Fall Evening at Black Lake

 I love early fall in Washington. I always thought it was a shame that school started at the beginning of September, because September is one of the nicest months around here and much of October is as well. We call it an "Indian Summer." Warm, sunny days. Very little rain, if any at all. Just a touch of coolness at times to remind one that fall is here. And occasionally some down-right hot days. Last week we had one of those hot days and since the kids had been wanting to go back to Black Lake ever since we meet our Oregon cousins there, we decided to take advantage of it in case it might be our last chance. After naps, I packed a picnic dinner and got the kids in their swimsuits and we headed off.

Other than one friendly middle-aged couple, we had the whole park to ourselves. The kids had so much fun playing in the sand along the waterfront. Abby was the only one to really go swimming, but the boys had their own kind of fun with the water.

I'll never forget the moment when Benny looked up from playing in the sand and randomly called out to me, "I love you, Mama!" Little Jake was right next to him and then he said, clear as can be, "I wuv oo, Mama!" Soooo precious! Jake has said that a couple of times before but only at my prodding and not very clearly, so it was extra special to hear him say it all on his own. A very sweet moment.

We stayed until dusk and got to see a lovely sunset before heading back home to a bubble bath. It was one of those "perfect" outings. Just my little ones and me, everything going smoothly, and a very memorable and special time.