Our Life on the Coast

We've taken a day or two to get settled and loaded up with the essentials. Dylan headed back to the heat today because unfortunately, as is the way of the world, somebody in a family usually has to go to work. But, we've got a great little set-up out here, and though we will miss him terribly, Gavin and I should be very content for the month of July.

Allow me to describe to you where we are. Dylan's parents (Gavin's Grandpa and Guinea) live two streets in from the ocean on the Oregon coast. We're in a tiny beach town called Gleneden Beach, which neighbors a larger (but still small) town where basically everything is...the family church, Safeway, etc. We are 2.5 hours from Portland, so a trip to the airport is not quick. But, it allows for a stop at the TJs in Salem, which is a highly pleasurable experience, as the store is BIG and not crowded!

When the Millers renovated the house a few years ago, they built an awesome guest room with its own bathroom and mini kitchen and living area, so we are more than comfortable. Also, did I mention our own little yard and hot tub? Gavin sleeps upstairs away from everyone, so we're free to roam about while he's asleep. The backyard has plenty of space for Gavin to run in the grass and features plenty of fun amenities. Grandpa even built a temporary safety fence around the skate bowl, so I can relax a little while Gavin plays outside. We have already clocked several hours in the yard, and if you've heard about the 100 degree heat wave in Portland, well do not fear, the coast is a good 40 degrees cooler. So far the days have gone in and out of overcast/foggy and sunny, but never more than about 65 degrees. Perfection!

People always wonder if I'll get bored around here, and I'm only two days into this, but I don't think so. I already feel so much more relaxed. I'm really not sure what it is about being away from one's home that is so relaxing, but it is, and I needed it! I have plans to read a lot of books and perhaps binge watch a TV show, which I haven't done in a couple of years. I've got my exercise stuff, and we'll take plenty of walks around the neighborhood and on the beach. The area has a bunch of beaches, parks, and playgrounds for us to go on picnics, not to mention that we are surrounded by family and a couple of friends. So, it should shape up to be quite nice, and if anything, I'll probably resist going home in August.

A puddle, what is that?

I see the ocean!

It's pretty lush out here!

Backyard play.

Driving the race car at Fred Meyer. Let it be known, that thing is NOT easy to steer!

We had to say good-bye to Dylan today for a month at most. Hopefully he'll be able to sneak out here once or twice before that, but no plans are in the pipeline yet. I did not realize how sad I would feel to see Gavin say good-bye to Dylan. He really knew what was happening and hung on to him so tight. I'm not big on crying, but it does cause me a few tears to think about it. But hey, what a guy Dylan is for making this summer possible for us and encouraging me to go outside my comfort zone and get away from home so we could relax and have fun at the beach. It's really pretty depressing to be at home when he's gone so much anyway. I'm almost certain we'll all be happier with G and I in Oregon.

Anyway, here we are, and it's a pretty nice life. You can expect tons of updates. I have plenty of time to write, after all!