Spring Beach Getaway

Following Calleigh's birthday party in May, we hit the road for a three-day beach getaway to Cannon Beach. I had some comp time to use before the end of the year, and with the unusually warm spring weather, it made for the perfect Oregon coast visit.
We actually got a little too much sun while walking on the beach and despite sitting under our sun shelter my ankles were exposed below my capris and I went home with permanent red "anklets" ... not a good fashion statement with marshmallow-colored legs : (
Matt drove down to join us for the day on Sunday ... only to find it a bit windy with a touch of fog on the beach. However, it was warm and beautiful in town. We had an opportunity to tour the Lockwood Beach house ... then enjoyed a nice pizza dinner together before Matt drove back to town.
For a few days previous to our trip I felt a sinus/respiratory thing starting up and by Monday I felt a little feverish and just wanted to lay on the couch and read. We left early Tuesday morning and exited the freeway near the Urgent Care clinic. I was sent home with antibiotics/sudafed/cough syrup and took the rest of the day off work. I never did improve and was actually diagnosed with pneumonia two weeks later.
Cannon Beach is one of my favorite vacation destinations ... it's quaint, quiet and a place for restoration.
Credits:
Font: Bulkyrefuse type, chromosomeLight, american typewriter
Template: JZ Designs -Template 12
Paper: Shelly Bauzon -P3 Beach Bum

Totally Girl Weekend

What a fun beach getaway we had several weekends ago. The weather was perfect for a walk on the beach Saturday ... warm and no breeze. It was hard to believe is was the end of February.
There are usually many activities included in our stay ... good food, good talks, good movies and this time we added "beading therapy" led by Shelley. We each made a bracelet with one common bead and check out how many looks came from each "jewelry artisan." (Mine is second one on the right) What patience Shelley possesses ... she crimped every bracelet ... and we each made more than one!
It was time for a much needed "retreat" ... it was nice not having a schedule, staying in jammies most of the morning and just hanging out. What a blessing it was to spend time with such fabulous friends.

Family Beach Day

To celebrate Brian's birthday we drove over to the coast in the family mini-van Sunday and prayed the weather conditions were better than the forecast predictions. After lunch and some bargain shopping at the outlet mall we drove over to Wi-ne-ma ... to our delight it was warm and sunny!
We played in the sand, chased waves, visited with friends at Family Camp, and enjoyed a fish and chips dinner -- a wonderful way to end our summer vacation!
For many ... this week begins new schedules and routines. I hope you enjoyed your summer as much as I did!!


Credits:
Template: Dani-Free Template-Sept.
Font: American Typewriter
Date: Misty Cato -Date Bits 2
Paper: Two Boyz00 -Paper 4 and 6; Vicki Parker-A Work in Progrss -AWP About A Boy Paper 6; Kat's Designs -DBK Hunny Pot Paintstrokes
Journaling Circle: S.J. Wright Creations -sjw citystatestamptemplate

Bonus Beach Day

In September Mom and I spent the weekend at Lincoln City. We packed for rain and cooler temperatures but we were pleasantly surprised to find the weather improving the closer we got to the coast. It was one of those bonus September days at the beach ... blue skies and plenty of sunshine.
The weekend was filled with many firsts for me --
watching boats make their way from the sea to the Depoe Bay harbor, known as "shooting the hole."






I was thankful to be on land and not on one of the boats tossing around in the surf ... you could get seasick just being a spectator.

We spent the afternoon on the beach at Roads End where we discovered new beach activities --
watching the parasurfers was amazing and very entertaining Just as we were leaving to check into our motel an entire wedding party and guests walked down on the beach. What a gorgeous backdrop for a wedding plus a bonus of wonderful weather.

As we sat on our deck after dinner, we were blessed to see this splendid sunset ...






I think we need to do this more often : )

Brian Turns Thirty

Colin couldn't wait for Dad to open the gift he picked out for him. He even let it slip a few times ... there was so much anticipation!




The "Ants In The Pants" game turned out to be a big hit with all the guys. Great job, Colin!




"Happy Birthday to you" ............ look at all those candles : )

Bonding with Calleigh

What a fun weekend for Calleigh ... spending time with her uncles and Rae.
Look at the view from our front room window!!

Ready for Fun

Colin is ready for a fun day at the beach ...












"Do it again, Grandpa!!!" Colin loved jumping off the edge.

Hangin' Out at the Beach

Sandy toes : )


Shore is fun with Matt ...


Let's bury Dad on his birthday!


I can't remember a nicer day at the beach ... the colors all around us were intensified. It was warm, relaxing, and fun to just "play." So much to do and enJOY!

24-Year Tradition Switch

After nearly 24-years we broke from our annual tradition ... Wi-Ne-Ma Family Bible Conference over Labor Day weekend ... and rented a house in Lincoln City to celebrate Brian's 30th birthday. {Can't believe it ... 30!!}
It was a fabulous weekend of fun and family ... outstanding weather, great beach days, amazing view from every window in the home ... we couldn't have put together a more awesome weekend!
It was perfect timing ... it gave us some family time before saying "goodbye" to Tim and Rae as they head off to the Bay area for 8 weeks the following day.

This was our first experience in spending time in the Road's End area of Lincoln City and has now become our favorite beach spot. It is rather quaint and far enough away from the business district to truly enjoy the beach atmosphere.

Real Empty-Nesters

We are sitting at a coffee shop in Cannon Beach enjoying a delicious treat. What a wonderful anniversary getaway....reading, relaxing and enjoying each other's company. The weather has been overcast and a bit damp but this afternoon it cleared up and we sat on the beach enjoying the ocean view, good conversation and good books. Walked into the quaint town and spent some time in the shops.
We are officially empty-nesters. Matt moved to Seattle today and will start a new job and career with FedEx this week. While it was sad to see him go, we rejoice in his new adventure. Actually, as a parent we have been releasing him in small steps as he has matured/grown into a wonderful young man. But the mom-part of me is a bit melancholy.
The following reveals how my heart feels about my 3 boys and this new season of life:

Our Hands

May we tell you the intensity,
the excruciating joy of
participating in your life and watching you grow?

You are our favorite song.

On our life'’s list of accomplishments –
You are the finest.

Accompanying you to this place
has been our sweetest journey.

You have been the vast question
For which all our endeavors have been the answer.

As you travel to a place which
shall be your home our hands
meet in applause and clasp in prayer.
Our hands wave you on and remain
open -– an invitation to return
freely to this place where you
Learned to fly.

Mary Anne Radmacher

My boys will always be in my heart and prayers!