Doesn't your breath just catch a little when you see that word? Rainier watches over us. Rainier graces us with her presence. Rainier, in any weather, is the most beautiful place on earth.

This time the weather was hot and clear, so every view of the peak was stunning. We had some trouble explaining to David that we were on the mountain even if we weren't on the top of the mountain. He has decided he wants to summit when he is a grown-up.

Even with being seriously underslept (the excitement factor) every year the kids get a little more in control. I can mark five different points on the trail to Myrtle Falls where one of our kids has had a melt down. This year there were none.

Every year the kids get a little stronger. I did not have to push the stroller or carry a child this year. David hiked all the way to the falls and back. Granted, it's only half a mile, but it is uphill. Pretty soon their strength will exceed mine, but I'm hoping for a few compatible years.

Each year we let the reigns out a little more, so there were several hours this trip when the kids just scampered about next to the tents, making up their own stories. I could actually sit in the shade and read my book. That's a first.

David's favorite part of the trip was roasting marshmallows. My favorite part, beside being on holy ground of course, was my back NOT going out. Yes folks, the cot worked. It takes up a lot of space in the car and in the tent, but it's worth it.

Maybe we'll actually take more than one camping trip a year soon.