Beach Triennial

We had our triennial May Family Reunion/Beach Trip in July.

Calista wanted to "run" from the waves.

Craig's goals for the trip were to dig holes in the sand

and go to the aquarium and get a stuffed animal for Caleb - since he didn't get one 3 years ago, not being born and all.
I wanted to go to the beach every day.

Kyler wanted all of our children to survive.

I'm pleased to say we were all successful!

We did have a few hiccups - like the owner of the beach house accidentally double booking our last night, so we had to find somewhere else to stay. Talk about a headache.

Or, another headache (literally) when Ivy accidentally hit Calista in the head with the shovel.

Ouch. Amazingly, there was no need for stitches or even really any blood, and Calista recovered quickly,

with help from Grammie.



So, we started to trip by heading to the new and improved Tillamook Cheese Factory.

 Aunt Loradona rode in our van, which Caleb loved.

He also loved the "baby cow."

 It was fun to go through their new exhibits, but absolutely packed.

 That's summertime for you, I suppose.

And the best part? The ice cream. Or was it the cheese? Hmm. Tough call.


And, like I said, per Craig's request (and for the rest of us, too), we went to the aquarium.

 Calista is not as long as a basking shark.

Loradona is spot on, 

And Dad is pretty close to the Heron.

 The kiddos had fun together.

 And with Grammie, obviously.

 There were lots of places to play and explore

 And, of course, lots of things to look at.

And sometimes, even touch!

Sticky!
Oh no, the girls are being eaten by a megalodon!

 Instead of a stuffed animal, Craig got this "tidepool" for himself.

All the kids were enthralled by it.

We also stopped by the Hatfield Marine Science Center afterwards.

 Best touch tanks ever!

And a bit easier for the littlest ones to touch, which may or may not be a good thing...

We went on a hike one overcast morning.

I was afraid the view at the top would be full of clouds, but it was actually quite lovely!

Caleb was pretty tired by the end.

Of course, we spent a lot of time at the beach.

Some on floaties, 

some looking at tidepools.

Some just having fun.

Mommy and Daddy's anniversary! (In front of Proposal Rock)

Craig's favorite part was digging in the sand, no surprise there, and didn't spend a ton of time in the water. 

Calista on the other hand could hardly be dragged out of it, getting soaked nearly every time we headed down.

Caleb didn't like to be too close to the waves, preferring to keep his distance.

And just I loved the beach! It really is my happy place.

And there was lots of time to play and have fun together at the beach house(es).

Craig and Lilia, who is his favorite May Family cousin. He told me so.

Story time with Grammie!

At the second beach house, we had a seagull friend.

Caleb especially loved him, and liked to pretend to be a seagull on the deck.

And give Aunt Loradona hugs. 

Because who wouldn't want to do that?

We ended our beach trip with a stop in Cannon Beach

 For lunch

 And to say goodbye to the ocean one more time.

Bye, ocean! Until we meet again!

It was a rather exhausting trip

And so much fun!