Swimming

Our tradition at the end of vacation is to stay half way home at this fun hotel! We love the pool! 

The weather wasn't super nice but the pool was nice and warm and the kids were excited to play. 

Sis had just finished a round of swim lessons and had told me that she could swim. I wasn't sure exactly if she could really swim. 

She assured me she could do it. She had been wearing a life vest all summer but she got into the hot tub and showed me how she could swim across it. Wow! 

So I had her get into the pool and show me again. She did it! Within 30 minutes she went from swimming along the edge to swimming across the deep end.

She was so proud to be a swimmer! 

Within an hour I convinced her that she could jump in and swim to the side. She had so much fun!

Yeah for having all the kids swimming!! 

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! 

Beach Time

It's a dog's life! Nobody enjoyed our beach vacation more than our dogs. Especially Rocket! It was a joy to watch him run on the beach. He ran like a race horse all day. He chased sticks and kids and stalked seagulls. He ran through he water and played with any dogs he met along the way. 

When he wasn't running full steam on the sand he was being spoiled by the kids. 

Or napping with Kali....on the furniture. Spoiled dogs!

He was so tired at night that we didn't make him go into his kennel. He slept with Moses on the couch. 

Kali got in lots of snuggle time with all the kids. 

Nothing better than lounging around with kids. 

Kali staying alert on the beach. 

My favorite pic of Rocket from the beach. He was digging and had sand all over his nose and lips. So funny!

Spring Break 2016

We had great weather for our Spring Break. We did another stay-cation this year. We planned fun day trips and activities. At the end of the week I was exhausted! We had a lot of fun!

Early in the week we took the kids to see Zootopia. I liked it! Really good!

Our favorite day of the week was spent taking a ferry ride and exploring our favorite island. And the weather was great!

We took in the beach while waiting for our favorite pizza place to open for lunch. The kids found lots of crabs and other sea life to look at. There was a huge eagle sitting on the beach too. Really fun to see. 

Then lunch. So yummy!

Next up we visited a huge and beautiful public garden. There were trails to walk along and take in all the blooms.

There were also trails into the woods. It was a nice mini hike.

After our hike we piled back into the van and headed off in search of ice cream cones. We found the most amazing little place in the next town. Oh those ice cream cones were good. We walked along a pair and enjoyed the views. No photos since I was licking ice cream. 

Then we made a stop at a little farm. We visited last year and we were eager to go again. There is a little hike to the top of the hill and the views are gorgeous. 

After our farm visit we weren't sure where to visit next. Cam headed down a road we had never been on just to see where it would end up. Well that was the perfect thing to do. We discovered a beach we had never been to and we loved it!!

The kids and dogs ran all over the beach and driftwood.

Tuba had some fun throwing rocks into the water. 

Along the bluff above the beach is a trail. We hiked up to the top and along the trail. The view was amazing!

I love this photo. It can be hard to get all five of them to sit still, look at the camera and smile. Perfection!

We got home close to bedtime....happy and tired. It was a really fun day!

The next day we went on a picnic bike ride. We packed up and headed for the trail. We rode 16 miles...and it was hot and sunny out. We were beat. Okay, I was beat. The littlest kids were tired and the bigger kids were fine and Cam was just getting warmed up. And don't forget he is pulling Tuba in a trailer. The man is a machine. Did I say how tired I was?! Seriously.

We took the kids to the beach the next day. We packed lots of stuff and arrived at the beach to find out it was colder than we expected. And windy. And we were under dressed. Cam and I piled all the beach towels on us as blankets. The kids played and swam. Crazy!! Plus, then we had to give them the beach towels to dry off with. Brrrrrr. I was happy to go home. 

The rest of the break we spent working in the yard, doing laundry and getting ready to go back to school/work. This pic of Kali is just about how I felt at the end of the week. 

Needless to say I was happy to have a quiet and EMPTY house on Monday morning. I love my family and we know how to have fun. And then, I like a little solitude to balance it out.