Perfect

We found out last week that we were going to get a rare treat today - Brian's first Saturday off since he started working in January.  Normally the only day off we all have off together is Sunday, which doesn't lend itself to travel, projects etc.  Fortunately, this bonus Saturday also came with a forecast for beautiful weather, and we almost didn't know what to do with ourselves.  

We decided to go to the beach - it's been two years since we've been as a family, and Leah has no recollection of ever being at the coast.  She was so excited she wore her bathing suit for the better part of the day yesterday, in anticipation of "Going to the beach!", which she yelled at the top of her lungs about every 20 minutes

 We started the day off with breakfast at a cozy beach side restaurant.  The kids couldn't stop grinning in anticipation of going to "Sharks and Fish", aka The Aquarium

 The Oregon Coast Aquarium is ridiculously over priced, but they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we considered it money well spent.

 At some point in our planning, the boys got it into their heads they they had to get shark's tooth necklaces while we were at the coast.  Dad surprised all 3 kids with necklaces, and they were in 7th heaven.

 After the Aquarium, we headed to the beach.  After all my lecturing about how cold the water is, how they didn't need to wear their bathing suits, etc., we had such gorgeous weather, all 3 kids were stripped down to shorts and spent 2 hours frolicking in the water.

 "Mom, the wave was *this* big, I swear!"

It seemed fitting to be at the coast this weekend.  Almost 14 years ago, Brian and I met at the beach, and on Friday we will celebrate a decade of marriage.  To be there, with the 3 little bodies we have added to our family and to have it be such an amazing day was the perfect celebration.