back from the beach

Last week, we were in Cannon Beach for our annual family vacation. Our week-long stay includes the following tried-and-true traditions:

1. We don't get out of the house (usually) until after Noon.

2. We go the Cannon Beach Bakery for coffee and an assortment of yummy pastries. At least once during vacation, Bill will pick up pastries on his way back from church and Paul and I will pick up pastries if we are up and about in the morning. (Easy to do when Aidan gets up at 5:30 a.m.) We end up with doubles of everything. This year, it happened twice!

3. Bill makes amazing french toast using Cinnamon Bread from the Cannon Beach Bakery.

4. We go to the beach (duh). We walk to Haystack Rock and checkout the sea life at low tide. This year, there weren't as many star fish. And, we had two days where we didn't have any wind at all.

5. This is the one week where bacon and eggs are consumed like no other.

6. We visit Paul's favorite Oakley premium dealer, Cleanline Surfshop. They came through for him this year, sending him they're entire inventory (2) of Art Chantry Hi Jinx Oakleys. (His previous pair was stolen. A long, sad story.) They also sent a free t-shirt. Check 'em out-- they are nice people and the owner is cool.

7. We visit the Nike Factory Store in Seaside at the outlet mall. For some reason, that is the only place I can find shoes I like.

8. If it is rainy, we see a movie at the little cineplex in Seaside. This year, Paul and I got to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

New this year:

1. Aidan played on the beach for the first time. (He was only 4 months old last year and he was covered up from head to toe because he was too young for sunscreen.)

2. We watched a lot of Disney Playhouse. (Aidan is beginning to slowly watch things other than commercials.) Little Einsteins. Higglytown Heroes. Choo Choo Soul. And, of course, The Wiggles. Hey Baby. Doodlebops creeps me out. Mickey Mouse's voice is irritating. Oh, but this is about the kids, huh?

Even though the weather was so-so, it was still a fun time. You can see more pictures of our trip on my Flickr.