Sunshine, Ocean Waves, Family

What a great weekend! It took us a while to pack up everything we needed for our ocean beach get-away but we were able to leave the house before our 5:30 target and we made great time, arriving by 8 o'clock that night. Our three grandkiddos were standing on the upper deck, cheering as we pulled into the driveway. The house we stayed in was originally owned by the child star, Darla, from Little Rascals-Our Gang Comedy. It has passed through a variety of family members and is now owned by someone living in the Tacoma area. The house is quite mid-century modern, very open and comfortable. Someone had the brilliant idea of adding on a sun-room that completely opens the view on three sides. Gorgeous!

We played on the beach for a long time on Saturday, and ultimately, got hit by a big ole sneaker - a series of small waves that joined together to be bigger and faster than we expected. I had Sierra by the hand, running with her toward shore, when I realized that I'd better pick her up or she was going to be washed over. I grabbed her into my arms, still truckin' when T reached for her. I was glad to hand her over as my stability in the water, while looking down at its movement, is not the best. Sierra was pretty wet and not a bit happy! Both T and I had water cascade over our boots so it was time to walk back home. We were heading toward the trail when T spotted a kelp whip and began to play with it. Kayla wanted a turn and did well. Then Colton got a hold of it. In the process of whipping sideways, he nailed his face and ear. Not a good move. We held the sobbing boy for a while so he could regain control. A short walk later, clothes changed and in the washer, we all relaxed and played and snoozed the day away. That evening, we insisted that our son take his wife out to dinner for her birthday while we babysat the kids. They had a great evening and we played table games and watched cartoons most of the evening with the three adorables plus their dog, Scout.

After packing up and cleaning a bit, we left Sunday around 11, headed to Cape Disappointment. We decided against hiking up to the lighthouse as the trail was muddy as well as rated difficult. We chose to hike up to the interpretive center and the ruins of Ft. Canby instead. That was a smart choice. All three kids were beat! Sierra didn't think she could make it back to the car, walking down a paved path. We said our good-byes in the parking lot and headed home.

We have told ourselves repeatedly that we need to get away like this more often, but somehow it just doesn't happen. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We simply must take the time to enjoy it.