Happy Mother's Day to ME!

We had a fabulous day today. It was a perfect day to hit to Oregon Coast. I have been dying to get Henley to the coast, and today was the day. It seemed perfect, given it was Mother's Day. Today reaffirmed for me that being a mother is the best thing I could ever strive to be. What fun to see Henley enjoy the sand and surf, not to mention Hazel stopping all over in the stream that fed the ocean. Richie too got in on the fun, building castles and finding interesting shells.

Thanks kiddos, I had a great day!

We started with a picnic fit for kings and queens. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches, Cheetos, juice boxes and string cheese...with a side of sand blown in for good measure.

Henley was all smiles from the beginning. This little guy is so easy to please! He truly is my PRIDE and JOY.

Rich-meister enjoying the beach. He wasn't sure when he had last been to the beach, but I venture to guess it has been a LONG time.

Hazel-bug takes a break from her sandwich to give me a sweet and sticky Mother's Day smile.

Henley was more interested in eating the digging tool than doing the digging.

Then I brought him over the little wheelbarrow, he was CONTENT to play with this for the next HOUR.

Daddy dug Hazel a lovely hole in which to stand.

Her boots got stuck and when she was pulled free, they remained. (We got them out and reinserted her tootsies.)

Henley Roland's first trip to the ocean.

Kisses for the little girl that calls me "Ma Ma" or "Becky" or "MOMMY!"

Three silly monkeys.

Three silly turtles...Richie, Henley and Hazel.

(That was, before Hazel came over and "ruined them." One of her favorite things to do at the beach is to "ruin" creations of others. Hmm. Richie wasn't too fond of this.)

Henley enjoys a laugh as a not-so-friendly beach crow tries to get off with Beau's sandwich.

Oooohhh. Beach sand in the toes for the first time. He loved it!

Fun times!

Hazel and her Daddy ventured to the edge of the Pacific. Thankfully, she has no interest in getting wet (yet).

Me and my munchkins...the ones that make me a MOTHER.

Henley's shirt says "HUG ME," who could resist that? Not I.

Richie joins the fold. He has been a welcome addition to our little family. He provides lots of energy and insight into things I never knew I wanted to know!! :)

Henley's first time at the beach followed quickly by his first time on Mommy's shoulders. He loved it.

Bella still loves the beach. We brought her to Florence for the first time when she was only a few months old. Hard to believe she will be SIX at the end of the month.

Hazel proved (again) that rain boots are a great investment for a toddler.

Sand Angel?

Toes are a peeking through little man.

After a walk in Old Town Florence and a stop in our FAVORITE sweet shop, we headed home with our treats. Soon after the last lick, she was FAST asleep.

Wonderful day!

Another first for Henley......hist FIRST big boy bath tonight.

His sister was there for moral support.

He SPLASHED so enthusiastically, the bath ended with more water outside the tub.

*

Happy Mother's Day to ME, and to ALL the other Mother's out there.

I hope you all had beautiful days with those you love.