Our Oregon Coast trip was different this year, we didn't get to go in July for Garibaldi Days and the Evans' crab boil like we usually do. Life got busy. However, Sam and I were still able to make it out that way sans kiddos for some adult time with some friends; Tommy, Tim, and Danielle, this past weekend.
We felt a little guilty and sad for being there without the kids, but we truly had a great time. Lots of laughs and relaxation.
Saturday we took a drive out to Cape Kiwanda and trekked up the huge sand hill to the edge of the sandstone cliff to take in the views. It was very overcast and foggy, so unfortunately we didn't get to see much, but it was still enjoyable. Getting up the hill was a pain; I thought I was going to die. Not to mention the amount of sand I got in my shoes was ridiculous!
Back at the house, we rested, lounged around, and got the ribs going on the smoker for dinner.
While we waited on the ribs, we hit up the Ghost Hole for a drink and some video poker. Sam won $45, and with that we called it quits. Quit while you're ahead is my motto, lol. Before heading back to the house, we walked around down town Garibaldi for a bit, stopping in at the nice antique stores they have there.
Saturday night we enjoyed delicious food, a nice fire, music, and great company. The ribs were amazing! It was a beautiful night.
Sunday morning we made our way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory! We go every time we are in the area. It's a tourist trap, I know, but I just can't resist buying some extra sharp Tillamook cheese and a Tillamook ice cream waffle cone! Even though we've done the tour a million times, we did it again. It never gets old.
Finally, the moment I wait all year for; my visit to Cape Meares Beach. I just love it there! The weather was beautiful out, sunny and clear. I took a nap in the sand while the others walked around a bit. When Sammy got back, we made sure to take our cliche beach photos and a group one too! I could stay there forever. My happy place.
After our time at the beach, we headed to a small town called Wheeler to browse the amazing antique shop they have there. After antiquing, we stopped for a drink before heading back to the beach house for a dinner of homemade fish and chips. We rounded off the night with watching a scary movie: Hush.
Monday morning was lazy. We slept in, ate blueberry waffles, watched the Olympics, then got on the road at 11. I love lazy mornings.
I'm feeling thankful for another wonderful weekend away at the Evans' beach home!
With love,
Mama Hauck
We finally got the concrete poured for our future guest house! It seems like such a small thing in the grande scheme of things, but we've been patiently waiting for years now; saving up the money and trying to find the right time in our busy lives to get the job done. I'm so happy and relieved to have that part complete. My dad helped Sam build the concrete fame over the summer, and our friends and neighbors came by to help us during the actual concrete pouring process. I am so thankful for their help. Step one complete! Now we can slowly start saving up for the next step: framing!
We had enough concrete left over to also pour the pad for my hot tub!.....
....which meant it was time to go to Oak Harbor and get it! I am excited beyond words about this! For 8 years I've been waiting to get my hot tub from our house in Oak Harbor, and we've finally made the trip out that way to haul it home to Goldendale!
Since my Mom had plans to come up from CA to take the kiddos to the Island for a mini vacation to have fun and spend time with our extended family out that way, Sam and I thought it a great time to bum a ride to the Island so we could rent a U-haul to get our hot tub home to Goldendale.
Once on the Island, my cousin Corey, his girlfriend Kaelani, and my Aunt Amy, helped Sam and I load the hot tub in the U-haul. In general it went well, but not without some hiccups! Apparently there were a few yellow jacket nests inside the base of the hot tub, and this caused for some issues....and some stings! Sorry Sam and Corey! We managed to get the job done though, and Sam was able to load up his Ford Galaxy, which had also been sitting in Oak Harbor just waiting to make its way to Goldendale with us.
The hot tub itself needs a bit of work since sitting unused for 8 years; a new lid, some electrical work, a few pieces of it's siding replaced, and some general deep cleaning. Not to mention we have to do the work to get the hot tub area set up; the first step was the railroad ties and concrete pad, the next step will be running electricity to it. I'm so thankful to finally have it here! I can't wait to get it all set up in the next month or so and take that first relaxing dip....while listening to OAR and chit-chatting with my lover, just like old times!
Progress on some much wanted projects makes my heart so happy.
Our trip to the Island was short, but nice. We got to the Island late Friday night with just enough time to eat dinner and go to bed. Saturday we woke up early, got the U-Haul, and headed to our home for the Galaxy and hot tub. With our work complete by noon, we headed out for a few hours of fun with Corey and Kaelani! We went out to Mexican for lunch, went on an awesome hike at Ebey's Landing, got some ice cream in Coupeville down by the Wharf, then headed on back to Aunt Amy's, where we were staying, for dinner and bed. Sunday we had just enough time to visit with my Great Aunt and Uncle, as well as my Grandma and Grandpa, before getting on the road at 11 for the slow drive home.
Saying our good-byes to the kids went well. They will have a super fun time on the Island with my Mom visiting family while Sam and I have a few weeks to ourselves to unwind and get some projects done.
With love,
Mama Hauck
