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.
Loved reading this! Kids looked like they were enjoying themselves. The little ones are adorable.
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Lovely family time, Lynn, thank you for sharing.
Leslie ❤
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Great family photos showing lots of fun Lynn. You are a lucky lady.
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Ho fun! I love that you guys got to do that, and that it is a family tradition! 😀
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That’s “how” fun 😋
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I have to say I love it too! Thanks!
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Thank you for sharing! You have a beautiful family! God has surely blessed all of you!
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Thanks so much Alice! You are so right!
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This sounds like the most amazing family vacation ever. All together. This is awesome!!
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Thank you sweet Erika xo
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😊💖
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What a wonderful tradition that you have been able to continue with your expanded family. Four generations enjoying a fun break at the beach! What a way to enjoy each other away from the usual hustle and bustle of life. xoxo
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You are so right xoxo
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I’m amazed at how you all get along, chip in together and have such fun. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
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OOOH Lynn! My heart is so full reading this! So beautiful to see this wonderful family time! ❤
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Lovely! How special to see your family at play making life time memories. Thanks for a heartwarming post.
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Good times! Such a wonderful tradition you’re carrying on, and passing down. It looks like it was a huge success, and a lot of fun.
The little ones are sure growing fast. They’re so handsome, and beautiful.
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Thank you Deborah! It was so much fun
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Such a close family. Your adventures and co-operation always bring a smile to my face. Those little kiddies growing up in such a safe and supportive space.
This is the coastline we drove last May. I haven’t written my blog posts about it yet, but they are coming. All along the way I wished we had longer time to linger.
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Wow very nice!
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Sounds like fun!!
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So much fun! I hope you are well and safe
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Wonderful family!. I need to go home, I’m missing it.
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Thanks JC
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What a wonderful family holiday! Four generations of fun at the seaside. I’m so glad you had this time and how wonderful to carry on the tradition your parents started. Xoxo
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Great pics and what a beautiful family! You are blessed, Lynn.
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How fun!! Looks like ya’ll had a lot of fun! The little ones are so adorable!! xoxoxo
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Your pictures show the fun you had. Great family week.
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Thank you!
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Family time at the beach! The best! (K)
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Thanks K xxx
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Wow..You’ve Ben busy Lynz!
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Yes!!
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Wow..You’ve Ben busy Lynz!
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Oh my Gary! I have been so busy
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Great pics!
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Thanks
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It looks like a wonderful vacation!
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It was wonderful
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This is just the most beautiful post. You and the family look so happy, you are all blessed and all deserve to be so very happy 💜💜💜💜💜
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Thank you dear sister xo❤️
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It looks like you all had a wonderful time 💜
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What a wonderful family tradition.
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I have to agree!
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Family fun!!! :D:D:D
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A beautiful family Lynz. I like your mom and dad would fly to Portland if I were given chocolate covered nuts and caramel covered corn.❤
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Thanks! They deserve every little thing to spoil them
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