I say this every year, and every year it is true. Mt. Rainer is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We were there for our annual family camping trip. This time with 23 friends and family. Yes, we have a group camping site, and we are probably going to need two next year. But, it all works out. The kids mostly disappear into the dangerous woods and the grown-ups get to hang out.

The weather report said eighties. The drive in had snow on the road and thunderstorms. We set up camp and made a fire in the rain. When we left home I almost thought, oh we don't need the ground cloth. We overpack, it takes forever to get ready, and I'm good with that.

The rest of the trip was gorgeous. We went to Paradise as usual where the wildflowers smelled like nothing else on earth and the views of the mountain were stunning. This year we went for, what is for us, a serious hike. The skyline trail is 5.5 miles, 1,700 feet elevation gain. My kids usually do 3 miles no elevation. It took us 4.5 hours, but eight kids made it with minimal freaking out. The part where we realized we had another half mile up when we thought we had made panorama point was a challenge, but I actually found this hike easier than some in previous years. The last mile down was like a freeway. I love that so many people, especially from all over the world, want to share the wilderness, but I don't like bumping into them, and I really don't like when they step off the trail despite constant warnings not to.

The kids put on their annual show. It's actually getting bearable to watch. We made many s'mores. I slept well.