homeofthebudds

What's going to work?

When we were at the coast, Brennan led us in the cheer for at least 30 minutes. He'd take a break every so often, but if you reminded him, he'd get everyone started again.

Father's Day Camping at Nehalem Bay

(This is one of those more pictures than words posts. FYI)

This dog was insane. I thought it as a greyhound, but it's owner said it was a Whippet.

Wally the Whippet.

He runs 35 mph.

This little guy wasn't quite as fast.

Sand angels were a huge hit.

(Hush. I know this picture is painful to look at with that amazing angle I shot at. But just hush.)

Running out...

...and running in.

Repeat 57 times.

My view.

Check out that sky.

Love the sky.

Somehow whenever we make that peanut, raisin and M&M trail mix the M&M's are what's on everyone's plate. And all for different reasons.

Brennan seems to only take those from the container.

Isaiah saves them for last.

And Ellen sees their plates full of M&M's and decides she should probably have more.

This boy looooves drawing with Sharpies.

And this boy loves drawing with anything, Sharpies included.

Happy Father's Day my Love. I'm so glad we're on this journey together. You're the best father for our kiddos. I love you.

Oswald West revisited

Mom was here visiting this past weekend and we all agreed a trip to the coast was in order.

Actually, first there was a walk through the woods.

But after a bit, the trees break apart and you can see the wide open ocean.

I've mentioned it before, and I'm sure I'll mention it again - Oswald West State Park is a sweet place to spend the day.

We never did find the cave or tidal pools we were looking for, but there was still plenty of sand and sticks.

And plenty of waves to run from,

And through.

One of these days we'll bring proper ocean sorts of clothes - like a bathing suit - but for this day, wearing wet clothes was no problem at all.

Brennan was most content exploring the shore

Where we found bugs, (even if they were blurry out of focus bugs)

And tiny little miniature feathers.

He was very aware of the water and the waves constantly approaching him though - you could hear him hollering out "Hi water!!!" over and over throughout the morning. And once again, as soon as he was brave enough to take his eyes off it for a few seconds a wave came and got him. Not as bad as in times past, luckily.

Everyone had a fabulous time,

and we managed to avoid anyone getting sunburnt,

and by the time we'd walked back through the forest to our van almost all the sand had fallen off our feet

and there were naps all around on the ride home. Doesn't get much better than that.

The Sand Man cometh!

Oswald West State Park

In another effort to beat the heat, and inspired by this picture posted by Chris, we headed off to the coast.

We were inspired by the Meschke's to choose Oswald West State Park 

It's a pretty sweet place. There's a little creek that runs out onto the beach.

And guess what? It was actually cool! Cold even at some points.

But that did not stop the kids from jumping right into the creek.

See that grin on my face? I don't think it left the entire time we were there.

The kids built several "creations". This is a house. Built by the "Ofcourses".

Here's another.

And another. I think this might be the backyard.

Brennan kept himself busy too.

Apparently this is a sweet surf spot too. See that white board in the lower left? There was a constant stream of surfers coming in and going out. Maybe the kids will learn to surf in Oregon after all!

even more beach pictures

Summir's got some beach pictures up on her blog - and videos too! 

A little spontaneity

Yesterday I read on facebook about the Steele's taking a spontaneous trip to the coast.

I read that and thought, Now that is a good idea.

So today we had our own spontaneous coast trip.

Summir and Joey came with us

which was lots of fun.

It was nice to have another adult around

especially during treks to the bathroom.

Guess who's started posing for the camera?

Yep. This little stud right here.

Summir was brave and took the kids to the water

while Brennan and I held down the fort.

Lots of treasures were found. Some were released and some (bottlecaps) made the trip home.

The kids found the start of a big hole and added their muscle power to the dig to china project.

"Look!! Birds!!!

Brennan thought falling in the sand was hilarious.

He did it over and over and over

And over again.

it was a good day.