Sandcastle Week

During the last week of July, we headed to Long Beach, WA for SandSations!  The city holds an annual sandcastle building content and it is quite amazing.  My sister had gone the year before with her family, and she invited us to come along.  We had a wonderful time!  The weather wasn't great, but the kids enjoyed playing a the beach, eating out, and hanging with the cousins.  The sandcastle contest includes regular families that can sign up to compete, as well as a professional level.  It was so fun to walk around and watch the people create these awesome works of art out of sand and water.  We also found time to walk through town, visit the shops, and check out  a few other local towns.

 

Delaynie and Avery testing their skills at a demonstration station in town square.

Owen likes anything that will get his hands dirty.

They had this cool pirate ship set up in town.

Playing in the water, even though it was FREEZING cold!

Poor Addie spent the day in the backpack - and she still managed to get the worst sunburn of all.  She actually got 2 blisters on her face (luckily she was fully covered down to her toes)!

These 3 dimensional sand sculptures were amazing!

The kids trying to build their own sand pool.

This was the "family level" winner.  It was called Otter Pops.

The Lorax

Still in progress: First Kiss (Princess and the Frog)

Addie on the beach.  Good thing she just learned how to walk!

Climbing back down the Astoria Column after throwing gliders off the top.

Owen and I enjoying the walk through town.

Avery, Delaynie and Tate on their fair ride.

Mmmmmm.... bubble gum ice cream.

Playing games in the hotel with Papa after dark.

Avery and Addie laughing at the restaurant... before the sunburns really showed up. I love the way they make each other giggle.

Addie playing in the sand.

Joint effort to build a sand castle ourselves before heading home.

Owen and I playing a little Frisbee.  He's got the stance, now he just needs to learn how to keep his eyes open. :)