Summer Adjustment

This last week we've tried to adjust to the new summer schedule---which varies from "I'm boooored!" to "I just want to RELAX and do nothing!!" There is little in between.

Amelia is going to summer ballet and is teaching a class next week. She's excited and a little nervous, but I know she'll do well. I offered to enroll Cooper in gymnastics or soccer for the summer, but he just wants to "have  a nice, relaxing, calm summer so I can watch TV and play." Guess which child is constantly telling him he's bored?!

We've also been normal summer things, like going to the movies with friends:

Climbing trees at the park (notice the gloves to ward off prickles and sap):

Playing at the spray park:

And getting treats while dressed as Ironman:

As for me, I have a Praxis test on Thursday, which I'm not entirely sure I'll pass. But hey, re-taking a 6-hour test isn't so bad, right?

The Great Oregon Coast Call Reunion 2015

Yes, the week deserves that long, prestigious title! We'd planned this reunion for over a year, and made sure EVERYONE in our family could attend. We tried a few years ago, but the imminent arrival of two new cousins kind of made the whole thing fold. This year, however, we managed to keep to our resolve and get together for a week on the Oregon coast. It. Was. Epic. And yes, we all still love each other! I have ALOT of pictures (and didn't even upload them all) so sit back and prepare to scroll awhile!

It began with a loooooong 14-hour drive. We broke it up by spending the night in Redmond, OR. When we checked in, we were upgraded to a suite! The kiddos were tired, but Amelia adapted very well, immediately checking her email and trying out each chair:

Cooper, not so much. The kid likes to be home, and has a little difficulty with changes, even if Amelia and I are with him. He did great, though:

The car ride down was not as bad as I expected. Once we crossed over into Oregon, it's illegal to talk on the phone while driving, so I handed it back to Amelia and Cooper to field any phone calls. They also used it to take a few selfies:

The next day we drove only a short 4 hours and arrived in Waldport, OR about 4pm. We walked out to the beach and just took a breath. Ah, the ocean........

Over the next couple days we played with cousins, went to the aquarium, lighthouses, Cape Perpetua, and played on the beach. We also had late nights playing games, talking, laughing and enjoying being with each other. Here's a couple hundred photos of all our fun:

Aquarium:
 

Lighthouse:

Cobble Beach:

I know what you're going to say, Katie, but it's a very flattering picture of me........

Eating at Mo's (best chicken strips I ever had!):

Andy's breakfast.

THE BEACH:

Dad wanted to walk out to the water--at low tide. It took him awhile, but he did it, with the help of David, Andy, and Ben. In this picture he was tasting the water.

Coltman kept us company in the early morning hours!

Saying goodbye:

(Lynnli had hurt her hand I think. Everyone was kinda tired!)

Random pics:

On the drive home we overnight-ed in Ontario and got home Sunday afternoon. I can't say we've done much the last couple days (other than laundry) but relax and rest from our vacation! We had a fabulous time and are already planning the next one---which will be within single-digit driving distance!

Summer is in full-swing and not slowing down much. Amelia is taking summer ballet lessons, Cooper has scouts, and we have the usual movies, picnics, spray park, riding bikes and other activities. Fall will be here before we know it. (Hopefully--it's HOT!)