Although Hubby and I went to the Coast for our 10th anniversary last year, it has been a LONG time since we have taken our children to the Ocean. So long, in fact, that the three oldest (who were only 3, 1 1/2, and 1 month old at the time) only “remember” seeing it in the pictures.

So, when Hubby suggested last Friday that we head over for a day trip, we were all VERY excited.  It was also just the motivation I needed to get back on track with our Alphabet Path!  (We finished S Week just before Easter and have been trying over and over to start T with little success.  It was a perfect opportunity to review and be inspired to move on to learning about Tide Pools and Tall Trees!)

Since the weather was going to be a little better on Sunday, we decided to drive over then and left early enough to attend an 11 a.m. Mass in one of the coastal towns.  After Mass we picked up coffees and headed down to the beach.


~ T is for Trails ~

It took a bit of hiking, but we were determined to visit the tide pools. 
~ At the Tide Pools ~

~ S is for Sea Stars ~
After Studying Sea Stars during S Week, finding this little Starfish was one of the highlights of the day!
~ The Scary Seagull ~

This Seagull totally scared Snuggles.  It wouldn’t leave us alone!  He was determined to take off with our lunch, but was only able to get away with the bag that contained it, which sent us scattering all over the beach to reclaim our snacks!
~ A Social Squirrel ~

This little squirrel wasn’t quite as aggressive as the seagull, but I am quite sure he would have sat on my lap if I would have let him get any closer.  Sorry little guy, the sign said “Don’t feed the wildlife!”
~ Ocean Waves and Currants ~ 
The three oldest ventured down to the water line to “touch” the ocean.
The boys are still talking about feeling the pull of the ocean currents.  We are off to the library today to find some more books on this topic.  Any suggestions?

~ Shadow Tag ~
Inspired by a friend, we played Shadow Tag on the beach.  So much fun!  I love this picture of Chiquita trying to protect her shadow from Twinkle Toes, who was “it.”  She ended up getting tagged! 
Snuggles LOVED “tripping” in the tall beach grass! 

~ T is for Tallest Trees ~

Before heading home we also made a stop at Stout Grove, the world’s most scenic stand of redwood trees.  This grove also contains the Stout Tree, which is the bulkiest known coast redwood. (It is 340 feet tall and 16 feet in diameter at chest height.)  The grove is absolutely breathtaking, but to tell you the truth, if Hubby hadn’t been there, I would have been totally spooked!  Next time we will have to make sure we visit when there is a little more light streaming through the trees.  (These pictures were taken shortly after arriving and it was just starting to get dark.  An hour or two earlier would have probably been perfect timing.)

My camera battery died just after arriving at Stout Grove, so that is it for pictures.  When we got back to town we treated the kids to Cheeseburgers and Blizzards (They were on special in honor of the Blizzard’s 25th Birthday!) and then headed home.

It was such a fun trip and I hope we are able to do it again soon!

12 Comments

  1. Kelly

    How fun Jessica! I'm so glad you were able to get away for a day trip. It looks like it was a gorgeous day! And your children are so darling. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing and God bless!

    Reply
  2. Sara

    That looks like such a fun day! Beautiful scenery and children.

    The 25th birthday of the Blizzard makes me feel old!

    Reply
  3. Karla in MN

    So cute! It looks like you all have a marvelous day. We don't live near the ocean…but makes me think we should take a day trip to Lake Superior soon! Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures of your day.

    Reply
  4. Tiffany

    Beautiful photos and reflection. Love your alphabet path a long the way! Blessings:)

    Reply
  5. Grace Hincapie

    The kids look so cute. It looked like pretty nice weather. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  6. Allison

    How blessed you are to be able to drive to such a spot…gorgeous!

    LUV how you turn those memories into a letter lesson…adorable!

    The children look so delighted and beautiful, you captured the spirit of the day and your family essence in the photos!

    There's no place as sensory as the beach. We were just talking today about our anticipation for our summer vacation there.

    Reply
  7. Mom

    Your photos remind me of when Dad and I took you Jenny,Sean,Jamie,Paul and Brian to the beach back in the early 80's.Such fond memories.If you want to know more about tide-pools along the Oregon Coast( the where and when to go) You should contact your cousin Margaret.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous

    You were right Jessica! What great photos & scenery and so many many wonderful smiles! Made my day again! Blessins on you all! PJ

    Reply
  9. Anonymous

    Gotta love the redwoods!!!

    Reply
  10. Mom2Seven

    You have a beautiful life, Jessica. God bless you and your family. JMJ

    Reply
  11. elm

    OH, MY!! That IS a long time since you've taken your kids to the coast!!! So glad you had a nice time!!! We love it over there… and need to make a visit, soon!!!

    Reply
  12. Anonymous

    Boy oh boy……..that number ten photo down sure would make a great Norman Rockwell Painting if I ever saw one!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

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