Thursday, January 14, 2016

Really Random Thursday, 1/14/16

Welcome to the first Really Random Thursday of the new year. We were at the coast last Thursday, but don't worry--I took lots of pictures.

But let's start with New Year's Day. Aaron, Christa and the two older ones spent New Year's Eve with two other couples, who each had older children as well. So after having dinner with friends, we picked up the two little ones for the night.

We started the new year with scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast, thanks to Mark, and watched the Rose Bowl Parade. What has caught her attention?
The Disney float, of course!
Mark happened upon this sign somewhere. I hope no one tried stocking up on beer  at this place for New Year's Eve festivities. I wonder what is considered a good price for cold bear.
It was a really fun morning and a great way to begin the year. The rest of the weekend Mark and I mostly relaxed and did a few things around the house. I cleaned up the hall closet and found this. Pre-smart phone Instagram.
We decided our kitchen table needed a facelift. We turned it over and Mark removed the legs and skirting.
This was actually a table we rescued from our neighbor's city clean-up junk pile years ago. As of yesterday, it looks like this. A huge improvement!
Mark took me to lunch at a place where he often eats during the week. Christmas was still in evidence. Ella would have loved this tree.
And then we left for our second annual beach house adventure on the central coast of California with the family. Last year, the weather was really perfect, but with El Nino this year, a lot of rain was predicted and we weren't sure how much sand time anyone would get. It did rain Wednesday afternoon, evening and Thursday morning. The waves were huge--although it's so hard to capture via camera.
The house we rent is a three-bedroom, with a studio apartment over the garage. So Aaron, Christa and the kids stay in the main house, and Mark and I stay in the studio. Every morning at 7 a.m., we heard the key in the lock and the pitter patter of three pairs of feet coming up the steps. They jump in bed to wake us up, and then are allowed some screen time while we get ready. It's way more fun than waking up to an alarm clock.
This was the main activity as soon as the rain stopped.
The sky was beautiful as we got ready to go into San Luis Obispo Thursday night for supper.
While we eat all of the other meals at the house, Thursday night is the one meal we let someone else do the cooking. Then we wander around the farmer's market, with a stop at the candy store for salt water taffy.
I loved the top row of bottles--one in every color.
And a stop at Bubblegum Alley. Gross. Really. Disgusting.
This is what 8-year-old boys do when they have a set of binoculars.
With the threat of a rainy weekend, we had brought along a lot of movies. We didn't really watch any movies. Jason brought along his X-Box and that was a fun addition. When the kids weren't in the sand, they were playing games.
 War!
More friends joined us for the day on Friday, which was great because then all the kids had a partner close in age to spend time with. There was plenty of this:
 Digging a tunnel to China

The parents sat in the sun and read.
I did some sewing.
The view of the house from the sand--the little one in the middle.
And four little ones waiting while everyone else was busy packing up to go home. They even spotted some dolphins.
We took one last picture Saturday morning, just as it started sprinkling.
Such a great weekend. I can hardly wait until next year.

For those who have played the Super Lotto but didn't win, here is some advice:
And I have decided to revive this weekly series.

 I already have some interesting people lined up. So be sure to drop by on Monday.

What have you been up to?

12 comments:

05 08
Unknown said... #

It sounds like a wonderful weekend! A great place to be. Lovely pictures.

Terri said... #

Looks like a fun weekend with the whole family. Great to see pictures of the beach and ocean. Happy New Year!

Robby said... #

Y'all look like a fun crowd to hang with on a weekend. Love that everyone was playing games in varying match-ups. I think some of the best memories are built in those little moments.

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Adorable fun random! Maybe the person that wrote that sign hadn't had their morning coffe!! Lovely new legs :) I'm linking up my post from yesterday because it is random and I have a fal list to write xx

lindaroo said... #

Your table looks good!
So nice of you to advertise the beauties of the central coast. I'm glad you had a good time, despite the cold, wet weather. It was great to see you in person!
Looking forward to The Name Game, too!

Needled Mom said... #

The beach is so pretty with a storm, but difficult with little ones in tow. It looks like a great time was had by all.

Debbie said... #

Boy your beachhouse time sounds fun! And love what you did to that table!

Susan said... #

Looks like you had a great time at the beach! Less crowded in the winter, I bet!

Anonymous said... #

Great pictures! I love how your family gets together for so many occasions. Mine are scattered all over the country, and I don't get to see my grands at all... 8-/ I live vicariously from pictures and always love your really random Thursdays!

Linda said... #

I enjoy these posts so much. What a beautiful family! I am smiling back at all of you. :D

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

Looks like you all had a good time even with the rain. I always watch the Rose Bowl parade. It reminds me of my childhood.

OPQuilt said... #

Fun weekend.. I like all the pix of the kids' busyness and then the one of the parents...reading. (I'd be doing the same!) Glad you had a great kick-off to your year ahead.