Family affair

Boxes, bags, chairs and remnants were piled into the trunk along with plastic containers and bits of brownies and crackers. Clean up from the shower was underway and the next big adventure would be a trip to the Oregon coast. My oldest son continued my mom and dad’s tradition of taking us to Lincoln city each year of my childhood. Last year he paid for rooms at our usual hotel and then started planning for a trip this summer. He and his younger siblings looked over houses for rent and the older siblings all pitched in to make this trip possible! A fb group was formed and the back and forth banter continued between everyone for months leading up to the final day when we met Fattima, Ben and Mude at the Country Mercantile, a stop that has always been made with Mom and Dad.Osama picked up chocolate covered nuts for mom and Carmel corn for Dad. We all had snacks and then the three car caravan switched passengers and we were on our way!

Meanwhile Mom and Dad gave in and agreed to fly to Portland where they would meet up with Saleeha and her fiance, Edison. They found that the trip missed certain traditions but in the end they arrived relaxed and sat on the deck in agreeable beach weather!

Nine hours later and several stops at various locations for bathroom breaks and we arrived at the house that had been rented months before. A glorious view upon entry was just what I had wanted and as usual the kids delivered! Everyone settled in, selecting rooms while others put supplies into kitchen cupboards.

The following day was spent on the beach where the little boys enjoyed digging, building and watching.

                                       While the older kids had a kite competition

Yusuf and Alicia arrived and joined in the fun

Each morning and every night a couple was assigned to make a meal and another to clean up. Mom and Dad arrived to eat our morning meal and stayed until evening when they returned to their room at a favorite hotel. Siblings had hoped for a cooking competition and were disappointed when that fell threw but you can be sure that will be part of the planning for next year!Of course the usual games and even new ones were played well into the night and siblings, sister-in-laws and new additions all jumped in with the crowd!

Shopping, a visit to the aquarium and more time spent on the beach were all part of our experience. The main themes appeared to be; playing games, flying kites and competing in every way possible! It was pure family time and everyone had fun watching babies!

Aquarium with the kids

Shopping and whale watching

Four days later it was time to head home and we started our little trek back to the real world.