Back on the road

The final morning at the beach house is a frenzy of cleaning and clearing out the fridge. With 7 kids in the house there is also a lot of checking and rechecking that we have everything and that it is divided up to the right kids.

Because we packed last night, getting out this morning took no time at all. Everyone was ready and doors were locked by 9:30, our earliest yet. We did our usual hugs and hit the road.

I'm not sure if it was because I was up late or because I always fall asleep in the car, but I couldn't even get to Warrenton (10 miles) before I was nodding off. I didn't wake up until we got to I-5. Then Skylar had his turn.

Skylar lives a pretty solitary existence. Sharing a house with 16 other people for a week can be exasperating for a teen, especially when those people love you.

We are so lucky to have Walter and Michele in our lives. We love you guys! Thank you for hosting another fantastic year at the beach!

P.S. The Rittierodts love the Manns, Tagues and Lassiters too!

Last day :(

The last day at the beach is all about getting the last minute shopping deals...

And having family pictures done.

We always take family portraits on this trip for Michele's kitchen. We all end up using the pictures for our Christmas cards too.

We always take a fun picture of the whole group too.

This year we went with the selfie stick version on the deck.

We like to get a shot of the kids in age order too so we can chronical their growth.

This year we decided to take pictures of the adult groups. The women and men of Seaside...

The rest of the night was spent on eating leftovers, drinking the rest of the liquor, packing, then watching Big Brother. When it got late we settled in for a rousing game of pictionary. 

Hole in one!

Walter has been playing golf for a very long time and he is a decent player, but yesterday something happened during his game of golf that set him apart from other amateur players.

He hit a hole in one! The golf course was so impressed they were notifying the local paper as well as our home town paper. Walt will also be issued a certificate from the course. 

Typical misty morning

I woke up this morning to the typical ocean mist. I haven't seen it all week. It's weird that I've missed it a little. 

When Michele and I set out for our first trip down the prom the fog was so thick we were covered in dew before the 1st mile. I couldn't see a thing out of my glasses.

By the time I set out for my second trip up and down the prom the fog was already lifting. It's going to be a gorgeous last day in Seaside.

20 years

20 years ago today I woke up in a house with these same people ready to get married to my high school sweetheart.

Of course, none of the kids were there and we were all 20 years younger.

Today, the agenda is much different than 20 years ago. Back then we had a lot to do to throw a backyard wedding. Today we don't have any set plans except to hit the City pool.

After Michelle and I complete our circuit workout I get the boys out for a 5 mile bike ride. The prom bike shop is a great mom and pop place just down the street from the house. The old guy gives a great bike tuneup. Rob got his bike done last summer. This time it was my turn. I decided to add a kickstand and a cool bell to my bike. Skylar also got a new seat in hopes that he wouldn't mind riding so much.

Most of the day was spent running errands and relaxing in the sun, and of course the kids went to the pool with grandma.

Traditionally Rob and I always try to go out to dinner away from the family for our anniversary. This year was no different. We made reservations for Maggie's but before we left Walt wanted to have a cocktail hour. The gang surprised us with a fancy bottle of champagne and a funny card.

We walked on the prom to Maggie's. Maggie's is a great place right on the prom with a great beach view.

The food was amazing and so was the wine. Another wonderful Seaside anniversary.

Rare day

It is rare on the Oregon coast to have a morning that is clear of clouds. This morning was one of those mornings. I got up for a run and it was beautiful and sunny!

I ran three with Michelle. After, she headed to the beach for a cool down and I went back to the house to meet Olivia so we could run three more. Olivia is doing a great job training for her first year of junior high cross-country.

Today was expected to be rainy, the worst day of the week. Plans changed when we woke up to see the sun. We decided to take the kids to Astoria to check out some of their cool sites.

We started with the Astoria Column. You can climb the spiral staircase to the top and throw off gliders. It was really cool and a great view from the top.

The Column is at the top of the Astoria hill with a great view of the Columbia River. We had a great picture all set up of the kids and Steve couldn't help himself to photo bomb the set up.

Next, we set our sights on the goonies house.

Apparently the new owners don't care for visitors.

After that, we decide to head back to Seaside for lunch. We choose my favorite place, the bagel shop!

When we return to the house the sun is shining and it is time to hit the beach!

Skylar stayed behind with Heather to help with dinner.

Dinner was to be Heather's famous chicken noodle soup.

When we came up from the beach it was happy hour and almost time for dinner.

I had my first try at making mojitos and Rob finally got his printer delivery. Seems like every year we end up with a delivery from UPS to the house for some Amazon item.

Happy hour was delicious and so was dinner, of course. Afterwards, it was time to head back down to the beach for a Beach fire and Smore's.

Michele brought lanterns for the kids to light and let off the beach. It was cool to see them float away in the dusk light.

To finish off a near perfect day we went back to the house to have the apple pie that Heather and Skylar had made. It was delicious!

Fun and games

It was a beautiful, coastal day in Seaside. Michele and I had a fantastic circuit workout. At the same time the guys left for their golf date. 

After lounging most of the morning the moms and Rob left Skylar with the kids and headed to Gearhart. We met up with the golfing guys for lunch.

It was nice to have adult time. The guys go golfing at least a couple times each trip. Walt had a great shot today.

When we returned from lunch the kids headed to town with a few adults, but some of us were ready for a nap. 

Manny Mann had a nice nap in the front window. Karen got babysitting duties. Manny broke his leg minutes before the gang was heading out of Puyallup and got himself a free trip to the beach.

After naps it was beach time. It was gorgeous out there!

Time to head back for dinner!

After a fantastic bbq dinner courtesy of the Manns it was game night!

Super fight 

Munchkin Avengers addition 

Rummikub 

After the kids get to bed and the Coors is flowing free things start to get out of 

hand. 

There is always talk of Taco Bell, but no one ever goes...