First Family Camping Trip

The last time Michael and I went camping was nearly 9 years ago, and it was actually our 1st time as a couple. We had gone to Mamaloose with his mom, step-dad, brother, SIL, and niece for a few nights. It actually wasn't too bad, but pretty windy. And, according to Michael, all I did was complain the entire time. Oops!!
Well, this time around was completely different. This was our 1st trip as a family of 4. And, what an adventure it was. Beverly Beach is located between Depoe Bay and Newport Bay, Oregon. It's actually a very pretty part of the coastline. Michael hadn't been there since he was a kid (with his mom, step-dad, brother, and grandparents), and wanted to share it with our children. So, I told him to make reservations and we would go. We did have to buy a new tent, as we had sold our many years ago in a garage sale at our old house, as well as sleeping bags for the kids, and of course a coffee pot to go on the stove. Afterall, how in the heck could we even begin to think of surviving without our daily caffeine??!

And so, we got the truck packed up and headed out early, though we did have to turn around and come back for Michael and my coats, much to his disliking. Hey, it wouldn't be a road trip for us if we didn't forget something or have to go back at least once. We weren't far, thank goodness.

The drive to the campsite actually wasn't too bad. Sissy napped most of the way, and of course Wyatt wanted to just eat the entire time (is it a boy thing or a growth-spurt thing??). We called ahead to see if we could check in early, which we were able to do, thank goodness, and managed to get camp set up in no time flat. Michael brought wood from home (thank you, Pop), so began splitting and making kinnling (sp??). We got a nice fire going and the kids ran around like chickens with their heads cut off. Someone seriously needs to explain hide-n-seek to Amelia. After she hides, she will call out to Wyatt, "I'm ready!!" To which of course he goes right to her hiding spot, which then makes her absolutely irrate. OK?? She just makes me laugh!!
There were a few things we had forgot to bring, so we headed to Wallie World in Newport to stock up. The evening ended up being relaxing and just sitting around the fire enjoying the quiet, or something like that. Needless to say, the night was different. Between Michael getting up to use the bathroom (on multiple occassions.....some sort of stomach thing) and our neighbor's baby screaming on/off, it just wasn't very restful. Funny how quiet hours are posted as 10 pm to 7 am, but no one quite seems to abide by those. They got theirs, though, as we are early risers and I had NO problem being loud at 6 am. LOL!! Started a fire for the 1st time, on my own, EVER, though did have some difficulty keeping it going, which is where Michael comes in. Thanks, babe!! Did manage to make the kids breakfast on the camp stove, as well as brewed coffee, which really didn't turn out too bad. Burned the bacon the 1st time around, which the kids were VERY quick to point out, so ended up making a 2nd batch.
Anyway, after breakfast, we headed to Newport to go on our 1st crabbing adventure. The kids were highly advised to wear jeans and bring a coat; however, they chose to wear shorts and sweatshirts instead. Michael and I ended up giving our coats to the kids at one point because the winds were so bad. Good thing we could stand and hold each other for some warmth. We did well with our 3 pots (thanks to Michael's friend/co-worker, Russ), catching 16 crab, but were only able to keep 3 (Red Rock) because of size. 4 hours later, then a quick stop by Fred Meyer for chicken breasts, and we were back to the campsite for dinner. Needless to say, it's a good thing we picked up the chicken because the crab had a fishy taste to it and was awful!! HUGE bummer!! I guess better luck next time??
On our last day at Beverly Beach, we pretty much took our time. We took the kids down to the beach after breakfast, then came back to pack things up. Went a lot smoother and more quickly than I had anticipated. I will say, my husband is truly amazing. He is VERY methodical about how he plans a camping trip, down to the very minute detail. Things were planned/packed/placed a certain way in the bed of the truck, and of course done "just so." He's definitely got it down to a science. Better him than me. LOL!! I was in charge of food and clothes, he took care of the ALL the camping supplies. What a good man!!
Amelia had been sick Friday evening, then again just as we were leaving Saturday afternoon. The entire way home, she went from sleeping to gagging and throwing up (mostly bile). Poor kiddo!! It never fails, with any trip we've taken, there has always been someone who gets sick before, during, or after our trip. Yuck!! Guess it's just us??
But, despite any blips in the radar, our 1st camping trip as a family was successful, and we have officially got the bug. We are already planning our next, and foresee MANY more to come!!

And it starts.....

Amelia had her "meet 'n greet" with her soccer coach yesterday evening. Practices start next week. Wyatt's practices start this evening. He'll have practice Monday/Wednesday, she will have practice Thursdays, along with dance Wednesday/Thursday. And then the games will be on Saturdays. Can we say BUSY??!! We tried to convince Amelia that she needed to choose between dance and soccer, but she's hell-bent on doing both. So, we'll see how it goes. I honestly hope she can handle doing both. It does make me nervous for her, but being the little determined spitfire she is, I'm pretty sure she'll be fine. Oh, and then let's throw in all-day kindergarten 5 days per week. LOL!! I'll keep you posted on that one!!

Wyatt has become quite the little man lately. Did I mention he has a girlfriend, Chelsie? I need to take their picture and post it on here. Her mom took a picture with her phone and sent it to me, but I'm not sure how to get it from my phone to the computer. Anyway, he and Chelsie talk on the phone quite often, mail one another letters/pictures, and have had a few playdates. It's actually quite cute. She has a twin, Delanie, who Amelia has be-friended. Both girls will be at Sissy's birthday party. Wyatt's MORE than overjoyed about that one. It will be interesting; however, to see how Wyatt acts around Chelsie when he's with his friends, as 2 of them are attending the party as well.

Where does the time go? I feel like my babies are just so NOT babies anymore. Amelia is almost 5 (on the 20th), and Wyatt is 6 1/2 (that 1/2 is VERY important to him, and when you're telling anyone his age and he overhears, he makes sure to add that in if you don't). How is it possible that we will have a kindergartener and a 1st grader this year? I mean, well, I know how it's possible, but it just doesn't seem real. WOW!!

Went to get the kids' school supplies yesterday.....soon it will be time for school clothes shopping. I can hardly wait to see the things Amelia wants to buy for school. Her sense of style, or lack thereof, is quite interesting. I seriously need to start taking pictures of her "outfits" and post them, that, or put them all in a book so she can look back later and laugh at herself, or be proud of herself, whichever. The look on her face when she comes walking out of her bedroom door with some "new" ensamble always makes me smile. She is just so proud of herself. One day she's head-to-toe pink, then next she's wearing capris with a longsleeve sweater. Hey, whatever works, right?? Anymore, well, I refuse to argue with her. As long as she has clothes on I'm happy. I suppose it could be worse, right??

Summer comes and summer goes.....

I don't know where the time has gone. It has been quite some time since I last blogged, as you can see by the dates. Why? Who knows?? Sure, we have been busy, and maybe I feel Facebook has been a better way of keeping everyone updated, but not really. Sure, it's fun for posting photos and dropping cute little lines here and there, but it doesn't truly showcase our family and everything we have been "up to."

And so, hence, I've decided to get back into this blogging thing. Whether it's every day or every week, or more realistically, ever few days, I am going to push myself to post a little blip about our lives, along with pictures. Hold me to it. It's REALLY going to happen.

So well, it's Monday morning. Kids are still in bed, or so I'm assuming, because I haven't heard little feet hit the wood floors and came trampling down the stairs as of yet, though it is only 0618. It's hit or miss who gets up before who. Wyatt is really good about getting up 1st, but little Miss Amelia sure has a way of surprising us, that's for sure. All the sudden, well, she'll just be right there!! Almost scares the crap out of you!!

This week is going to be a busy one, not like our weeks are usually busy anyway. LOL!! Wyatt is doing Jr. Lego Camp thru the YMCA, Monday thru Friday, 0900-12000. I'm pretty sure he's going to have a blast. Sissy will have dance camp in 2 weeks, same length and times of day. She can hardly wait for that!! For now, she dances every Wednesday/Thursday for 1 1/2 hours with her new performing group. After her End of the Year Recital in June, Amelia's coach asked her and 3 other girls to begin training for 2 competitions next year (Janury, Tacoma area; May, Portland, OR). She's truly having fun with dancing/ballet, tap, and tumbling. You can just see her face light up with happiness. I think I could watch her for forever.

A little bit short, a bit sweet, but will have to write more later, as I am beginning to fall asleep typing. Mayb I should go back to bed for a tad bit??

Moving Day is almost here!!

Well, we ended up selling our current home 18 days after putting it on the market, and after inspections and appraisals, addendums and paperwork, stressful hours and lack of sleep, oh, and of course TONS of packing, we are anticipating moving the 29th into our new home!! Can hardly wait. We plan to start taking thing apart and getting our house ready the 27th, then will load up the moving truck Thursday, and hopefully be out of here on Friday. For now those are the plans. If they change, I will let you know.

Moving Up and Moving On

Not sure how exactly that title sounds. I do know that it has been quite some time since I last blogged.....gosh, all the way back in the summer. Yikes!! A LOT has happened over the past few months.....Amelia is a mouthy 4 year old in her 2nd year of preschool; Wyatt is a kindergartener/chick magnet (LOL!!); and Michael and I have decided to sell our current home and buy one in Vancouver, WA. What prompted the BIG move?? Well, a lot of it has to do with our commute times; Michael spends an hour and a half each day on his way home in traffic. YUCK!! Because I work nights, I tend not to hit traffic, which is nice, but it still takes me almost 40+ minutes to get to work. So, we started 1st by looking online (go figure, the couple who met online), then actually went to look at a home; the only home we have looked at. And, we absolutely fell head over heels in love with this home. There's just no other way to describe it. We put in an offer, contingent that we sell our home (have 60 days), and they accepted. Now we are just keeping our fingers (and toes) crossed that we will sell sooner than later. Within 6 days (hardly into the 2nd week of it being on the market) we did have 3 showings and 2 offers, so that is promising.

Here's a link to our new house listing: http://aprilhillhomes.com/id3.html If that doesn't work, go to RMLS and type in # 9032528.

Aside from moving, there really isn't much that has been going on for us. Getting ready for the holidays and excited to spend time with family. Have to say, the holidays are sometimes a bit hectic for us. There is quite a bit of family to travel to see, and of course it's hard to spend quality time with everyone. Sometimes feel like the kids don't quite get a chance to enjoy themselves until after the holiday. But, we love our family, so do our best to spend time with all of them.