Right from the get-go, we got busy relaxing and having fun! It was a nice 68*-75* the entire time we were there, unlike the 100*+ we were having back home! The use of our sweatshirts every now and again didn't bother us at all, we knew it was better than sweating our butts off!
This year, instead of staying in our camper in the driveway, we decided to book a hotel that just a few blocks from the beach house. With all the camping we've done this summer, with still a few more trips to go, I didn't want to camp one more time! Besides, it was super nice to be able to sleep in a bit the whole trip and not have to worry about getting into the shower when someone else wanted the bathroom, lol. It was nice to have the hotel room.
After we arrived Thursday afternoon and decompressed for a bit, we were able to take a quick trip to the beach. It's funny how it can be sunny and warm right over the beach house, but just a few miles away on the beach, the fog and clouds were well established and it was quite chilly! That didn't stop the kiddos from wading into the water just a tad too far while chasing the waves and getting soaken wet!
That evening, after our little trip to the beach, we just sat around the fire, ate hot dogs and mallows, and relaxed. The next day everyone else would show up, but for that night, it was just us, Tim, and his girlfriend. A quite evening was super nice.
Friday morning, Sam and Anthony woke up early to go out crabbing and fishing with Tim and his dad, Mike, who had shown up very late the night before. Anthony was so excited! It wasn't his first time on the boat, but it was his first time crossing the bar and actually going out into open ocean to fish! He was stoked!
That poor, sweet boy though....he declined to take any Dramamine, and I had left our motion sickness remedy at home on accident....so yes, he chummed the waters! Poor thing. Sam said he tried to keep his spirits up, but that he was just miserable, lol. Despite this, he was able to reel in two fish! In the end, he was very upset about getting sick, but he did have a good time!
That evening, the members of the Evans' extended family who were able to make it this year arrived. Tim cooked delicious ribs and we all enjoyed the rest of the evening eating and chatting around the fire before calling it a night.
Saturday morning! Every year there is a parade the Saturday of Garibaldi Days. Sam and I took the kiddos out and about to some shops in town and to all the vendor booths before the parade started at 11. The kiddos always enjoy the parade. It's a pretty great one for how small Garibaldi is!
After the parade we went and watched the Reptile Man! He's been to Goldendale a few times before, but it never gets old watching him and his collection of reptiles! Molly even got called to the front to help hold a huge snake! It was so awesome! The look on her face was priceless! At the very end everyone got to pass a few snakes around, and even Timothy got in on that! What a brave boy!
There was also a wading table where the kids got to touch some little crabs and clams and such. They each also won a few prizes by answering some questions right and spinning the prize wheel, lol.
I was so excited to be able to head back to the beach again Saturday afternoon. This time, the sun was out and the weather was just beautiful! The kids had a great time playing in the waves, and I even managed to get a few nice photos as well. I forgot my tripod at home, so no family photo this year, darn it, but I still got some nice ones.
While Sammy played with the kids, I enjoyed some quite time farther up the beach. I wait all year to be able to dig my toes in the sand and soak in the beauty of the beach. It's my favorite moment.
While we were out enjoying the parade, shops, and beach, the Evans's boys went and pulled some crab pots! When we got back from all our fun, Sam, Anth, and Tim helped get them all cleaned up, cut, and boiled! Timothy even helped Papa clean up all the pots and such, he was such a great little helper! I think the total count was 36 crab!
Feast time! The moment we've all been waiting for! With the crab and all the other goodies seasoned and boiled up, it was time to dig in! I'm sure I say this every year, but the crab this year was soooo delicious and by far the best! YUM!!! Everyone did a great job preparing this meal.
The ending to every Garibaldi Days is the fireworks show. For the past few years now, we've been heading down to the dock to enjoy the show from Mike's boat. The kids just love it! It sure was a great show this year.
Sunday morning, after loading up and eating out for breakfast, we said goodbye to the Evans' family and we hit the road. We made a few stops along the way for some Tillamook ice cream and Tillamook meat sticks (of course!!) before saying goodbye to the coast until next year.
We are always so very thankful our friends continue to shower us with love and invite them to their annual crab boil. It means so much to us to be a part of their celebration. We always have a blast and we look forward to it all year!! We are forever grateful for their friendship and hospitality!
With love,
Mama Hauck
