MONDAY
We were ready before everyone else (only because we have to work with our kids' schedule) so we loaded up and drove around to waste some time. The plan was to meet up at Light N Healthy (a Shay tradition) and Andrew, Cosmo and the kids would go eat somewhere else. As it was getting later and later, we decided to take the kids to McDonald's. Sushi didn't happen at 11:30 as scheduled, instead we ate at about 1:30 - ahhh. Oh well, it was yummy. While we ate, the non-sushiers took off to Oxnard. (Notice the stack of trays in front of Shay and Mike - yeah, they like sushi :))
Oxnard was cold, but beautiful. The kids were so excited to finally be there they didn't hold back.
That first night it was just us, Shay, Mike, his mom and niece, Annette and Cosmo. But the best part, we had Bellamy Chicken - I could go for that right now.
At least dinner was good because that night our sleep was AWFUL!!! No one was comfortable with their new surroundings so we ended up with three kids in our twin bed.
TUESDAY
We knew it would be chilly so we were a bit more prepared this time.
Everyone was pretty excited to get Cosmo's kayak out there and the cool thing was the house provided another so people could go out together! It was hilarious watching people try to get in and get taken out by the waves. Seriously, one of the highlights of the trip!
Have you ever seen a pregnant woman in a wet suit - love it!
Tuesday night we made jam. Yes, my idea and when everyone realized this, they made me get up and do some of the work. But, now we have a couple jars of jam and it's so yummy.
This was the first night Tori arrived and so Jackson had a new partner in crime. Within the first fifteen minutes she was there, she and Jackson were out on the street - ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?! Not a good start. So needless to say, I hounded them most of the week! But it did make for a good night's rest because Jackson was upstairs, and Ryan and Andi were so tired they slept all night.
Monday's night sleep was awful - HORRIBLE. But I think because they were a tad bit adjusted the next day, Tuesday was better. Plus, Tori brought some music so they could feel right at home.
WEDNESDAY
This day was the calm before the storm. Mike, his mom and niece left to go back to Utah. This left us, Odoms, and Annette and Cosmo to clean and reorganize beds before the rest arrived Thursday. Shay gave us the King bed so that when our children joined us, we weren't trying to squeeze on a twin!
Watching Shay and Tori try to get on the kayak TOGETHER, was absolutely hilarious. Seriously, I could watch that all day!
Cosmo kayaked (is that a word) with the dolphins and it was SO cool.
Again Jackson was upstairs, but Andi didn't want to sleep alone. So, she made for a tough night.
THURSDAY
Mike, Charlene (Cosmo's sister) and their kids plus Dale (Cosmo's brother) and his two kids (Jessica and Aram), and Ethel (their mom) all arrived to join us the remainder of the trip. Then around dinner time, Chris arrived. PARTY!
After two nights of sleeping with Zoe, Jackson had had enough. He was tired and needy and so he was put to bed in our room at a decent hour. It made such a difference the next day! Many of the older kids used cots out on the balcony's. And the next morning we were greeted with an excellent spread for breakfast.
FRIDAY
This was a chilly, chilly day. I mean seriously. The kids were struggling because they were so tired and just so cold. Ry took a nap on Shay, Charlene and me. The boys dug a huge hole because that's what you do at the beach.
It was adorable watching the kids fly a kite for the first time. They all loved it!
That night Mike made his jalepeno poppers - OH MY GOSH these killed me. It was a bummer because they were so good, but so hot so I could only eat one. Yes, that's bacon wrapped around and then they were bbq'd.
Ethel was so cute to bring out a game for the kids to play - a game SHE MADE which required little animal markers. So cute and Jackson was in seventh heaven playing a game like a big kid.
And lastly, this night included pedicures for some of the men - yummy!
Friday night was a bit tough because Annette and Cosmo gave up their room so Curtis and Tristan could have a room. This meant we had two kids in our bed, Annette on the couch in our room and Cosmo on a leaking air mattress on the floor. Actually, it was a funny sight; but it made for a long night. But I guess it was to be expected because when traveling with the kids, we rarely have good nights. This put us at two good nights, three bad. This will pass right!?!?
SATURDAY
COLD, COLD, COLD! We decided to ride down the street to a public beach. Well, a beach with public access. Jackson wanted to try to ride his bike with the big kids, but it wasn't long before he jumped into the car with me (yes, I followed them because I knew it would happen).
We spent much of this day bundled in blankets but the boys stayed warm playing football.
Tori loved the peace in the kayak and now that she had mastered getting in and out of it, it wasn't nearly as entertaining.
I love the picture of Andi hugging Jackson - so cute.
Ryan loved sitting in the holes because they kept him warm. He was my only kid that liked them.
When Curtis went into the water, he naturally left behind his flip flops. Andi was NOT happy about this - she has a thing about returning everyone's shoes to them. She went to the ocean to return them, but Curtis was long gone. Oh well.
Because this was the night 24 of us were there, we decided to take a group shot at sunset. I was bummed the photo wouldn't work with the sunset as the backdrop but at least we got almost everyone.
For Annette's and Cosmo's birthday competitions, they judged salads and cupcakes. Chris and Andrew took home the titles!
So let's see - I think Saturday night went pretty well. Jackson and Ryan slept well together on the floor, but Andi still bugged us. But it's wasn't too awful in comparison to some other nights.
SUNDAY
Gorgeous day - wonderful, beautiful, spectacular! Sunday warmed up to about 67 but the sky was clear. The clouds did not cover the only source of warmth. It was fantastic. We began the day at the Farmer's Market. Cosmo stayed back with Andi, Tori stayed back to pack, and Curtis and Tristan stayed to go to the beach.
We got some amazing produce and Ryan fell in love even more, if that's even possible, with BOATS. This boy is obsessed thanks to the Evans!
As soon as we got back we changed and hit the beach. We were going to pack up and leave, but how could we turn down some fun in the sun?
Baseball
sand and waves.... oh, and I took a nap. BEAUTIFUL DAY! That was exactly the way the week should have ended.
By the time it was all said and done, I was burned and tired, the kids were so beat (Yes, Jackson's face is IN the sand), Jackson and I got cold sores and everyone was just ready to get back. It took so long to get home because of the extreme beach traffic and I was very sick by the time we got home. I HAVE to eat on a regular basis or it's not pretty. Believe me, the drive home made me NOT pretty. Ugh. But, we were back and ready to send Jackson to school the very next morning.
This trip truly was a blessing and a highlight to our summer. The memories will stay with our kids forever and I am forever grateful for all the help I got so I could rest. Happy Retirement Cosmo - you can take us to the beach for a week ANY TIME!
This morning, we sit comfortably and relaxed knowing Ryan will take care of himself when he needs to - YES!
Ry, you beat Jackson by about six months - way to go!
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