Family Fun at Rodeo Beach

It has been on my heart for quite some time now, to escape with my family for a fun family day.  I finally expressed my hearts desire to my husband and shared I wanted to head to the coast for some family fun.  A few of my local girlfriends told me about this great kid-friendly beach within a drive from our house. 

I was super excited to be spending quality time with my husband and children… away from home… away from all the social media obligations and life expectations.  I am trying really hard to unplug from the computer and plug into life.  I have found that in doing so I am happier.  My children are happier.  Life is good. 

We loaded up the kiddos in the van and headed west.  Amazingly the boys did great (no fighting) and my husband did great too (no getting lost! Thank you google maps!). 

For our first beach trip of 2013, we opted to explore Rodeo Beach.  When we arrived it was overcast and chilly.  It even started to rain.  The rain and cloud cover did not deter the boys.  They eagerly put on their pants and jackets and ran to the beach.  (I think they are used to the Oregon coast weather and think all beaches are cold and gloomy). 

Thankfully the sun burned off the clouds relatively quickly after we arrived.  Before we knew it the two big boys were gleefully frolicking in the waves (and trying to out run them).  They were soaked.  They were hysterically laughing.  They were having the time of their lives!  This made my Mama’s heart happy.

We enjoyed watching the surfers catch waves.  We chased birds away from our snacks.  Mommy even enjoyed doing handstands in the sand while trying to avoid the waves crashing into her hands.  Yes, those photos will be posted this Friday for Handstand Friday!

 

I think they have found their happy place.  Our family LOVES the mountains (because that is what we are used to).  But I think we could get used to having the beach out our back yard.  I am thankful we live within in driving distance to spend a day trip at the coast.

After a few hours of frolicking in the sand, we decided to head up the really big hills for a hike on the coastal trail.  We weren’t expecting much or even hiking very far (as the boys were wearing down).  We all were excited to check out the really big guns at the top of the hill and to check out the amazing views.

Halfway up the really big hill on the trail, we stopped for a few fun family photos.  Mommy and the boys.  Daddy and the boys.  Then a family picture… as good as we could do given the circumstances.

It was my intention to get a good hill workout in this weekend.  But family time prevailed (no complaints from me).  My hill workout consisted of me packing my 3 year old (30+lbs) in the Ergo up the trail. 

The views were breathtaking.  The giggles and pure joy felt from my husband and children were priceless.  I was in my happy place. 

This was an easy hike for the boys.  It was also an educational hike. The teacher in me loved teaching them about the history of the location.  The boys loved learning about and exploring the old guns and hideouts.

I breathed in the beauty of God’s great creation and the peace I felt reconnecting with my family.  I think we are going to have to plan more day trips to the beach (or other fun outdoor activities) in our near future.

We had a great family fun day at Rodeo Beach.  Spending more quality time with my family, and less time doing things that I do not value as important is a huge goal of mine.  As the little unimportant things tend to take precedence in my mind… even though I know my family is the most important.

How do you make time to reconnect as a family?  How often do you plan fun family activities?  What is your preference beach or mountains?