Medley Reunion Continued.....

A day at the River. This day didn't go as smoothly as one would like. A low gas tank, a cranky baby and a crashed drone made for an interesting adventure. On a high note it was beautiful, and Ellie had a blast. 

Jared jumping off a high rock, proving he is still somewhat young and reckless.

Lucy had been on a Dory kick leading up to this trip so of course Grandma Mary's fish tank was a hit.

Lucy doesn't adjust quickly to new environments. She slept with Jared and I most nights. I think she is the only one in the picture really asleep. Sure is cute though. 

We visited the Loleta Cheese Factory for gourmet grilled cheese. We sat outside in one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever seen. The most beautiful and unique plants. 

Next stop Ferndale. This was my first time in Ferndale and we had a good time. Lots of window shopping, and finished it off with a slice of pie. 

We had to visit the cemetery, and location for a film Jared made in high school. 

Lucy was so tired the whole trip. Poor thing is so use to her afternoon naps at home, she was sleeping every car or stroller ride.

Hot dog roast.

You and me both Lucy!

Moonstone Beach never disappoints. The kids had so much fun we went back a second day.

I grew up going to the beach, one thing I remember most is my mom digging giant holes for us to play in. When the opportunity arose to do the same thing for my kids I jump right in. With the help of a few other Aunts we dug as awesome hole for the kids. Giving my kids the same experiences I had as a kid. Not to mention I was totting a 20 year old Eddie Bauer pink duffel bag, the same pink duffel we use to take to the beach as kids to carry all our beach towels. Life is coming full circle and I love it!

Checking out the Sequoia Zoo. We explored the beautiful garden of Dahlias, and said hi to the Howler Monkey. Lucy's favorite was the fish and Ellie liked the Bald Eagle. We left with a stuffed snake and red panda, then walked through Sequoia park. 

One of the highlights of the trip, Jared taking Grandpa Dee to get an iphone! 

So happy we brought Ellie's bike with us.

A moment of sisterly love.

We made a last minute decision to make a pit stop in Portland to see Gideon and Katie. So we said our goodbyes in Eureka, which is always so tough. 

Some of my favorite parts of this trip:

 taking drives around different parts of Eureka, little pocket neighborhoods, Jared really showed me around.

Not my favorite but a memory, getting a tick, luckily it didn't get in my skin but I was so grossed out. Ellie was running around through the grass all day and I walk down the road and get a tick!

Finding two cute vintage dresses in the Shop in downtown Eureka, you know it was real vintage because it smelled a little like body odor, I washed it and it's as good as new. 

Jared and I taking video clips so we could make a movie, Jared and I love creating together so we were excited about capturing some epic video footage.

Watching Ellie run around able to experience Grandpa Dee's house and all it has to offer. I loved watching her try and play tag with the big kids even though she has no idea what's going on. Once again I am always amazed at how the big kids look after the littles. Thanks to the extended Aunts and Uncles for raising sweet kids who play and look after mine.  

Mostly it was spending a lot of quality time with my family. 

On to Portland....

Medley Reunion 2017

Another year, another trip to Eureka for the Medley family reunion. Being the planner I am, I had been thinking about this trip for months. Where to stay, what places to see, what things to pack, how to make the kids comfortable and entertained in the car, finding some one to watch the dog and water our garden, etc. 

We were excited to get on the road and made our first stop at the Salt Flats. Jared busted out the drone and did a fly over while the kids changed out of their pajamas and stretched their legs.

We made our usually stop in Elko to play at the park and the Mcdonald's for lunch. We got to Reno nice and early, went swimming and ate at a yummy burger place across the street from the hotel. We were all in bed by 8:30. 

Up again early for the second leg of our trip. We wanted to give ourselves plenty of time to hang out in the Avenue to the Giants before we got to Eureka. We stopped for lunch in Willits, although we almost missed it since they have rerouted the 101. We back tracked, ate lunch and played at the park. Off to the the redwoods.

Gosh the redwoods are magical. Jared and I were both so excited to get into Northern California, roll down the windows and smell the sweet smell of the forest. We found the same spot we stopped at a few years back, hiked around, flew the drone and let the kids play in the river. I want to remember this moment. The moment when we were throwing rocks in the river and I told Ellie to just get in. She looked at me like "are you serious" We had a suitcase full of clothes in the car, it was a short walk back, it was easily 90 degrees outside. Dunk yourself girl! They had so much fun and I loved watching them play. It's important to me to take time to do things as our nuclear family when we are going to a family reunion. Life is busy and although we see each other most nights and weekends sometimes life is all work and no play. We definitely took time to play this trip and make memories together just the 4 of us that we will have forever.

We made it and headed straight to Grandpa Dee's House

We hit the ground running the next day with 4th of July festivities. Activities for the kids, beautiful weather, great company, food and fireworks. 

Ever since Jared got his drone he's been talking about bringing it to the reunion so he could show Grandpa. I loved watching the guys geek out over it. Jared was in his element and loving every minute.

This parade started last year and I'm going to call it the reverse parade. The kids ride down the street and we throw candy at them, it's great!

Our job as parents is to capture precious moments between our children and their grandparents and great grandparents. Mission accomplished!

The sign of a good day at the family reunion! More to come in another post.