Annual Beach Trip 2018

Whew!  

We are freshly home {and unpacked, and laundered!} 

from our annual beach trip with Nana and Gramps.

It was a super quick trip this time, because life = BUSY.

But we had so so much fun!

We started the trip with a stop at Camp 18 :

For IQ games and yummy food.

And, of course, our traditional photo out front.

It was overcast, and a little chilly, but that didn't stop us from

walking the boardwalk.

There were thousands and thousands of these blue, jelly-fish-looking thingamajigs 

all over the beach.

So, obviously I googled it, and they are called: Velella Velella.

They wash up by the billions each Spring along the Oregon Coast.

They are just beautiful!

After a stroll we headed to Funland to play some games.

Then more beach combing,

Swinging,

And modeling ;)

We decided to come home a bit early to get a jump start on a busy weekend, 

but what fun we had!

Annual Beach Trip - Take 1

Our annual beach trip to Seaside was postponed a couple of months this year. With two big trips within weeks of each other starting our 2017, we thought it best to wait a bit before hitting the road again. 

Plus- we were secretly hoping that Oregon would get its weather act together by April, and dry out a bit! 

No such luck, really, but that's okay! 

We had a fabulous time anyway.

Our first day started with lunch at Camp 18, and then we hurried on down to the beach for some splashing before the rains came.

The little girls managed to stay relatively dry for all of two minutes...

Before the waves became too hard to resist.

Sissy and Daddy <3

It was the perfect first day, packing it all in... before the rains came on day 2...

 

 Hugs,

Liz
 

 

 

To The Beach We Go!

 Last weekend, we headed to the beach for another fun trip! 

In the words of Jeremy's friend: "You guys should just buy a beach house, you're there so often!"
And we kinda are.  I love the beach so much.  I just feel at peace there.

But this trip was different.
A little extra special.

It was a gift to Jeremy's grandparents ~ a weekend at the beach with EVERYONE.

I'm going to be real: I was a little nervous.
I struggle with anxiety just leaving the house.
Car trips of any kind leave me with all sorts of stomach issues.
Add to that 29 people in one beach house for the weekend . . . I was nervous.
That Tay would throw up the entire drive there
{this happens often, so not a completely ridiculous fear}
That I would forget something.
That the meal I was in charge of was going to suck.
And all of the ridiculous things I fear every day.

But, set out we did!

We had games and activities for the car prepped,

 

Kindles charged,

 

And we got to stop for a buffet-lunch at a restaurant over-looking the ocean!
Score!

 

We even got to stop at a light house to grab a few photos.

 

 

 

 

 

Then we settled in.

 

 

 

Explored some amazing tide pools:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And got some fun beach time with all the cousins.

   

 

We ate meals together,

played games,

colored eggs,

made crafts,

stayed up WAAAAAAY past our bedtime.

 

 

It was one of the happiest trips we've ever had.

I'm so glad we were able to go.

 

And I realized something:

 

It is a task to get that many people together in one place, at one time.

It requires sacrifice.

It takes planning, re-arranging of schedules, working together.

But it is worth it!

Every moment was a memory made.

A precious gift to be able to spend time with those who mean so much.

Tomorrow isn't promised, so make time today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of Summer, WHAT??!

 

 

We are wrapping up Summer Break around here, and I guess that means I ought to wrap up our Summer fun on the blog too.

 

For the most part, we've had an amazing Summer. 
But we've had some rough times too.  And I am soooooo ready for Fall.

A little Summer recap:

 

 

We spent a LOT of time camping.
 

 

We got to enjoy a gorgeous view,
 

 

and cute little critters for most of the month of July.
 

 

{Sweet Sissies}
 

 

After a particularly difficult start to August, the Lord knew *just* what I needed, and some friends opened their beach home to us for several days.
 

 

I LOVE the beach.
 

 

Relaxing with my girly girls is pretty much the best therapy EVER!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we got home, it was this girl's 13th birthday.
 

 

Sigh.

The same day, my sister, niece, and nephew came up for a visit,
 

 

and for our annual trip to Enchanted Forest: 

 

 

Pretty sure the looks on their faces say it all!
 

 

 

 And now, let Fall begin!

I am ready!!