Manzanita!!!

We were finally able to make our first trip to the beach house in Manzanita this year and it was such a memorable weekend because we got to go with Kevin's parents, and his sister Amy with her children, Taylor, Hailey and Zane. Clara couldn't have had more fun!! She loved being around her cousins so much and with three of them around for several days she basked in all of the attention. We lucked out for our trip and had some great weather. There was rain but it seemed to happen overnight or during nap/rest time and didn't really get in our way.

The rest of the group had been there for almost a week when we arrived and so the kids had made lots of fun discoveries that they wanted to share. After our long car trip, we all took a walk to the bay in Nehalem State Park. The kids (including Kevin, because he really still is just a big kid) loved climbing on all of the drift wood and building forts.

BIG kid, Kev!

Clara wasn't at all shy about getting in the water and exploring.

Daddy's (first) little girl

That evening we headed out to the fun Farmer's Market Manzanita hosts on Friday nights. We went a few times last year and are always impressed at all of the great produce and tasty treats the market in such a small town has to offer. Clara, after eating dinner, a ton of fresh berries and most of Hailey and Taylor's strawberry lemonades was out having a great time shakin' it to the live music!

The adults enjoyed the strawberry shortcake - especially this Mama-to-be! My third trimester actually has me feeling a little peppier so far, especially since my affection for sweets has returned.

The next day we spent a lot of time down on Manzanita beach.

Hailey, Clara & Taylor

One of Mommy's favorite parts of beach trips has now become Scout's as well... Tillamook Ice Cream!

Play-doh is fun for kiddos of all ages!

At one point the kids were all doing the crab walk in the sand. Above, Clara can't quite get the hang of it, but she thought she was copying her cousins, so she was happy!

Running and ROLLING down the steep and sandy hill!

Being silly while watching her cousins do their crazy tricks.

Clara would be content digging in the sand and lugging a bucket around all day. At one point she had the bucket overflowing with sand yet refused to let us help dump it over. Instead, she kept scooping up the sand and watching is fall off the mound.

Kevin was taking a belly photo when Clara leaned over and gave "sister" a kiss - so sweet!

More digging...

Hailey was flying the trick kite, which was moved really fast but was harder to keep in the air!

The others were off flying a kite so she decided to take her bucket and shovel over closer to them. I offered to carry it for her or take some sand out, but she absolutely insisted on doing it herself.