Alex hiked to Camp Muir in August

In August, Alex joined his friends' scout troop on a backing trip to base camp on Mt. Rainer.  It was a grueling hike, most of the way was straight up, on ice and snow.   They stayed overnight, which meant hauling a 35 pound pack up the trail as well.  He had a wonderful time, and came home smelly, tired, and thrilled that he had accomplished something so difficult.  I am so proud of him and his tenacity.  At 12 years old, he continues to inspire me to try new things, and to never give up on the things that you feel passionate about.  He has great friends, and some seriously amazing adults in his life that make these adventures possible.  It was a hard decision for him to quit the scouting program this summer, and I will be forever grateful that he still gets these opportunities (that he can now do "just for fun" instead of the stress he was feeling about all the paper work and red tape involved in the scouting program).  And seriously, you cannot beat these views.  What an amazing adventure.