My Dad turned 60 this year, and my step-mom, Debbie, had been planning a surprise for over a year. Five years ago we all spend a long weekend together at the North Head lighthouse in Ilwaco, WA. We had a relaxing time reading, watching movies, and exploring the lighthouse. It stormed pretty well last time we were there. Fast forward five years...my step-brother has 2 kids, we have two kids, and Korbe and Traci live in Wyoming instead of a couple hours away in Eugene. When we found out Tim couldn't get the time off, I wasn't sure how it could work...and my dad knew NOTHING. Debbie wanted to help so bad that she booked herself tickets to come down here to fly with me and help with the girls and tickets to do the same to get me home! We ventured up together (Charlotte did really well on the plane...it's just the logistics of it all with folding/unfolding the stroller, getting myself and two tiny people through security with GASP! liquids, and keeping it together on the plane) so having Debbie as my side kick was invaluable. We got to their house with my two gigantic suitcases and surprised my dad when he came home for lunch.
Korbe and Traci were another story...my Dad was sorta expecting them to show up Friday night...but when they didn't, and we left without them to head to the coast, it made the surprise even better. We got to the vacation homes and they had stashed their rental car and were in the living room sitting on the couch! He was definitely surprised and happy. My step-brother, Nick, came that afternoon and his family joined him Monday night...Gracie waited very IMPATIENTLY for Xander to get there so she could have a play mate. In the meantime we played with my babies, had foam block wars, took walks in the gorgeous weather, explored the big old homes, and just enjoyed each other's company.
Gracie looking out toward the ocean
Charlotte decided to help me out and sit up by herself for the VERY first time on Sunday morning. This is right when it happened, which I was happy to get to document since Tim wasn't able to be there.
A "tower" fit for a princess...we were sad the inside of the lighthouse was closed this time due to renovations...I was looking forward to Gracie climbing those stairs!
I strapped Charlotte to my Dad for the afternoon
Gracie and "Uncle Mamo"
Korbe promised Gracie sand to build a castle...and when we found a beach we had to hike over all this driftwood...but he carried her because he promised! Then she hated when her hands got all dirty!
Breakfast on Dad's birthday in Long Beach
Gracie helped blow out the candle
Building a tower!
My cousin Xander...finally!
Running and chasing..that's one of our houses in the back...they are said to be haunted and they have creepy attics and basements!
Back at Dad and Debbie's house playing with Bailey
Trying to understand how the water turned to ice...
We made Rapunzel be adventurous and climb the icy mountain!
Happy baby on the plane ride home!
