Winter at the beach

My mom and her husband rented a house at the beach just after Christmas. We've never been to the coast in Winter and it was AMAZING!! We spent the days cozied up walking the beach, playing in the tall grass, watching the storms roll in, and sipping hot drinks while enjoying the view. We loved it and can't wait to go back again. 

The sun was a welcome sight. Storms would roll in and it would pour rain and then it would clear up again. 

It was cold but with hats and warm coats we were nice a toasty. 

Braver souls (kids) could get away with just a hoodie. 

These two had more fun than anyone else. Cousins! They each got new American Girl Dolls for Christmas and they played, and played dolls. They would occasionally go outside to play on the beach but then right back inside to the dolls. 

We loved watching this stump. As the tide came in and out the stump remained. Every kid...big kids too...climbed it. 

Grandpa loves the beach too. 

There were trails all throughout the beach grass. The kids had a blast running and playing. 

Dogs love the beach too. 

We enjoyed yummy food and fun drinks. And lots of great family time. 

Time with Nana and Bumpa was the best!!

This family loves the beach. 

Train Ride

There is an old steamer train scenic ride that goes along the coast near the beach where we stay. We hadn't been on the train for many years....since HERE. Look how tiny those kids are!

We decided to do the train ride again this year. We had a great time.

You'll notice here that the windows open and the scenery is beautiful. The train moves really slowly so you can take in all the views. When we boarded the train the kids excitedly sat down and began to open the widow. The man in the seat behind George rudely told the boys to shut the window, that he had just closed it because he and his wife didn't want to have the wind on them. The kids were really taken aback. I had the boys keep the window down until we pulled away. I gave them the okay to open it up. My philosophy is that we paid for those seats and we can choose to have our window open. The Mama Bear in me was ready to be assertive for my kids' vacation pleasure. George was nervous that he'd be scolded again but eventually he relaxed and enjoyed the views and breeze. 

Moses too.

Cam's Birthday

Cam was lucky and got to celebrate his birthday at the coast. We went out for a fun lunch to celebrate. Cheers! 48 years young!

Then we headed to our favorite dune for our yearly climb. This year we had a new twist. Usually everyone climbs to the top and Tuba sits down about half way up. But, this year he kept trekking!! It was so cool! It's a long, steep slope and it was hard for him. Cam helped him and we all encouraged him. Go Tuba!

The trek was harder this time because the wind was blowing like crazy. There was sand flying so hard it stings your skin. 

But, small treasures were found along the way. 

And Tuba made it to the top! I wanted a victory photo and what I got was a pic of him asking for water. Ha! 

The view on the other side is beautiful. You only get to see it if you make the climb!

Victory for us too! It's only my second year going all the way to the top. 

This is what we accomplished. Tuba and I climbed up once but Cam and the other kids went up and down like billy goats. 

The best part is running down the dune. Ready, set, go!

Look at those big kids and fun hubby. I'm so lucky! 

Happy Birthday to you Cam! Thank you for being the hard working, loving, energetic, smart, funny, devoted man that you are. 

Wetsuits and Boogie Boards

The best part of our vacation this year was the time spent in the ocean. After last year's boogie boarding experience I knew I wanted to be ready with my own gear. Cam bought me everything to stay warm and a cool boogie board of my own. The kids also got lots of gear over the course of the year. We were set! On the OR coast you need a full wetsuit, boots and gloves to keep warm. 

Sis wasn't sure about going all the way into the waves but a wetsuit is good for keeping warm in the little surf too....and while doing cartwheels. 

I bought Cam a full hood so the top of his head and back of neck would be protected from the sun. 

It was so fun to suit up and head down to the waves as a family. Tuba was plenty happy to stand in the sand and watch us ride the waves. 

After we were done we loved the outdoor (heated) shower to rinse off.

Cam and I stayed in the water longer than the kids. I think it's the benefit of being older (and having more fat). We stayed warmer! We were addicted to the waves and loved being out there together. The kids would get cold after about an hour and bail out one at a time. They'd head up to the house to shower and Cam and I would keep going. 

George was a maniac. He is a good swimmer but it made me feel better for him to be in a life vest. He would be out in the waves with us. Considering the height difference he was so brave! The waves coming at us that were above our heads were WAY above his head. 

Look at these surfer studs! Oh my, how handsome. 

The ocean is calling to me as I write this. We miss it! The way the water feels and sounds, the color of it, the taste of salt and the smell are just magical. And the thrill of riding a wave as it propels you toward the beach. So wonderful! 

Mama and Papa Relax

The best part about vacation is that it's about the only time of year I totally relax. I don't know what time/day it is...and it doesn't matter.

We get to hang out all day long with our kids, eat snacks, and take in the view.

Like I said before we work out every morning on the beach. It's so beautiful!

I love to sit on the deck no matter what the weather is doing...but of course the sunshine is the best! Pjs, sunglasses, magazines and a dog. The best!

Or I perch myself on the sand and watch the kids boogie board with Cam...and soak up some sun.

Cam's had skin cancer so he is good about covering up all of his skin. This is his fave outfit. We all tease him but seriously what can we say since we all wear pjs on the beach. 

We love to walk long walks on the beach...really it's me that loves it but Cam goes along with it.

I don't even know what this is...or when it happened on our vacation. But, there it was in the photos. This about sums up how much Cam loves vacation. 

And that's a wrap. Whew! What a fun time we had. I want to go again soon. 

Tuba's Beach Faves

The ocean speaks Tuba's language. He could sit and look at the waves all day. He loves to wade in and dance in the ocean. 

You're never too big to sit on your dad's lap and snuggle. 

Tuba didn't climb the whole dune but he did go up further than last year. He had a good run down. 

Sitting on the deck...no matter how cold or windy is a fav of Tuba. Blankets, hoodies and dogs to keep us warm. And pjs of course!

What a beautiful boy!

Here he is dancing his ocean dance and cheering the boys on as the boogie board. In case you wonder why he doesn't boogie board. He do not want to try it. Emphatically!

Other vacation faves of Tuba....slumber party style sleeping with the boys, huge fires in the fireplace and chips with every meal!