Blissful day at the Beach!

After a long, crazy week of funeral planning and special times of fellowship with family and friends, Dad surprised us by taking Monday off of work to take us to the beach for a fun relaxing day.  It did our tired bodies and grieving hearts good to laugh, cry and be tired together in a fun new place.  It was such balm to our souls to spend the day just resting in body and mind.   

Getting excited in the car!

 We didn't get out the door as soon as we'd hoped so our first stop was a picnic lunch made with the tons of leftovers from the funeral and special friends bringing us meals.  

 Yummy!

 Avocado!!!!!  Sorry, it's one of my favorite foods but the funny thing is it used to be my most disliked food as a child....that along with alfalfa sprouts...yuck!  I haven't got over the alfalfa sprouts yet.

 Talking about avocados, sweet and feminine Heather and Gracie decided to do an avocado pit spitting contest!  We laughed as we watched them trying to laugh with their mouths full!  Oh my!

 1...2...3...

Still laughing!

Ready? Set? 

 Go!  So funny!

 From there we went to the beach to enjoy the warm sun, but the kids enjoyed the FREEZING water!  Burr, it was sooooo cold!

 Mom and Dad.  They are the best and we love them immensely!

Ta da!  Not sure what Lydia was up to but she looked cute!

Dad and Heather! 

 "Here let me fill your nice hole!"

 Gracie enjoying the sand.

 Heather and I!

It was so nice to be able to enjoy the sun and not be bundled up in sweatshirts the whole time!

 Brave souls in the water! 

 Lydia sprouted a tail!

Lol!

 Running!  

 Heading to the water

Ouch!  Told you the water was cold!

Jump rope with sea weed?  Sure!

The tide was coming in.  What mom doesn't know won't hurt her!  lol!  

 Jumping with the waves.

 We watched pelican's feeding not far from us.  They are huge birds.

 Yay!  We got a family picture!  The only sad part was that Taylor was working and couldn't be with us.  :(

Then we headed up the coast.

:-) 

Sarah and I!  Goodness she's growing up! 

 Half of us girls!  

Depoe Bay is the world's smallest harbor!  

 More girlies!

Mom watching the sun set.

 It was a lovely day and we will treasure the memories we made together.