Settling in for the Night

It's my favorite time of day around here. Just after Gavin goes to bed, and I can unwind. Especially today...he was either having an "off day" or he's not feeling well. Or it could be those lower molars coming in, but whatever it was he was quite a bear, and I'm tired. Luckily we kept busy and on-the-go, which is the only way to adequately appease him and for me to maintain my patience and sanity, and we're hoping for a new beginning tomorrow!

Yesterday we took it easy around here in the morning and went for a long walk to the Gleneden Beach Wayside so Gavin could run around and chase the seagulls. After a nap, we headed out for an ice cream break and some beach time with all the tourists. Luckily the best restaurant in the area happens to be the only restaurant within walking distance to the house, so I ordered a take-out salad later that afternoon for dinner, and when we went to pick it up, we also stopped by the produce tent at the weekly Harvest Festival for a sack of peaches. It's becoming a Thursday tradition because they are darn delicious. Dinner was outside in the backyard, and after spending time with Guinea and Grandpa after their busy day, it was time to call it a night for Gavin.

New backyard toy!

Snack break at the wayside.

The water was a little gentler and less intimidating in this cove.

We approve of Oregon peaches.

Today we headed out bright and early for Newport. It's just a half hour down the coast, but it's a bigger town with more stores, and we had some errands to do. But first, we stopped at the bay front to look for the sea lions. They must have been sleeping because we got there so early, but Gavin still enjoyed the boats and walking around on the docks. When we stopped in at Safeway, luckily they had the kind of cart where Gavin could "drive the race car." He was on the verge of meltdown, and actually it was a taxi, but I didn't bother to correct him, as keeping him placated while I shopped was my only concern. In the afternoon, we met Abby and the boys at the park, and then it was time for a walk and then dinner before wrapping it up.

We've been to Newport a couple times on this trip, but this was our first time at the bay front this month.

Now that Dylan is back at our house in Arizona, I'm a little more homesick. I know that he misses us too, and it makes me sad that Gavin has to be away from his dad. Also, things are always better (easier) when the two of us can co-parent. I'm no stranger to single parenting, but it's not really my cup of tea. Or anybody's, I'm sure. But...other than that, I don't think we're really missing out on much at home, and man are we enjoying the heck out of our time at the coast. It's the first time since before Gavin was born that I can say that I'm consistently well-rested. After parenting, I really only make time for the following things while I'm here: eating (probably too much), light exercise, plenty of sleep (including naps!), blogging, watching Newsroom, and reading a book if I'm not too tired. So no, it's not the most productive time of my life. I don't feel especially accomplished, which has always been a thing for me. But, for right now I'm okay with it. Life will continue with full force next month, and for now I'm enjoying this little sabbatical from my other responsibilities.