Day 264

June 17, 2011

We've been painting pots the past couple days. We got some tomato plants from the Farmer's Market that need bigger pots. We got regular clay pots and have painted them. They look great!

This morning we also took a nature hike. Here's the crazy thing about the weather - well, another crazy thing about it. The days often start off chilly and damp. Then around midmorning things start to warm up a bit and by afternoon it's really like a summer day. You have to have a whole wardrobe with you for one day. Definitely a drag with a small child. This morning was sunny when we woke up but chilly. It was getting kind of overcast but I already had the momentum going for the hiking so we went out to Forest Park. Very cold and shadowy in there of course because of all the trees. Beautiful but damp.

One word: slugs. They were everywhere. I mean, really, all over the place. I had to watch the ground constantly in order to not step on any. Tell me I'm going to get used to those things. Yeah, right.

We also saw a red-breasted sapsucker which is a new one for me. Very pretty bird. A bright red head and throat, black wings with white striping. Really cool. Unfortunately I was not quick enough to get my own picture.  

  Once out again from under the trees, I realized it was actually warm out. The sun came out and it turned into a lovely day.

Day 263

June 16, 2011

Thursday...  playing catch up today so I really can't remember what we did. Stuff. We did make a delicious dinner, though. Glazed pork tenderloin with sauteed green beans with bacon and an "apple crips" (as Jacob calls it) for dessert. Tasty.

Day 262

June 15, 2011

Met up with our friends Danna and Harley Rose at the Children's Museum today. That was nice. The place was a bit of a madhouse and we were separated at times by the kids' different desires. But we managed a bit of time to hang out and talk, which was really nice. Sometimes, especially after some blah days, it really helps to get some friend energy in there. The kids have a nice time together too.

Day 261

June 14, 2011

A bit better of a day today. Still trying to shake off the blues. Made it to the gym, Skyped with the family. Finally around dinner time, my energy shifted and my good spirits came back. 

Day 260

June 13, 2011

Oh, the Monday after a vacation can be a little tough. Jacob and I tried to find some things to do around the house. I was not feeling very motivated. Some days I want to do lots of craft projects and science experiments with him, let him explore the world around us and help his little brain get the exercise it really loves. In reality, I feel like there is never enough time or organization or energy for me to do all the things I want. I find it very hard to focus on anything with a 2.5 year old running around me, asking for different things every two minutes, pulling on my legs, and just generally having more energy than I know what to do with. On my good days, it all rolls over and around me just fine. On my grumpy days, I just get impatient and frustrated. Sigh... the lessons from being a parent....

Day 259

June 12, 2011

We woke up this morning to a windless day. Jacob and I went off to the beach and, no joke, there was no wind. It was amazing. We had an enjoyable time hanging out without sand hitting us in our faces or without being chilled. 

Packing up made Jacob sad and frustrated. I feel the same way when we have to end a fun vacation, even such a short one. We told him we would definitely go camping again soon.

Jacob and Fraser slept the whole way home after Tillamook. At home I went upstairs with a sleepy boy and laid down with him. We were both out for the next two hours. It felt wonderful! 

Tried to relax and gear up for the new week.

Day 258: Camping, Day 2

June 11, 2011

A good night's sleep had by all and some yummy oatmeal for breakfast. I know, that may not sound the best, but to me, one of the things I always remember about camping is waking up in the cool morning and smelling flavoured oatmeal. It just takes me back, especially to one particular time I was camping in Oregon, actually, with my aunt and uncle. We made eggs also, for Fraser. 

The beach was windy and cold again, but sunny this time. We all braved the water this morning, the boys more so than me. VERY cold. 

This is an intentional position on his part.

One of Jacob's favourite things to do, of course, was to be one with the sand: lay on it, roll around in it, slide on it. When going to the beach I've learned to expect to get dirty, namely, sandy. To be fair, to the sand was really soft. I couldn't really blame him for wanting to be next to it. At one point, he did end up with a faceful of sand. Even that did not deter him. Well, everything washes. 

They had a nice playground at this campground too which was wonderful. We had some playtime there, a short walk around the campground and some lunch, and we were all fading quickly. A family nap was just what we needed.

After a long nap from the boy, we refreshed ourselves and headed back to the beach. Gorgeous, alive with sparkling sunlight, all the colours so crisp against one another. We didn't last long in the wind, however. This was our shortest trip.

Good thing hanging out at the campsite is so much fun. We played frisbee, people-watched, cooked some hot dogs over an open fire. Lovely. Just lovely.

It had been such an awesomely clear day all day, we went to the beach to try to see the sunset. There was a low bank of clouds coming in but we got there in time to see some of that glorious burnt orange glow of the sinking sun that makes you feel that, somehow, everything is right in the world. Especially when the two people I love the most are with me. What a great day.

Me wearing my five layer blubber suit in an attempt to keep warm.