Sunday ~ Fun Day

On Sunday we ended up going up the coast to Seaside.

We ate breakfast at the hotel and then decided to just spend the morning exploring at Seaside.

Our first stop were the bathrooms.

Seaside was so full of the people and it makes perfect sense because there are so many activities there.  There was definitely an energy and summer buzz there.


I was starting to really settle into the enjoyment of having a family vacation by this day.
I mean to be honest when the rafting trip got cancelled for us I had thought it would be fun to have a nice romantic, quiet trip with Brent. Minus the three amigos. After all this year we have not had our usual one on one vacation. But, then after having those thoughts I always feel bad.  I understand that my children do not need every single second of my time spent entertaining them, but I felt like taking a vacation without the boys would not be fair.

Seaside has it's own "gum pole". Much like in Seattle and the wall of gum.

We explored the shops around the Carousel. We always ride the carousel when we come to Seaside.

I have wanted to visit Seaside since my niece showed me a baja hoodie she had purchased at one of the stores there. The first shop we went to and I found them, however they did not have any I liked in my size. If they fit me length wise the sleeves were way too long...it was frustrating.

But, Brent was amazing and kept the boys under control so I could rummage through the pile of bajas trying to find one. I was unsuccessful, but that gives us an excuse to go back!

We finally made our way to the Carousel. The boys each picked out their steeds and enjoyed the ride.

Brent really wants the next kite we buy to be a parachute kite, because they apparently do not have any poles...After the tangled ball of kites I brought this time, I completely agree with him. 

Mitch found this dragon kite he loved...but a $40 kite was not in the cards.

Another fun attraction we found was the shark. Much like riding the bull, you get to ride the shark. Unfortunately the only one in our group willing to do this was too short to actually try it out. Still we had fun watching the participants.

It happened...

We got hungry.

Lucky for us there was a great grab-n-go fish and chips cart not far from a corn dog cart. 

I ordered fish and Brent took the boys down to get corn dogs.

Apparently it was pretty cool and they battered and fried the dogs right there in front of them...

We ate our lunch right in front of the bumper cars and tilt-a-whirl. 

After eating we decided to ride the rides to get the full Seaside experience.

I love the tilt-a-whirl. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and my Dad would hold me by my arms and spin me around and around.

It is even better riding with August. He gets this excited giggle and is going crazy the whole ride. His laugh is so contagious.

We were getting anxious to hit the beach. We stopped in a store to purchase a new bucket and frisbee.

These shops were a bit overwhelming. I mean how was I supposed to tell the boys not to touch everything when I wanted to touch everything.

One can get a little claustrophobic walking through these stores. They are packed top to bottom of stuff.

I mean look at this!?

There is the wonderful place that sells elephant ears. We did not indulge until after dinner that night.

We met up with Max and family, that's right we had a play date at the beach...

Mr. Miles was all smiles when I finally got my eyes lens on him.

Charlie really took to Uncle Brent and talked to him all day long...
Charles wasted no time getting covered in sand.

Max and Becca wasted no time getting some precious shots.

My loves.

August waited patiently to be able to play in the water

Max put Miles to sleep

Charlie acted like he wanted to fly the kite...

Rebecca tried to get their kite in the air...

When Mitch got bored flying the kite he handed it over to the chair...

August took Miles lead and also took a nap

Miles got his first little touch of icy ocean waters...

Charlie and Uncle Brent

We decided to wade in the water...

Brent chased Brayden down...

...and then this happened. Brayden was not happy

It was so peaceful watching the boys play in the water. The pictures do not do it justice

This was after a few different "clean ups"
Charlie just kept dumping sand on his head...
if he only knew what was coming!

Charlie got a bucket of ocean water shower.
He was not very happy about it.
Brayden was quite concerned and tried to comfort him (although it looks like he is just smelling him)

This is a series of Miles smiling at Brent...

As the sun starts setting we decide to pack up and call it a day at the beach.

Max and family went home, while we found a place a place to fill our growling tummies. I believe it was around 8pm. If you can believe it?!
Even though the sign said these places closed at 8pm the owners were there and still serving thank goodness. We got some stir fry type dish with fried rice, but that was AFTER we got some elephant ears.

I had promised the boys that I would take them swimming since we had not yet had time to do it.
Unfortunately for me we did not return to the hotel until umm...let's say 11pm.
The pool was open 24 hrs.
Lucky for us no one else is crazy enough to swim at midnight. We had the whole place to ourselves.
Earlier when we went to look at the pool we played on the gym equipment.
This night, after swimming we also had a nice relaxing sit in the sauna.
They have a steam room that is tile and fills to the brim with thick thick steam.
Then next to it is a dry sauna. Wood. Where you pour the water over the hot rocks.
If it wasn't so late I would say it was perfect.
Actually I will say that anyways. It was a great way to end the day.
Plus, we did not have to get up until 9am the next day to make it to breakfast...