Singing Sands

The house we rented was called Singing Sands and was only a block from the beach and downtown. It was also built in 1920 and clearly wasn't built for tall people. Brian couldn't use the "west wing" which was just fine with Cameron since it meant he got it all to himself. The yard had a great firepit and horseshoe pit and the kids had fun climbing the giant tree. It was a great location to explore Cannon Beach and we walked everywhere we went, despite Cameron's pleas to stop walking! I could definitely get used to walking to beach every day. 

Say Cheese!

Since we were so close to Tillamook, Oregon we decided to head to the factory and took a tour to see how they make their cheese and other delicious products. It really is amazing how big that place has become. We didn't get to see them make ice cream but we already know it's our favorite kind. 

Spring Break

Whew! Lots to catch up on, shortly after our winter break trip to go skiing I tested positive for Covid so March was a bit of a blur. Luckily no one else in the family got it but it definitely took me out for awhile. Brian was a true superhero keeping everything together. Our reward was our spring break trip to Cannon Beach. We rented a house one block from the ocean which was amazing. We saw every type of weather possible, including storms, wind and hail, but luckily there was also lots of sun. We couldn't get enough of the beach, ocean and iconic Haystack rock, so I'll start with those photos first!

Release the Kraken!

Seattle got their first NHL hockey team this season and we (well Brian really) went in on season tickets. Brian has taken each of us to a game and it is awesome. The stadium is amazing and the games are incredibly fun to watch. Even though the team isn't that good, both Addy and I got to see a win! Cameron is already an expert on the players and stats and truly understands the game. It has been a really fun experience to follow the team and go to the games. 

Our Winter Winthrop Trip

A couple of weeks ago we took our annual Winthrop trip, which we hadn't done since Covid started. It was great to see Chuck and Robin again and spend some time in the snow. We did some skiing, sledding and hiking. The fog cover looked amazing from the chair lift and the top of the runs. As usual, the deer spotting game did not disappoint! One morning 4 deer greeted us outside Chuck and Robin's place and we counted 17 of them on our drive. It was a wonderful getaway weekend!

A Walk in the Park

We got family photos taken from a friend of mine a few months ago. She always finds a way to capture the best moments for us. This time was no exception and I just can't stop looking at the photos of the kids. They look so grown up and I can totally see their personalities in the photos. I think it's likely my last year of family photos before Addy (and then soon enough Cameron) will be taller than me. 

Home for the Holidays

For Christmas this year we went back to Minnesota for the first time in 10 years! With all of our quarantining and isolation we just couldn't imagine having a Christmas alone. We went back for a nice long break and celebrated Christmas 4 times! We stayed healthy and warm (despite the frigid temps) and it was a great trip. 

We saw tons of family and had a lot of time to just relax and do nothing (except eat a ridiculous amount of cookies and desserts!). It was Cameron's first trip to the midwest in the winter. We escaped the snow in Seattle and luckily our flights were not cancelled. 

The kids had the best time with their cousins, as captured by these pictures!