Saturday, August 14, 2010

Ocean Shore, Washington

This weekend we had planned to head out to Astoria, Oregon...home of the Goonie's movie.  Marty was desperate to do the "truffle shuffle" and find the Goonie house, while I was just desperate to leave the house.  

We had a change of plans - however - and ended up going to Ocean Shore, Washington, which was a little bit closer for us.  (Astoria is still on our list of must-see things).

The problem is we had dressed and packed a few things in preparation for hiking and walking around Astoria.  We were all in pants and sneakers and ready to go.

But wouldn't you know that this place called Ocean Shore ACTUALLY has beaches!  I know, mind blowing.  So we found beach access, and it was packed full of people.  We felt like quite the schmucks driving up in our van all fully clothed while people frolicked in the ocean and sun bathed in the sand.  So, we did what any mature person would do and fled the premises.  Luckily we kept driving and found a sparsely populated beach (it was public...I checked) and were surrounded by fellow schmucks wearing regular old clothes just relaxing by the water.  We fit right in.

It was a fantastic outing.  The older girls were sad that we weren't able to play more - but like I said, we were totally unprepared - but we promised we would go back because it was just awesome.  

So, enough talk - even though I'm so good at it - time for the pictures!


On the way through Aberdeen, WA.  The houses were so colorful and charming!  



Finally made it to the perfect beach (for us).

Brielle ran straight for the water with Marty, playing in the waves while Claire was happy to throw rocks in the water from afar.  (Possibly hitting a few family members in the process)



Addison wasn't so sure about the sand and only let us sit her on this little mat thing for a couple minutes before being mad.  But mad baby or not, I couldn't resist the picture.


And now, some more pictures...I think they are self explanatory.

The kids were beyond thrilled at all the seashells they found (which hopefully wasn't illegal)...Addison decided they made a good chew toy.

And finally, my "edited" pictures of the beach.

So, there you have it.  Our first outing as Washingtonians (wow, that actually made it through spell check!!!)  We have already decided we need to do something like this at least once a month.  There is so much beauty here, it's just incredible!  We feel very lucky to be here in such a beautiful area of the country. 

Not sure how I just ended on such a warm and fuzzy note...feels kind of strange.  I'm not sure I like it.  But oh well.  I have nothing else to say about this trip to the ocean.

The end.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Washington - we have arrived!

(Not my picture)

I was informed that I would need to get back to blogging soon, because people were going through withdrawals.  (Okay, so maybe it was my husband and mom who said that...but I'm sure it's the general consensus of the masses.)  But you see, the problem is that at the moment I'm using some wireless I happened to find, and our home computer isn't up and going yet.  I also haven't downloaded any pictures, or taken any pictures for a while either.

So, here is my blog update:


We made it to Washington this past Friday.  YEAH!  So glad to be here.  Can't complain about the lovely cool weather and beautiful pine trees.  I feel like I'm driving up in to the Uintah Mountains in Utah when I come on to the base and drive through the forest.  It is just awesome.

The drive from Utah up here was interesting.  Thank goodness my trusty chauffeur (a.k.a. my dad) was available so I could attend to my screaming baby, who has decided being in the car is about as fun as poking your eyes out.

The kids are happy to be back with Marty - although they all decided to get sick this week, strange way to show their daddy they missed him if you ask me.

So, when I finally get internet and my pictures downloaded and taken, I will do a better post.  But hopefully this will keep people from storming my house with pitchforks wondering what has happened to us.

Wait...maybe I shouldn't have done an update, I could use some visitors! 

Hind sight is always 20/20.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Utah Part II

Part II of our Utah trip. 

I really have no idea how many parts there will be, I am just going with the flow.

Anyway, the next part of our Utah trip is - once again - a photo overload.  But sometimes pictures are better than words, right??

Part II has included...


Swimming with cousins.


Getting in daddy time.


Being a super cute Little Sister.


Jumping on the tramp (yes..in swimsuits, it was part of the "swimming").


Fireworks (they tried to be brave...they only lasted a few minutes).


Addison being grumpy (she may be sick...we're still not sure) while Brielle and Claire try to be happy.


Claire being cheesy.


Brielle looking WAY too grown up.


Getting a half grin out of Addison (FINALLY after 4 days of screaming)


More attempts at sibling photos.


Making corn on the cob.


And plotting against their mother while daddy is away.


We sure miss Marty like crazy...even though it hasn't been all that long.  But I think it's safe to say that no matter how long you are away from your best friend (and daddy), it's never ideal or easy.

Good thing we've got some more partying planned to keep us busy for the next couple weeks!!

WOO HOO!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Utah Trip...thus far

Glad to know I have so many faithful followers who were distraught over the thought of me being absent from my blog for a while.

Well, lucky for you all - I have taken my parents computer hostage and decided to do a quick picture post about our trip thus far.


The drive went surprisingly well.
(Especially if you just look at the pictures of the kids from the first hour.)






There has been a reunion and a lot of reuniting.





A little falling in a creek and having to wear our 9 month old cousins dry pants
(Brielle was VERY mad about getting her pants wet and refused to "let" me take a picture of her in her wet clothes...so this is the best I could get).



A family picture moment (the only one with all the kids looking and Marty's head got cut off...I guess you take what you can get though.)


A parade



And a sweet mo-hawk

We have loved every second of being here and look forward to more fun and time spent with our families.

(And if my parent's computer weren't so slow I would have done more pictures...maybe a blessing in disguise for those looking.)