The Weekend Lens

AE_BeachWalk1

This weekend the Oregon coast was calling us as it often does.

AE_StairsDown

My Dad just finished building a set of stairs that go straight down to the beach from their house. This guy totally makes things happen.

My Mom sent this shot a few weeks ago when the whole project was in progress:

AE_DadBuild

And then she sent this one last week when the stairs were complete:

AE_BeachStairsDad

Super inspiring.

Previously we'd walk down the road a few houses to access other stairs. This makes it so much more convenient to get down to the beach. And going up and down those stairs is awesome exercise.

It's also a whole lot easier to get back to the house when the kids get cold, tired, hungry, etc.

On Saturday we were greeted with sunshine.

AE_AnnaBeach

AE_AnnaBeach2

Later that afternoon we drove down to Bandon Dunes to meet up with my Dad, my brother John and my cousin Rob who were in town for the weekend playing golf.

AE_BandonDunes

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Simon got to putt a few on the last hole and he was pretty darn happy about that.

AE_Simon

Might be time to sign him up for some lessons.

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AE_BandonDunesFamily

That's my brother John standing next to me in the back and my cousin Rob sitting next to Simon on the bench. It was great to get to connect with them and share dinner at Bandon Dunes.

AE_AnnaDad1

Sunday ended up being an overcast day which was still perfectly wonderful.

AE_SimonJump

AE_Green

AE_SimonRocks

AE_Hands

AE_AnnaBeach4

AE_Kids

AE_AnnaSmile

AE_KidsGrandpa

Special times that we never take for granted.

AE_Bubbles

All shots this weekend taken with my Canon 5DMKII.

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88 thoughts

  1. Liz Ness says…
    02/24/2014

    Love this and loved seeing your family together (hi Pati!).

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Patti L says…
    02/24/2014

    wow! i would never want to leave there

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      02/24/2014

      I feel like that when I'm there!

  3. Maria says…
    02/24/2014

    Great photos of a great Weekend!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Leslie S. says…
    02/24/2014

    Wow, you dad is amazing! Looks like you had a really fun weekend. Nothing like time with family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. young says…
    02/24/2014

    Lovely photos! Love the ones of A. running around. :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. roni hunt says…
    02/24/2014

    lovely weekend...love anna's little toes!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. carlajinar says…
    02/24/2014

    amazing photography! Cherish the pics of the kids and their grandfather!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Candyw says…
    02/24/2014

    Ali- How lucky you are!!! Loved your photos!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Allison Rust says…
    02/24/2014

    I first visited the Oregon coast around this time last year and completely get the draw of it. I'm ready to return.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Teri H. says…
    02/24/2014

    Wow! Your parents have a really special place there. Are they looking to make new friends...say to a 35 -year-old Canadian woman and her husband and kids? ;)

    Such great shots.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      02/24/2014

      I bet they would be happy to meet your family! They are very hospitable :).

  11. Julierose says…
    02/24/2014

    I have a question...how do you determine which pictures to scrap and print? As a newbie on PL this year --and including a lot of older memories pictures--I already have 1/2 of my album filled! Yikes!! The "then and now" syndrome has hit me hard. thanks for your continuing great blog posts a fan, julierose

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      02/24/2014

      Hi Julierose - for Project Life I mainly only add current photos. When I want to do a now & then story or comparison I usually create a traditional layout and leave Project Life for "in the moment" stuff. That said there are definitely no rules - sounds like you've found a lovely place to include your stories. Nothing wrong with more than one album! My annual Project Life project usually stretches across three albums because I do a spread a week.

  12. amy t schubert says…
    02/24/2014

    This is probably too personal, but what town do your parents live in because dear lord I want to move there! It basically looks like my ideal :)

    xo

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. Ali says…
      02/24/2014

      They are outside of Coos Bay.

    2. amy t schubert says…
      02/25/2014

      thanks!

  13. Carrie K says…
    02/24/2014

    wow...those stairs!!! your dad is a rockstar!! looks like a beautiful weekend and simon looks so grownup and handsome in the golf cap :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. fancyscrapper says…
    02/24/2014

    I love where your parents live. I'm on the other side of the US, so my coast is on the southeast, but I grew up near LA, and got to enjoy the westcoast then. What a treat to live right on the beach! Love that!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Leanne in CA says…
    02/24/2014

    So beautiful! The stairs are awesome and the photos fabulous. Love the family time. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Andrea Williams says…
    02/24/2014

    Family! Such a blessing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Michelle says…
    02/24/2014

    Hope you are really enjoying your new camera.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      02/24/2014

      I've had this one for a couple of years - just find myself using my iPhone most of the time for convenience. Loved using it again this weekend.

  18. CJ says…
    02/24/2014

    I'm completely blown away by those steps, they're fantastic, how clever your dad is. It looks like you had a wonderful time. And how big your little girl is looking all of a sudden. I've got a five year old who is also looking a lot bigger to me. Hope you have a good week Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Amberca says…
    02/24/2014

    Wow, how amazing to have this place to come to whenever you darn well please! Your parents are definitely living the dream, that property is breathtaking!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Charity G. says…
    02/24/2014

    It's been a while since I've read your blog. Sounds like a perfect weekend. I can't believe how big your kids are, especially Anna.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      02/24/2014

      Welcome back Charity.

  21. Karen F says…
    02/24/2014

    Stunning, grandparents aren't they just the best.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Miriam molloy says…
    02/24/2014

    We are headed to rockaway beach this summer for family trip with my husbands family (19 total!) You photos have me excited and inspired!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Carmenb says…
    02/24/2014

    Ali...it will be time to sign up Simon for golf lessons thru Special Olympics this Spring. My Grandson, Shaun, age 14 (with Autism) has been doing golf for 4-5 years...1st in the golf skills, then last 2 years on the golf course with a partner. Shaun Loves it!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      02/24/2014

      I just called the course right by our house today and got connected with one of the pros there that works with Special Olympics and can work with Simon! I was so excited.

  24. Jenni Hufford says…
    02/24/2014

    i adore these photos and those stairs are so amazing--- what a gift from your dad!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Becky M says…
    02/24/2014

    What a wonderful place to "recharge"! And to be able to do it with family is pretty darn awesome! Thanks for aharing Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies

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