We were able to finally make it to Hurricane Ridge ✨The trail has eluded us for a few trips due to closures. The drive up was beautiful .The parking lot was quickly filling so once we parked , we geared up and set out on the trail . There were already several groups of snowshoers on the trail so plan to go early .
The trail was absolutely beautiful! Trees covered in snow and really perfect conditions when we started. After we let the more popular turnaround point to continue to the summit , the snow became softer and was harder to navigate with just spikes so we changed to snowshoes.The snow became less packed and even with snowshoes there was still some post holeing making it difficult to climb . The path was also getting hard to see because the snow was covering tracks and even with navigation it was difficult. With white out conditions, we turned around about 1/2 mile from summit . Sometimes knowing when to turn around is one of the hardest decisions when you are so close .
Trail Stats ⬇️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📍 Hurricane Ridge 🧭 Deming , Wa 🥾 3.4 miles RT ( we came in at 4.58 ) 🏔️ 826 ft elevation gain ( we gained 758 ) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
Hurricane Ridge is in avalanche terrain, so it is best to check the NWAC avalanche forecast before venturing out (updated every night at 6pm).
Check out our Snowshoe at Artist Point ~ Mt. Baker ⬇️
We recently had an overnight at a Mt. Rainier Hut and so I knew I wanted some coffee for our stay . I picked this up at REI and I was so impressed with it! First of all , how can you not love the name basecamp when you are doing an outdoor mountain adventure? . As soon as we made it to the hut and after getting settled , I made a cup of coffee. It was so good! There is something about being on top of the mountain in a hut with a cup of hot coffee in hand. My friend and I headed out to the deck to enjoy as our littles played in the snow and we savored each drop with the beautiful background.
I really love the design and functionality of the coffee. Each filter fits into your cup and you tear the top off then pour hot water . Delish! Perfect pour over ☕️ It is perfect for outdoor adventures and officially added to my hiking gear .
A Fifth of the Story was our February Bookclub pick .It is a CIA thriller that tackles current social ideology and terriosm on the home front. I really loved how the author intertwined how it can affect more then one side of the battle and how our enemies are often not who we think they are .
Brock, one of the main characters, sees the bonds of brotherhood, friendships and loyalty tested .He quickly realizes the war he has fought is now on his home front. The book is filled with action and our whole book club agreed this could be made for tv .
It is a debut novel by Katherine Hutchison-Hayes that was nominated and a finalist in the First Novel category of the 2024 Christy Awards.
A huge thank you to the author for doing a zoom with our bookclub ❤️This was such an amazing gift and gave us a behind the scenes glimpse into the writing as well as the characters. Katherine was so authentic and real in our conversation of how the characters of the book came to be that it gave the whole story an incredible amount of depth that weaved it all together in a beautiful testimony of grace, perseverance and love.
1. Character Dynamics: How does Brock O’Reilly’s relationship with Andrew Pang and Matthew Shuggs evolve throughout the novel? What key events influence these changes?
2. Themes of Betrayal: The revelation of Matthew Shuggs’ true allegiance is pivotal. Were there subtle hints leading up to this twist? How did this betrayal impact your perception of the story?
3. Moral Dilemmas: Brock faces numerous ethical challenges in his quest to uncover the mole. How do his decisions reflect the broader moral questions posed by the novel?
4. Role of Patti Pang: Patti Pang’s strained marriage with Andrew adds depth to the narrative. How does their relationship influence the story’s progression and the decisions of the main characters?
5. Leadership and Trust: Dr. Harper, as the CIA Director, plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. How does her leadership style affect the team’s dynamics and the story’s outcome?
6. Race Against Time: The novel’s pacing intensifies as Brock races to identify the intelligence breach. How does the author build suspense, and what techniques are used to convey the urgency of Brock’s mission?
7. Exploration of Extremism: Matthew Shuggs’ involvement in a white supremacy organization introduces complex themes. How does the novel address the issue of extremism, and what commentary does it offer on such ideologies?
8. Setting as a Character: The various locations in the novel, from CIA headquarters to clandestine meeting spots, play significant roles. How do these settings enhance the story’s atmosphere and tension?
9. Title Significance: Reflect on the title, A Fifth of the Story. In what ways does it encapsulate the novel’s central themes or plot twists?
10. Personal Reflections: Considering the novel’s exploration of trust, loyalty, and deception, how did it resonate with your own experiences or beliefs? Were there moments that challenged your perspectives? These questions aim to foster a deep and engaging discussion about the intricate layers of A Fifth of the Story.
Bonus questions: Food plays a vital role in A Fifth of the Story. What were your favorite meals? Which ones would you want to get a recipe for to try for yourself?
Oh the beauty of Mt. Baker! Artist Point was our first snowshoe of the season and we couldn’t have picked a better place to go. You get endless views of the North Cascade peaks ,as well as stunning views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.Two of the most beautiful mountains in Washington State.
It is also on the ski area boundary for Mt. Baker so as you climb up one of the steep sections you will see skiers and snowboarders a few feet from you .. this was actually pretty awesome!
Trail Stats ⬇️
📍 Heather Meadows and Artists Point Trail 🧭 Deming , Wa 🥾 3.2 miles RT ( we came in at 3.99) 🏔️ 872 ft elevation gain ( we gained 959) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple . Artist Point is in avalanche terrain, so it is best to check the NWAC avalanche forecast before venturing out (updated every night at 6pm).
Check out how cute these Valentine love tickets are❤️
They are the perfect gift and guess what? They are free! You just need to follow our blog or follow us on Instagram @redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures ,then like this post and comment ❤️ below and I will send your free printable to you. Super easy and your Valentines gift is already done! Yay!!
They are great to tuck into a card or a box of chocolates ❤️ You can use all of them or just a few.. My favorite is the outdoor adventure one… hmmm .. maybe I’ll print 12 of those and have one for each month? How fun would that be!
I originally posted this back in 2021 and we still love these little mailboxes ❤️ . They are one of our favorite Valentine’s traditions. We put little treats or notes leading up to Valentine’s in them . They create excitement in sharing and showing love to each other . . We are also still loving how these wool balls from @strandcreativeco they add a whimsical touch to our fireplace mantle and look great with our mailboxes💜They are still in great shape and definitely a favorite . . Do you have any Valentines traditions? Share them below. I’d love to hear!
One of my favorite gifts this year ❤️ . It has several things that I love . Prayer prompts for every day of each month, list of those I’m praying for , things I’ve learned this month , a place to record favorite passages, spiritual and personal goals ,answered prayers and what I’ve learned this month. It’s a great way to document my prayer life and see how God is moving over the year . . One of my favorite things to do is to look back and see how God has answered prayer request that sometimes are months or years in the making. . Do you use a prayer journal? I would love to hear what you use .. and If so, what’s your favorite thing about it?Drop a comment below ⬇️
What amazing wisdom in these words spoken so many years ago. I am continually learning the power in prayer . So many things in our daily life that we have no control over like schedule changes, extra work handed to us, last minute school projects,attitudes of others,and the list goes on . . What we can control is our reaction to those things.Prayer has been a comfort to me . Knowing that I am praying over how things will go , inviting God to go before me in situations,asking God to be with a loved one or friend who has not been kind, asking God to shut doors that are not His best and so many more . . Praying has giving me a perspective to see the situation from different angles and to put on humility, compassion and empathy when I otherwise want to fix it or make it better in my own way and trust me that never seems to work out.. anyone else? . When I pray I’m able to take what ever is coming or causing stress and lay it at the feet of God . That doesn’t mean it goes away but it does mean I lay it down and I don’t pick it back up. I trust God with whatever is next knowing I have given it to him and I am fully submitting to his will in the next steps. . What are your thoughts on prayer? Share in comments below. I would love to hear!
Having an inviting table doesn’t have to be super fancy . You can take a few things to make a beautiful setting that is practical and inviting. . The memories , conversations , plans, school work and sharing of life that happens around a table is immeasurable. It is essentially the hub of a home. A place to gather , cry , work out life and laugh ❤️ . I do wonder if every grain in the wood of this table could contain all of it. Would the grain lines of the wood be darker when there were years scorched by fire or hardships ,would the grain have lines wider in years being well watered and flourishing in love or have thinner lines in years of drought ? Interesting to think about what it would hold. . What ever season you are in , remember it’s just that a season. Take time to enjoy your family or a friend around your table. Invite them to linger and stay a little bit longer. Savor the grain lines that are forming 🍁
“she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Proverbs 6:8 ESV
