This was such a totally different place at low tide. There were hours spent here flipping over rocks and watching/catching the crabs that ran out from under them, digging through the sand and seaweed, and wading through the low water. The kids had the muddiest feet I have ever seen and they even walked out onto barnacle covered rocks to see some seagull nests and look into small tide pools. We explored a few rocky spots around the neighborhood, which had great tide pools, kind neighbors and lots of dogs along the beach. It has happy times for us all!
Baylor and I hanging around the great decks watching the kids explore.
We had a few amazing beach days with the cousins. It was a great day at Aylard Farms beach, with white sand and sheltered from the wind. The pictures of this day are from China Beach. It was a great hike down to the beach. It was chilly and windy once we were there and the kids had said that they didn't want to go into the water so we were slightly unprepared for when they all got wet.
Baylor had a great time eating sand and any shells, rocks or sticks he could get his hands on. He is wearing Marshall's jacket.
This sweet boy cuddled up in our picnic blanket. At least we had that with us.
Kyndal did wear her swimsuit and go all the way in.
I love the view of the babies tracks through the sand.
All these littles played for hours in this stream coming down to the ocean. They were trying to build bridges and dams. Digging and playing in the sand.
Paul began a few times to build his fortress and the tide caught up too quickly. So he would move back and start again. It was fun to watch him build it, then try to save it from the water and then finally the waves overtaking it.
These girls getting brave and venturing out into the cold water. They had nothing dry to put on after and stayed in these wet and sandy clothes until we got back to the van after our day of beaching.
Back exploring at our house. We had the use of a canoe and I think that we utilized it well. Kyndal and I went out most days we were there. Elliette and Dawsyn came out only once I think and they were too scared and it was less enjoyable. So Kyndal, Marshall and I went a few times without them. We had great adventures exploring the shores on the other side of this inlet. There was a naval base across the way but a little too far to get to in a canoe. There was an island that had old ruins that were a munitions storage place for the navy. It was very cool. The best thing about our canoe rides was the animals that we had seen. Nearly every time we were out we saw a seal poking its head out and looking at us. Once it was following along behind us. They are such interesting curious creatures but I am glad that it stayed at a safe distance for our comfort. We also saw some otters out playing together in the water. There were lots of birds including herons and a seagull nest, that were really fun to see.
We also saw a big crab crawling through this seaweed that was nearly the size of a dinner plate.
The only real downfall of our canoeing trips was that we conveniently decided to go out a low tide, which meant a long ways of mud and slimy seaweed that we had to trek through, dragging the canoe with us. We just tried to go fast and not think about all of the gross things that we were stepping in. It was hard work and we definitely had good workouts going out canoeing.
Flipping over the rocks and finding many exciting things underneath!
A few pictures that the kids took of the house and gardens.
We had a great time having Paul's Uncle Grant, cousin Caroline, and her son John to come over for dinner. Paul was excited to BBQ some really fresh fish and got some beautiful halibut and huge prawns. It was delicious and we enjoyed the great company!
These were some bushes along the side of our house and the neighbors house. They were literally 15 feet high and 10 feet deep. The branches in them were so thick that the kids could climb up them like trees. And they would be hidden in there lost among all the green leaves. They had a lot of fun playing inside f them there, and with a girl they befriended from up the street. It was so great and magical for them!
I looked out over this view first thing in the morning. Even one morning laying in bed and watching out the window we saw a raccoon stroll along the deck tight by the window there. It was surprising and interesting to see. We had seen some raccoon tracks along the beach but I had never seen one in real life.
Along the way home we were all tired out from such great playing and exploring at the ocean. What an amazing trip we had. Great time with cousins and family. So great to be at the ocean and enjoy the fun and learning that we could do there together. It was so perfect!
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