Run your toes through the sand

Kylie, Annie, Jonah, Saiah, Jed, Brianna, Casandra, Elizabeth, Joel, Heather and Jason

On our last day

The kiddos on their Easter Egg hunt

Saiah and I went down on the beach together for some special Mommy/Daughter time

Hearing the waves, smelling the salt air, feeling the sand, dipping your toes into the very cold Oregon ocean and seeing the beauty that God has created - what could be better?

We had our annual Merrihew/Walsh Oregon Coast gathering this year during Spring Break. It is always the most looked forward to trip on our calendar. Great times are always to be had as we all come together in one magnificent beach front house to spend three nights together. We all come from different towns, so it's just a great time of fun, friendship, family, food and SAND!!

This year we stayed at a house that truly had the best beach front location of any we've stayed. We were just several easy steps from the sand and surf, which turned out to be a great thing since we often had to race up the hill into our house to evade the hail and blowing winds at times!! Despite the crazy weather this year, we had a few times that we were able to enjoy the beach. Saturday afternoon gave us a good couple of hours of sunshine (minus the 10 minute storm we waited out!).

My sisters and I spent a few hours hitting the Lincoln City Outlets together doing what we do best..spending money! We enjoyed our time out together, as always. I am blessed to have sisters-in-law that I consider true sisters and even better than that, true friends. An only child couldn't ask for more.

The cousins had a blast in their own semi-private bunk room (many thanks to Uncle Joel and Aunt Lizzie for sharing that playroom with them - we owe you!!). Brianna, the youngest of the bunch did her best at being a big girl with the rest of them. Jonah...the only guy has no problem standing his ground either!

Jed, Joel and Elizabeth turned out to be quite the Guitar Hero rockers - ask them if they are addicted ;) The grandkids all had their annual last night slumber party with Grammy and Grampy with food, games, stories and a movie. Even Jonah joined in this year until the middle of the night.Our time there always goes by too quick. The draw of the majestic waves and glorious sound are often too hard to part from. I love watching the kids run around in the sand, scamper away from the incoming waves and shout with glee (ok, some shrieks) as they play. I couldn't help this year but think it won't always be that way. They are growing up so quick.

Precious are these years and special are the moments we have. I truly thank God for the family he has blessed us with, the times we have and the beauty He has created.