Just Me!!

Beachcombing is an activity that consists of an individual "combing" (or searching) the beach and the intertidal zone, looking for things of value, interest or utility. A beachcomber is a person who partakes in the activity of beachcombing.-Wikipedia Charlie's preschool class went on their first and final field trip to Salt Water State Park yesterday. The kids absolutely loved searching the low tide zones for unique sea treasures. We saw lots of Bull fish, one sea urchin, kelp, seaweed, eggs from different beach life, starfish, sea slug habitats, and crabs dead and alive, in all sizes. They carried around their little blue buckets in hopes of finding treasures, and then they would take it to Ms Snowden for identification. The weather stayed perfect just long enough for us to enjoy about 2 hours of combing. Charlie was more interested in playing in the water and Ryan followed Ms. Snowden around intently listening to what she had to say, but never wanting the experience of...

I drove home from Tillamook to Tacoma. I enjoy driving a newer vehicle that I'm pretty sure won't break down! Unfortunately we have to turn it back in tomorrow. We know now that a Ford Explorer or any other 7 seater vehicle apart from a mini van is NOT what we are looking for! Too bulky to get in and out of comfortably. Excited to see what mini van the future holds for us. We are glad to be home. The calendar is very busy tomorrow so no one will be resting! Maybe a garden update tomorrow! All the veggies and flowers were glad to see me back tonight. God sprinkled them with lots of water while I was away, and boy did they grow!! Planting my beans and peas tomorrow;)

Hardest day for everyone! We are usually scrambling to clean everything, trying to eat all the left over food, and saying a hundred goodbyes. We were breakfast patrol and didn't end up purchasing anything because of all the leftovers. Next year I've come up with a new category...most cups of coffee drank over the course of the weekend. Serious coffee drinkers. We made three pots just for breakfast and then caught nearly everyone at Starbucks when we were leaving town. Geesh!! We had the photo session and awards ceremony right after breakfast. May I-Brett Ping Pong-Brent Pool-Brady Golf-Brady Shopping-ME Overall Trophy-Brady Vicky chose shopping criteria to be whoever spent the most. She even announced how much we spent. Oops, my man isn't suppose to know that!! The Coach purse was well worth it, and I've wanted one for nearly three years;) Plus 65% off is a steal!! After the ceremony we voted on having the reunion there next year and everyone agreed. Yeah!! Great house...

We are so fortunate to have everyone in the same house this year! Because we aren't so busy running from house to house we've had more time chatting, enjoying each other, and have a few moments to spare to ourselves. The Beach is a few blocks away and the kids have been there everyday!!! Charlie has taking a liking to nearly everyone and has somehow through the course of the weekend made $4.00, which she calls her "money roll." We even have a buyer for her in case we are looking to sell;) Valerie and Victoria are inseparable and have had a great time goofing around. Ethan and little Curt hit it off so they are hanging out except for the times that Ethan has been down at the Beach with Vicky! She loves him and said that he is the sweetest boy ever! He sure is! My kids have been awesome and this trip has been wonderful.... Breakfast in the morning, cleaning, winners announced, and distribution of trophy's is all that's left. Hate goodbyes!!!

Family reunion is in full swing! Golf and shopping were both completed today. We had fun shopping at the Outlet Malls and meeting up with everyone at Pig and a Pancake for lunch. Val purchased some interesting finds-sandals, hair dye, flavored crickets, shorts, cat brush, and some candy! Charlie got a Gummy Bear necklace and fairy wings. I stumbled into a great 65% purse sale at the Coach outlet! Love bags!!!! We came back to the house and sat outside gossiping and enjoying one another's company, dinner, and began with the pool/ping pong tournament.