Morris Beach Trip

A couple weekends ago we were able to spend a couple nights at the beach with Ben's family. It was such a wonderful time and just what I personally needed: time away from the obligations of home, with those I love. The weather wasn't great, but we did get to the beach a couple times. The first day we went down, we spent the morning diligently checking our weather apps for a break in the rain, and rushed out at on opportune time...only to park and get POURED on! So after sitting in our cars for a bit, we waited until the rain turned to sprinkling and bravely headed out to conquer the dune.

(By the way, most of these pictures--the good ones especially--are taken by my brother-in-law Nathan. I brought my camera, but failed to put a memory card in it. Mom fail!)

Braving the Oregon Coast

Off to the Pacific City dune

Can they make it to the top?

Instead of going to the top, we decided to veer off left and check out the views

Joshy and Ellie were troopers for how cold, wet and rainy it was

These two cousins are so sweet together!

The Morris brothers (Nate is such a good photographer!)

 I love this picture so much. Such great support in our kids' lives! And it's such a sweet Josh smile.

 Two little buddies...Josh is learning this picture posing thing pretty well

 The good thing about forgetting your camera: other people are taking the pictures, so you actually get in some! Me and my Joshy boy

All the kids were so excited to have Uncle Caleb there with us!

  While the weather might not have been great, the house we rented was amazing! It was three levels with a beautiful view of the ocean. The kids had so much fun running up and down stairs while playing in the house. The first night Diane taught them how to play Sardeens (basically hide and seek, but when you find someone, you hide with them as well). We brought our Lego tub so the kids spent a lot of time building. There was great football games on, so the men were in heaven watching those together. We played games, ate great food, and everyone got in the hot tub a couple times a day. It was so fun and relaxing.

All the kids got read to a lot. We introduced Ellie to some good ol' boy books.

Aunt Holly's turn

We also all passed around baby Hailey. She is so sweet. 

 Saturday afternoon game playing

 Ellie is amazing at putting together puzzles. Josh, not so much, but they had fun together anyways.

The next day down at the beach wasn't nearly as wet and miserable. The kids actually got to play in the sand.

 Josh dug, while the twins and I went on a shell hunt. They are so fun to explore with!

  And then my crazy kids played in the water. It was 49 degree outside with freezing cold water, but here they are splashing around in it. Crazy!

And poor Ben was in charge of making sure Josh didn't drown, so of course he ended up with wet shoes and pants as well.

 On the way home we stopped at the Tillamook Cheese factory for a tour and some ice cream.

 Seth, Sam

 There was even dairy free ice cream for Josh. Yum! A great end to a great weekend!