Our Summer, Part 2: Seaside

We had an unusual summer this year in that it involved two cross-country trips--first to Denver, and then to Seaside, Oregon, where we spent a week with Jen, Nathan, Ellie, & Ben at Jess's aunt and uncle's place (a huge thank you to them for having us out there!)

Simon is now under the unfortunate impression that plane rides should occur about every month--as he's asked numerous times since July, "when do we go on the next plane ride?" as if its as regular an event as driving up to Red Wing!

We attended an Independence Day parade in Seaside--the first real parade for both our kids. The thrill of catching thrown candy was palpable for at least one of them!

 Here Simon, Ellie, and Ben lead the rest of us down to the beach for a little play time before supper.

Theodore crawls off into the sunset, reveling in the chance to play in as much sand AND as much water as he has ever imagined!

 Cousins!

 Simon spend a good deal of time "mowing" the beach with this crab-shaped sand sifter.

 Theodore, meanwhile, enjoyed getting a real taste (sadly, not figuratively!) of the beach.

 Sparklers! Andy got to introduce his son to the joy of lighting explosive devices...

We also got to see a few historic Lewis & Clark sites. Here three of the cousins found handy shelves to crawl into at Fort Canby.

Andy does double-duty carrying both kids on a hike up to see a lighthouse.

 The lighthouse at/near Fort Canby!

Simon posing at the overlook by the lighthouse.

Ben & Ellie enjoyed dressing up in period costumes at the Lewis & Clark National Park.

We are hoping to see more of the Spandes now that they are stateside again!