A bunch of my family met up in Gold Beach each a few weeks ago to celebrate my Grandma's life. (She passed away 14 years ago on August 14th and Gold Beach was her favorite place on earth.)
It's going to take a couple of days to post all of these images. By the end of the week, you'll be praying for a break from all my beach pictures.
We stopped for a restroom break before we got to Gold Beach but our restroom break turned into a beach break.
That's my Mom and her younger sister, Kelly. They're best friends.
My Mom and Annie.
I'm not sure why she feels the need to pull up her capris in inch-deep water.
That's my little cousin, Lee Lee. She's a ham.
Courtney Lee and Coley.
If it's tall...he will climb it.
The kids played while the grown-ups checked into the rental house.
Did I mention that she's a ham?
That's Beth swinging Courtney Lee.
Unfortunately, it was too early to check in and we were all getting hungry. We couldn't find a knife so my Mom took matters into her own hands...
Spreading peanut butter and jelly with my cousin Jesse's Costco card.
Coley's smart enough not to question his Grandma when she's hungry.
Courtney Lee wasn't too sure about the cleanliness of the sandwich-making operation though.
And Annie doesn't care how her peanut butter is spread so long as there's no jelly on it.
After we checked in, we headed down to the beach.
Oregon beaches are really cold.
Ross & Cali.
That's my Grandpa about to tip over Coley.
That's my Uncle Donnie and his two favorite people in the world.
Everybody got into building this sandcastle.
Annie loves her Grandma "Biv" (Bev).
That's my uncle Donnie telling Annie that she should make funny faces for the camera.
So she did.
More sandcastle building.
That's Tibbidy. He kind of reminds me of a big, cuddly armadillo. Annie loves him.
That's me & annie. (My aunt took this shot.)
And then we went back to the rental house, made dinner and played Poor Man's Poker.
And then we headed back down to the beach.
And gathered wood for a bonfire. (That's my little cousin, Jesse Ray and Ross.)
Driftwood is also good for swordfighting.
From left to righ: My cousin Beth, Cali (Ross's girlfriend), Annie, my cousin Jesse and Coley.
And then one by one, we all gave up and headed back up to the house to hit the sack.
Your photos are amazing! I look forward to your Sept. 14 class to start so I can learn from you.
Posted by: Mickee | September 01, 2009 at 03:47 PM
Love how Annie holds up her pants, I do the same thing. My legs are about that short too. I'm with Courtney Lee on the cleanliness of Costco cards, yuck! Love the one of your uncle and his dogs and the one of Annie and the rolly polly puppy, so cute!
Posted by: Kelli | September 01, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Bring it on!! Can't wait to see more pictures:) We were in Cali last July and went to the Santa Monica Pier. It was freezing to this Florida girl. So I can't imagine how cold it is there in Oregon.
Posted by: Patty Hetrick | September 01, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Love all the pictures Karen! Can't wait for more!
Posted by: Addie | September 01, 2009 at 04:09 PM
What a great family get together! Nice to see Ross & Cali...how's the senior year going?
Posted by: Tracy | September 01, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Gorgeous photos from a special time. Every time I see Annie she makes wish I had of had a daughter (four sons) she is so cute and has the cutest collection of bathing suits I have ever seen,lol.
Posted by: Susy | September 01, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Washington beaches are colder!
Posted by: Kimberly | September 01, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Love them and I can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Cyndi | September 01, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Bring 'em on! I just love that you share your family, itis really great!I have been reading since before Annie was born and I hsve taken a few classes from you, so you are almost like family!
Posted by: TerriB in Oregon | September 01, 2009 at 05:55 PM
i read your blog since i was in it today, and decided to leave you a comment :) love you :)
ps. where is the picture of me jumping over the huge body of water? ;)
Posted by: Cali | September 01, 2009 at 06:02 PM
These are lovely pictures, thanks for sharing.
Your blog is one of my favorites!
Posted by: Jennifer Hisi | September 01, 2009 at 06:05 PM
Beautiful pictures! I still aspire to get shots like yours!
Posted by: Jennifer M. | September 01, 2009 at 06:27 PM
Great photos!!! I cannot wait to see more and I truly mean that.
Posted by: Shaun Paddock | September 01, 2009 at 06:57 PM
....you live a loved full life.
Posted by: Ada | September 01, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I've always loved your photos but I think with this post, you're officially my favorite ever :)
Posted by: Erica | September 01, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Love the pictures as always. Like Annie, I do not like jelly with my peanut butter sandwich. Loved the Costco card as a knife!
Posted by: Dina | September 01, 2009 at 07:57 PM
I love the photos and the story they tell. Reminds me of a trip to Washington and Kalaloch. The beaches there certainly are different from Florida, but in the Northwest you DO things on the beach, not just lie in the sand and bake in the sun. Looking forward to the next chapter!!
Posted by: Sandy | September 01, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I always love beach pictures. There's this shot I've been dreaming of for almost a year. Ever have those? My cousin...her wedding dress on the ground..her running, veil in hair, in red bikini towards the ocean. Can't wait, and your photos make me more excited! Now, I'm thinking something with driftwood! Thanks for always being inspiring;)
Posted by: candra | September 01, 2009 at 11:11 PM
I think I said it before, but I'll do it again: I'm in love with your family!!! Wish I was as close with my aunts and cousins as you are!!! Won't you adopt me? *lol*
Posted by: Sandra (nachtschwinge) | September 02, 2009 at 02:49 AM
I just found your blog! A friend of mine sent a link for the best craft room ever and she was right, yours is definitely the best I have seen! I am very impressed with all your creative ideas plus your pictures are amazing. I am glad I found another great blog that is full of ideas and overflowing creativity!
Posted by: Alicia | September 02, 2009 at 07:48 AM
mmm... cannon beach? I think that's haystack rock?
Love Wa and Or beaches :) great shots Karen. Duh. They're always good... but these ones are really awesome. Especially love the bonfire ones :)
Posted by: Aimee | September 02, 2009 at 08:04 AM
i'm starting to think you don't go anywhere with out your camera! ; ) and i've decided to adopt that policy! my baby girl turned 10 yesterday, and i took her out for pedicures, AND i took my camera too! thanks for the inspiration & motivation! can't wait for the class to start!
have a great day! : )
Posted by: cj savage | September 02, 2009 at 08:07 AM
I KNOW we're related some way! Maybe even separated at birth! I grew up in Helena, and my husband grew up in Gold Beach. I've spent tons of time in both places so I love it when you blog about them!
Posted by: Terrie | September 02, 2009 at 09:09 AM
SERIOUSLY, Karen, HOW do you manage to get anything done when you have that sweet little Annie around all the time - I would have so many pictures of her that the other kids would be jealous! HA! I swear, I don't even know you and just want to come and pick Annie up and squeeze her and hug her and kiss her sweet little face! Great pictures as always... can't wait to see the rest! Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Trac~ :o)
Posted by: Tracy | September 02, 2009 at 09:18 AM
beautiful pictures!
Posted by: Melissa Mann | September 02, 2009 at 10:06 AM
wow. just wow. please keep them coming. i will never tire of these. promise. you are my favorite photographer in the whole wide world. promise.
Posted by: angi b | September 02, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Love the picks, and can't wait for the rest! Is that a special ring of any sort on Cali's left hand (last pic)?
Posted by: Christina | September 02, 2009 at 06:02 PM
family.
extended.
you are sooooo lucky!
count your blessings.
love love love your pictures!
thanks for sharing with all of us!
Posted by: danella | September 06, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Nice pics it looks great you all are together having fun with each other.Lovely moments of life never be forgotten.Real Pleasure and fun.
Posted by: Romantic bed and breakfasts | September 22, 2009 at 10:52 PM