This last week you had the chance to do your first backpacking trip.  We hiked as a family to Alice Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains. We got up early Friday morning and got to the trail by about 11:00 in the morning.  The hike was a little over 6 miles, and went up quite a bit.  The river crossings where we took off our shoes made you a little nervous on the way up, but on the way down the next day, you said it was one of your favorite parts of the trip.  About half way up you asked if we could just turn around and go back, but we kept on going up.  You were such a trooper and you persisted and made it to the top!  I gave you a very loud high five, which you didn't appreciate.  I hope you were able to appreciate the beauty of the lake.  I made sure to get your favorite dehydrated meal of lasagna and we tried instant potatoes, which we enjoyed, too.  Lots of trail treats like Snickers bars, licorice, and Tillamook cheese seemed to help keep you motivated.  You got to share a tent with Papi and me (Matías and Belén were in another tent) and you brought a Boxcar Children book to read (The Camp Out Mystery).  The next morning we hiked up to Twin Lakes that was a little bit beyond Alice lake.  You and Matías discovered stone pizza - a triangular rock that you added toppings to for you and Freddy to enjoy.  Then we headed back to camp to pack up and head back down.  You seemed much more confident and happy on the way down and even had some suggestions for the next backpacking trip, so I'm hoping we have converted you to it.  

It was also a bit risky that we chose to to that trip this weekend because you and your siblings started school this last week.  So instead of letting you guys rest and get used to going back to school, we just kept you guys going.  But you all took it in stride most of the time.  So far, you seem to be happy in 3rd grade with Mrs. Pearcy.  I haven't even met her yet (Papi took you to Meet The Teacher because I was at Girls' Camp), but she seems pretty nice through what you've said and through her emails.    I hope you have a great school year!  On the first day of school you said that you still dream of owning your own bakery.:-)

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