Family Time on the Coast

We loaded up the gang and boarded a flight to PDX. Luckily, I have a very forward thinking husband who paid the extra $$ so we could dominate an entire row and have it confirmed in advance. It was Graham's first flight, and even though bringing two small children on an airplane is nobody's idea of a good time, all in all it went okay. That is, according to me. You may get another story from the person in front of Gavin who was on the receiving end of his kicks both ways. Or those in surrounding rows who get really irritated by the sound of a crying baby. Or maybe those fellow passengers who don't appreciate a toddler shouting "This airplane is going to crash!!" on the final descent. But as for The Miller Row...we were super chill.

It was a quick trip. Two full days of good old fashioned fun sandwiched between a full day of travel on either end. We enjoyed some cold, overcast weather, and I soaked it all in since we are approaching the dreadful summer around here. The Portland crew drove into town, and we spent lots of time with Cody and the boys, too. The only ones missing were Abby and Zoey who were on a trip of their own. Luckily, we caught them for a few minutes on our way out of town so we could give sweet Baby Z a squeeze for the first time ever.

Riding Guinea and Grandpa's new swing with cousin Judah

Taking it easy with my sweet tiny guy

No shortage of things to do at this house

That hair.

At the clearing for Cody and Abby's house construction

Keeping G2 warm

Putting lumber in his trailer

The whole fam bam

Sitting in an excavator bucket? Yes, please.

Even better with cousins.

Gavin LOVES Grandpa

Aunt Miki and Uncle Jace are so fun!

Pure joy

Brothers + screens

Amped!

Hunting for worms, slugs and caterpillars. Or "pellicators" according to Gavin.

Nothing in the world beats riding a green tractor for G!

Singing to G2

Feeling about as awesome as I look

Grandpa's glasses!

Super Dad

Aunt Tuna!

Family hike

Driving the excavator with Uncle Jace

Selfie!

G made a new BFF at the PDX playground

Wiped out from all the fun. On the drive from the coast to Portland.

Finally made it to Sky Harbor and this kid was DONE

The final leg- the drive to our house. 

It was so fast, but it was one of our fav trips ever to the coast. We ate well, visited Cody and Abby's new property and hiked through the forest there, engaged in plenty of recreational activities at the Millers' house, saw the progress on the new food pantry (a project spearheaded by our very own Tom and Tilly), hung out with some friends, and best of all...caught up on a little sleep. Graham had the best night of his life with only one night waking at 4:15 on our first night on the coast. Maybe the cool ocean air? He didn't maintain this excellence for the following two nights, but man was I a happy person on Friday! Millions of thanks to the Millers for hosting us on such an awesome trip. It was our first one since spending the summer there, and it was as great as ever.

We made it back last night, and I headed out first thing in the morning without kids to enjoy a massage have a crown placed at the dentist and run some errands. I've been numb up to my eyeballs ever since. Poor Graham was in the carrier, and when I tried to drink water, it fell out of my mouth and all over his head. The boys were crazy tired and went to bed extra early tonight, and I think I'll follow suit!