Wandering the Sands of Tierra Del Mar.

Since living here, we have found our favorite beach.  It's called Tierra Dell Mar.  Usually we just drive onto the sand and then play close by.   But this time we decided to park, walk and explore a new section of beach.  Today the ocean seemed moody, shrouded in the mystery of fog and mist.  She was loud and noisy with big splashing waves. She played tricks on us,  drawing us farther and farther out and then surprising us with a big wave that came way up onto the beach.  She's always cold but today she was freezing  (well not literally).   
So we put on our coats and hats and mud boots and away we went to chase some waves and look for treasures.

This little dude was unhappy for about the first 15 seconds, then he was happy.

 

 

We saw a gazillion jellyfish washed up on the beach.  Most of them were dead... but I've been told they can still sting even thought they've gone on to the great jelly fish beyond.

Carson walked down the beach kicking the dead ones.

Wave watching

Wave racing.

I believe many of these are vacation rentals, but they are mostly vacant now since the tourist season is over.

One of the cool things we discovered.... I would love to know where this is from and what it used to be part of.

A sandy lego.

A wind block for the fire pit.

 

 

We also discovered this lemon that had definitely seen better days.

Bullwhip Kelp (I think)

Of course one must pick up the Bullwhip kelp and swing it round and round!

More watching and waiting...

and roaring...

 

 and waiting and watching...

and racing...

faster and faster...

 Aww.  They do love each!

 

 

 

We took turns playing "follow the leader" and walking in each other's foot prints. We did lots of singing.  We brought home several cool rocks and a few broken shells.  We have yet to find a whole sand dollar, but we sure have found lots of  halves of sand dollars. 

 

It was a lovely afternoon and a good time was had by all.

Sand And Sun And The Little Red Car That Got Stuck.

Recently we spent a little time playing in the sand at Pacific City.   The sun was mostly shinning and it was almost warm.  We are trying to take advantage of the sunshine, because the rain is coming!

 



This guy loved the sand. 

The waves were high and before we left, the clouds and fog had started to roll in.

Much to our amazement and our amusement, this small car cruised out onto the beach, like it owned the place and preceded to drive right into loose, dry sand and get very stuck!   It is possible to carefully drive on the beach and not get stuck , you just must use wisdom.  But I am guessing this may have been a new-to-sand- driver.  Even more interesting was the fact that 5 people and a guitar were jam packed into this tiny car. 

I guess it's all about the adventure and the making of memories.

Unfortunately we had to leave before their very small car was free from the sand. 

Beach Time

While Mamaw and Papaw were here visiting, we had gorgeous weather.  I'm talking sunshine and cloudless blue skies!  This kind of weather calls for some beach time!


The beach was mostly deserted. (In the distance is Haystack Rock in Pacific City.)

Plenty of room to run and play!

Plenty of breeze to fly a kite.

Some serious playing is happening here!

 

 

 

 

The Birthday Boy's Big Day

 

The big day started out early.  First it was out to breakfast at 7:00am.  He chose Three Rivers Café, and of course he ordered pancakes!

 

Leaving for breakfast with Daddy

 Then it was time for school. Despite his excitement, he studied very hard!

He received several phone calls through out the day from family and friends.

He received a birthday email, and multiple Facebook messages.

 

 And, he received some birthday text messages.



A birthday wrestling match, or maybe it is more like a wallowing.

He had birthday company.  There were others that dropped by to bring gifts and I didn't get a picture of them.

 

 

And then it was time for singing "Happy Birthday"  and blowing out the candle.  He was so excited that I had found the #6 candle.

He didn't want traditional "cake" for his birthday,  so this cake is just to hold the candle.
I love how the littlest man is very into the celebration as well

 

Cherry Cheesecake was what he wanted instead of the traditional birthday cake.  I had him close his eyes then set this in front of him.  Happy Boy!

 

 
 Then it was present opening time. 

 

 

This strangely wrapped package suddenly appeared while he wasn't looking.  Bet you can't  guess what it is.

 

 

Happy boy!

So of course, after opening the above gift, there had to be some practice.

And then, the grand finale for the birthday boy's big day; we went to Pacific City and climbed the GIANT sand dune.  Carson has been wanting to climb this since we moved here.

First up- Carson and Mommy.  I found this to be a challenging adventure...1 step up, slide backwards 2 steps.  Loose sand is tough to climb!


Carson and Mommy nearly to the top. 

The view from the top is incredible!

Taking a break and being blasted by blowing sand.

Next up- Carson, Kenzie and Daddy.

 



The long climb!

Their silhouettes against the skyline.

 

 

A beautiful ending to a wonderful day!  He did say he kind of wished he could have a Birthday every day.  And he thought maybe the next day he might be a little puffed up because of his special treatment.