Nana's beach and the rest of Oregon...our home away from home. It was odd, and very bitter sweet, to drive toward Sacramento feeling like we just left home, while really, driving to it. We are so ready to be back there... But not wishing this time away, either. We have been truly blessed with a sweet home and even sweeter community here in Sacramento. Our trip to Oregon just always leaves us dreaming of the future, counting down the days until our next visit and going through lots and lots of pictures.
^^ We couldn't leave first thing in the morning, as technically, Stephen was on his research block and might get called in for backup, but we hit the road around nap time and ended up in a hotel in Medford where the kids got to go on a "midnight" swim adventure. (Don't be fooled, we were all asleep before 10pm ;) ^^
^^ Our first stop was the Winders' house in Corvallis! Being with them always feels like being with family and I love the way they have taken our kids in just as they did Stephen and I all those years ago! Though there have been some changes since we first met, John and Steff always leave us feeling filled up, hopeful, renewed and excited. It was such a treat to get to stay with them for a night! ^^
^^ After leaving the Winders' Uriah lost his tooth in the car! This picture was to send to the boys to show off his new smile! ^^
^^ Our next stop was to see Ben and his family in Salem. They've grown by one small (except not so small!) human and it was so great to meet him and spend time with these sweet friends. Uriah might have been more excited about getting to see Ben's snakes... ^^
^^ And finally... Nana's Beach!! ^^
^^ A surprise visit from cousin Sierra! Such a joy to see her! ^^
^^ Some boy time on the beach to check out the tide pools - which is what Uriah was most excited about aside from seeing Harper! ^^
^^ My favorite person in my favorite place with NO PAGER. It was wonderful ^^
^^ On the one rainy day we had we went up to Tillamook to check out the cheese factory (and of course, to get some ice cream!) ^^
^^ It was definitely a full house at Nana's Beach - the four big kids slept on the floor together in Nana and Papa's room while the two littlest squeezed into the corners of ours and Ashley's rooms. What are we going to do next year when there's one more?! ^^
^^ Some family time on the beach in the morning straight after breakfast. We quickly ditched shoes and jackets and enjoyed the sunshine all together, collecting shells and stopping to write our names in the sand over and over and over again (Judah!) ^^
^^ Some family sand castle building and lots of "weaving" with beach grass - not much beats watching these cousins grow as best friends ^^
^^ Everyone loves Ozzy! ^^
^^ When Aunt Ashley swoops in with a leopard hair tie... Saving the day while making Stephen's eyes roll ;) ^^
^^ Unbeatable weather, several different races in the warm sand and lots of games of Mother May I. This was fun to watch! ^^
^^ The kids were very proud of this hole! Haha! ^^
^^ Smoothies on the porch in the AMAZING WEATHER! ^^
^^ I woke up like this ;) Love my Judah Budah and his crazy bedhead! ^^
^^ Porch hangs with my favorite people ^^
^^ Crazy windy beach walks where we *almost* got caught in a rain storm ...except not even close ^^
^^ Drone playing with Nana! ^^
^^ My favorite view! The Sunset before our beach fire ^^
^^ Some pictures in their tie dye #atnanasbeach shirts (good job Nana and Ashley!) on the Hunt's last day! These kiddos are my favorite and I love that they choose each other. Uriah and Harper had a hard time saying goodbye to each other and while their tears were so sad to watch, it was also really sweet! ^^
^^ We got to hang around with my parents for one more day and walked down to the coffee shop for caffeine and cinnamon rolls before hitting the road Saturday morning. It's such a joy to share this place with my parents - I'm so grateful they continually open up their home away from home to all our crazy. My kids have grown to love it just as much as we have and I look forward to bringing them here every year (or maybe moving here...!) Until next time, Nana's Beach! ^^
^^ Our final stop was in Roseburg, for a quick but sweet visit with Grandma and Grandpa Brown. They were set to leave the following day for Alaska, so we didn't have a lot of time to spend with them, but we picked up lunch and met them at the park and got to catch up while letting the kids get their wiggles out. They're just the sweetest... ^^
We made it back home late Saturday night and had all of Sunday to catch up on rest, laundry and grocery shopping before a busy week of work and school. It's my favorite week every year and this time around was no exception!
