Makenna Returns to Westport Beach

Saturday Olympia saw the temperature climb into the high 80's and without AC we opted to seek cooler temperatures elsewhere. Rarely does the Washington coast reach the mid/high 70s and cloudless, but Saturday was our lucky day!! So we were off to Westport for a day trip!

Upon arrival we set up camp after getting a workout pushing the stroller through the deep soft sand.

Hunger struck. Picnic at the beach can be a challenge when keeping the sand out of SANDwiches! :) Some sand was consumed.

After refueling we took off for a walk waterside. Makenna was so happy to explore and find tiny treasures in the sand.

She love love loves the wind. Our little nature baby, I mean toddler, couldn't be happier than spending a fun filled day outside in the sand, under the sun, with the wind in her hair and her parents by her side!

These days she seems to always be on the move and into EVERTHING! The beach was no different. Picking up rocks, digging in the sand, throwing things into the water, and placing treasures in her pail kept us all busy!

A little nose-dive in the sand left Makenna covered in clumps of wet sand and a HUGE smile on her silly face!

Now & Then.
Amazing the difference a year and a couple months can make. We first took Makenna to Westport Beach when she was only 9 days old to escape 90+ degrees. This time there was no marine layer to contend with only blue skies for as far as the eye can see!

Towards the end of our beach day we took the B.O.B. out for a spin in sand.

On the stroll we found horses! Makenna was captivated.

All the excitement, fresh air, movement of the stroller, lull of the ocean and not having a nap knocked Makenna right out!

Before heading home we stopped in Westport for dinner at the Fish Shack and ice cream for desert. Makenna was a big fan of the Blackberry ice cream. As you can see she had her eye on whoever was eating it. :)

Chelan Vacation

August brought a wonderful family vacation on Lake Chelan. This central Washington reservoir lake is set again an arid landscape providing a wonderful summer get-away in our backyard- even if it's 5 hours away.

On Sunday, our first full day at the lake and it so happened to be Steve & DelRae's 35th Wedding Anniversary we spent the day celebrating in the sun lake & poolside. Oh sweet vacation how I love thee.

Makenna loving the mushroom float Grandma bought especially for the trip. She quickly figured out that kicking her little feet would move her around the pool.

Although she found independent mobility a tow from Grandpa is always welcome!

We discovered that Makenna has become a lover of swings. Pretty sure she would have been content swinging everyday of vacation from the time she woke till the sun went down.

One morning the BirdLady came to the Point with her educational barn owl named Gus. If you know Makenna she LOVES owls more than any other bird. She was THAT child during her presentation that kept pointing and "hoo hoo-ing". The entire time she was just begging to touch the owl and get closer. Of course after the presentation we asked for a photo with Gus and she clammed up and won't even "talk" to Gus.

Mushroom float and Makenna made it into the freezing lake eventually. Makenna was very uncertain of the lake and its waves. By the end of the week she wasn't concerned with it.

Grandma & Makenna being fishes.

Hours of fun were had with this little stick and the handle of the shovel. She was so focused on putting the stick through the handle hole and pulling it out. And proud. She was beaming.

Makenna and her friend Hayden. Our friends the Hansen's and the Hood's were both in Chelan at the same time.

Makenna's first taste of ice cream. Mountain Blackberry was definitely a hit :)

Peek-a-boo silly Makenna!

Chelan 2011.
Friends. Family. Great memories for a lifetime.

The Odermans.

Always reading.

Giving love to Grandpa.

Bensen Winery. One of many amazing wineries in the Chelan/Manson area.

Grandma & Grandpa were wonderful during the week allowing us some alone time while they got some Makenna time. Oh to be child-free for a couple of hours and enjoy the company of my husband. THANK YOU both for allowing us the time together.

Dinner at a winery and Makenna discovers the grapes. Try to explain to a 13 month old that those are grapes to eat when she LOVES grapes.
"There goes a bird" worked beautifully for this one!

We're all smiles as another Oderman family adventure comes to an end!