Beach Bums - Nehalem Bay State Park

We were able to take our newly remodeled retro/vintage camper and go to the coast with my dad's side of the family a few weeks ago. We went to Nehalem Bay where we camped and played for three days. Josiah got the clammin' bug and he and his cousin, Jess, spent quite a bit of time looking for clams. Didn't find anything. Kept him busy though! He forgot his coat so used this life jacket to keep himself warm and padded while riding his bike and playing on the beach. He didn't seem to care that he looked weird, just knew he was comfortable and protected and I guess that was all that mattered ;)

My BIL, Steve, and two of his kids, Marcus and Jessica, took the cold water challenge to raise money for charity. The water at the Oregon Coast definitely qualifies! I don't think I could have done this. So proud of them though. It was fun to watch them all go in together.

Josiah and two of his cousins, Jacob and Andrew, were literally trying to dig a hole to China.

What a blessing that Michael was able to come with us this time! Hailey and her cousin, Lily, loved having him bury their legs in the warm sand. 

My dad brought the miniature horses, which has become a fun tradition. The kids love all the rides, and of course, everyone just thinks they are SO cute :).

Every evening we would meet up at Nana and Papa's camp for s'mores and family time. It was a good thing that Josiah had on that extra padding because it saved him from getting really hurt in his many bike wrecks.

My brother, Jerry, his wife, Sonya, and their growing family. They are such camping rock stars! They make camping with toddlers/babies look easy :) 

Hailey tried out a boogie board. She looks like quite the surfer girl. She kept at it for way longer than anyone else. That water is so cold! I think she'd have a lot more fun doing this in Hawaii.

Daddy helped her out some.

My niece, Jess, got brave and tried it, too. Love her smile!

Me helping Jess.

We absolutely loved camping on the coast with the camper. Felt like we had more privacy and best of all we didn't have to worry if it would rain. Michael and I were able hunt for some treasures for the camper at vintage shops. The sign says, "Coffee! You can sleep when you're dead!". We also added a tin match box holder between the cupboards.

Here is a retro nod to our patriotic bent. We found this ceramic, cast iron trivet with a scene of the Crossing of the Delaware. Ironically it was made in England.

One of our favorite traditions is the seafood feast (for those of us who like seafood). We stop off at Kelly Brighton's Marina and get fresh crab, and in the shell oysters and steamer clams. We go back to camp and cook everything up with lots of garlic butter. Yum! A good time was had by all and we look forward to the next time we get to camp together.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer as it is slipping away so fast!

God Bless,
Jackie