bat.

Lia making it safely to second base.

Mt. Rainier and the stunning sunset we were blessed to experience on Friday night.

Girl cousins:  Brynn, Vivi, Callie, and Lia.

A rare, Hartland family picture on Blake Island with the sunset and Mt. Rainier in the background.  It's always so beautiful on this island every summer!

A close-up of our family.

Best buddies:  Brynn and Ellie.

Lia, Callie, and Vivi.

Logan on a piece of driftwood with the Sound in the background.  I just couldn't get enough of taking pictures as the sun was setting!

One more family pose on a piece of driftwood.

An action shot of Logan jumping off a log.

An action shot of the girls (and Logan hidden behind Lia) jumping off another log.

The beautiful bay with a few sail boats at sunset.

On Saturday morning, Chris convinced Eric and me to join him in the absolutely insane activity of skiing on the Puget Sound.  Even with a wet suit on, my feet and hands were freezing during my time in the water both before and after skiing.  It was also a crazy feeling to water ski by a ferry and over its gigantic waves.  Needless to say, there was lots of complaining and lots of laughing, but overall, it was a classic sibling experience.  Here is Chris tearing it up with Blake Island in the background.

A shot of me skiing with the ferry in the background.

And Eric taking his turn last.  After our ski, we spent the rest of the morning playing on the island before packing up and heading to Chris' house after lunch for our annual, end-of-the-summer feast.  Although Ron went home after lunch, the kids and I spent the rest of the day at Chris' enjoying the final hours of summer with the cousins.  It sure was a glorious way to end our summer!