Hales Family Reunion Day 3 - Sol Duc

After leaving beautiful Lake Crescent, we drove about a half hour deeper into Olympic National Park to the Sol Duc Resort at Sol Duc Hot Springs.

 We checked in our cute cabins nestled in this beautiful valley. 

First stop:  The hot pools.  There was a regular swimming pool, and then three different hot pools at varying temperatures (and a slight sulfur smell).  They felt wonderful! 

We hadn't been there very long when William slipped jumping into the pool and cut open the back of his head.  I was so glad David was along with some supplies to get him all taken care of.

A few staples and he was as good as new.  Sarah was the shining star helper of the day--she didn't panic at all that blood and helped to hold his head still while he got his staples, all the while telling him a story and keeping him happy. 

 Later that night we celebrated Danielle's birthday

 and hung out together.  David loved holding these little ones. 

The next morning we did some hiking.  Our first hike was a short half-mile nature walk through an old growth forest. 

 Then we went on a longer hike to Sol Duc Falls. 

Sol Duc Falls were spectacular--much better in person than these pictures show.  The falls were huge and roaring and powerful. 

Girl Cousins!

 Rachel loved getting the spray from the falls.

 The boys joined in as well.

 We got some cute family photos in the amazing scenery.

 This section of the falls was on the cover of National Geographic not that long ago I was told.

 After the hiking, we were glad to get back into those hot pools to soak again. 

 The kids had so much fun swimming.

 William learned to be more careful getting into the pool.

The next morning we had breakfast and packed up.  Time to go home!  Some of the family stopped in Seattle to see the King Tut exhibit on their way home.

It was such a great reunion!  Thanks to everyone who came so far and sacrificed so much so that we could be together.  I love my family!