It's been years since all of the Wilde Clan has been together under one roof. And since that last reunion we have added many new soldiers to the ranks. So when my Mom decided to throw together a Wilde reunion on the coast of Oregon, I was excited.
The Drive and Day 1- We arrived after three days of travel stopping in Boise to see amazing friends (Lori, and Ben) and once more in Redmond to give the kids a break. We also took the time to stop by in Albany to show the kids where Mom grew up. We arrived promptly exactly at 4PM at the beach house in Lincoln City. We then unpacked our bags and waited as other Wilde's trickled in. The beach was only a 2 minute walk from the house so we all headed that direction to walk on the beach trying to keep the kids as dry as possible tempting them with the discovery of treasure that could only be found out of the water. Jace however wandered a bit too close and was knocked over by a "wave". He was scared of the water for the rest of the trip.
Curtis Driving as always.
North Albany house that I lived in during my childhood. Whoever lives here now has removed the hedge that bordered the road and the stairs that led to the front door... oh and they painted it yellow...
Day 2- It's Independence Day!! The fourth of July was spent on the beach and lighting Fireworks. This day we actually allowed the kids to get wet. Sage had a blast playing with Ian her cousin by running out into the ocean holding hands and waiting for a bigger wave to get them. Then they would break away and RUN! Jace was cold and wanted nothing to do with the water. But enjoyed filling a bucket of sand with his cousin Natalie. And Ashton was bouncing around all over the place, playing with sand and playing in the waves. Curtis enjoyed playing with Ned's kite.
Our view from our window at Beach House.
Curtis and Jace on their way to the beach.
The Oregon Beach is COLD!
Curtis flying a kite.
Sage and Ian waiting for the next wave.
Sage running from the wave.
Ashton playing while trying to keep warm.
Later on that day we had dinner, scared our spouses with old childhood songs from our past, and enjoyed watching the fireworks that lit up the sky all along the beach.
Curtis and Me in Beach House.
Jace was petrified of the fireworks.
Ashton working he sparklers.
Around and around we go.
Only smile I got out of Jace the entire night. He was fine with the fireworks if they were far away enough and pretty enough.
Day 3- Family Pictures!!! Ok so as a family grows in small children its becomes nearly impossible to take a large group photo with all children gleefully looking at the camera. And in the end I don't believe... or let me reword that, I know for a FACT that we did not get that Perfect picture of everyone smiling for the camera. But I can say for a FACT that it was an experience that will not be forgotten. As soon as I get the results I am sure I will share.
Later on that day, some of us went to the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Curtis and the kids went up and Jace and I stayed down (Jace was too short to be allowed to climb all those stairs). This caused a commotion since Jace had decided over the last few days that Mom was not an adequate parental guardian and wanted NOTHING to do with me. Not sure why... but I had offended my 18 month old in some way. He did however forgive me and accepted me back as his Mom in a day or two.
Tallest Lighthouse in Oregon
Looking up the stairs from the bottom of lighthouse.
Curtis and Kids on stairs of lighthouse. Sage was very scared of the height.
Day 4- We basically packed up said our goodbyes and left. The time spent with family was crazy, loud, and fun, but was packed with a lot of love. Even my brother Andy and his newly acquired wife Marybeth made an appearance here and there while they were on their honeymoon. Talk about sacrifice!
On our way out we went with Cam and Karren and their kids and visited the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast followed by the Tillamook Cheese Factory where we ate and devoured ice cream. Afterword we headed toward what I consider to be my home away from home.
Shortest Lighthouse in Oregon
Sage up top in lighthouse. She was not so scared of this one.
Jace eating ice cream at Tillamook Cheese Factory.
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