My mom and her twin sister had a pretty big birthday coming up, so we gathered up a bunch of family and headed for a beach house rental to celebrate. Our timing was incredibly lucky—the weather in Portland while we were gone was 103 degrees, the temps on the beach were in the 80s. It’s a rare event getting weather like that at the beach in Oregon, especially in June, when summer hasn’t even begun. Water temps are a fraction of a degree above freezing, and there seems to always be a big wind to blow across that cold water right onto the beach.
The map our U.S. politicians dream about.
Lowe spent hours chasing and popping bubbles. He was trying out all sorts of new sound effects, and was completely engrossed in his own world.
The birthday girl.
I went swimming, too, and it’s hard for me to even explain how cold it was. At the very least it was invigorating, and I consider that my heart must still be in decent shape since I didn’t go into cardiac arrest. These kids could stay out there forever, while I was only good for two or three quick dives.
The other birthday girl.
Well who ever heard of a birthday without balloons?
Ali’s cupcakes being decorated by the kids for consumption by everyone. No germaphobes here.
Lowe explaining his birthday card. Every drawing of his is accompanied by a lengthy story.
Saw this for sale for eight grand and I couldn’t help but wonder why anyone would ever drive a mini-van.
18 Comments on “Beach Birthday”
It’s freeezing in Australia at the moment. Not like in the USA…..
Great photos as always! But my favourite is of Lowe mid-air between puddles on the beach.
What a great way to celebrate a significant birthday (x2).
I know the subject of Raising Arizona has come up before. But looking at the above pic of you I heard this in my head – “My Name Is Earl”!!! Don’t know if you’ve ever even heard of the show – it was awesome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZmrRUn0f1o
We love the Oregon beaches, especially at Nehalem Bay. Great pictures, love the one of the kids together looking at the ocean…
What beach town did you go to, and was the cost of the rental? I would like to go there someday!
Manzanita. E-mail us if you need info for a big 5 bedroom house.
Manzanita is an absolute gem. Great pics.
I grew up on the Oregon coast and love their coastline. The water is freezing… I’ll second that! But what beaches! I and love how much the public has access to there. Not at all like the Puget Sound we’re finding out! Happy birthday to your mom!
I own a mini van for the simple reason that is is easy to camp with. I ripped out all the back seats, installed a storage/counter unit, made a roll up mattress, sewed up some curtains, and now I have a really cheap camper that doesn’t look like a camper. It’s easy to boondock in a city with with or spend a week in the woods with, which ever I need to do. I use for all my travel.
I can’t believe your mom is 70. She looks great! Seems the boys were a bit outnumbered by the girls at this gathering. Great photos, as always. Love the Oregon coast!
June 11, 2012 is where your family is in my mind’s eye… reading through your sailing adventures has been a nightly ritual for the last month or so. Almost feels like cheating to see the photos of Ouest and Lowe all grown up. Great to see how many you and your family have inspired to live outside the lines. Well done.
Great Pictures, they make me homesick. I see Quest isn’t such a wimp like you, and was in the water 🙂 . Hum, must take after her mother. Did you catch the crabs yourself? That is our family tradition, go to the coast and go crabbing. Last summer we went out to the ocean, and caught over 100 (over several days). Lot of crab cracking. Really though you are right, I don’t know how we did it as kids, that water is cold.
This is why I shouldn’t look at your posts on my phone and should wait until I can get the big screen monitor version. Just noticed Ali has a second set of legs as Lowe is hiding behind her in the girls picture. Loving the posts as always.
i’d drive to astoria just for a vortex ipa right now.
Your mother in blessed.
Best picture yet is of Lowe checking out the girl on the beach it looks like he did a double take.
Your photos always just grab my heart!