2nd Beach-La Push, WA

We took our annual (2nd) camping trip to 2nd Beach over the 4th of July Weekend. We went with our friends the McClellan's-who also have 3 kids the same age, but opposite gender of ours. It didn't begin quite like we'd hoped-we got started late Thursday night, by the time we got there it was raining and dark so we spent the night in Forks at the Park & Ride in our vehicles. We discovered our van was not built for the comfort of a good nights sleep-but we did stay dry.

We went to the local grocery store where we made & served instant oatmeal out of our trunk while we waited for the store to open at 8 am. It was also opening night for Eclipse and we half expected to find a bunch of Twilighters or maybe a few vampires, but all we found was Twilight paraphernalia and that the nearest movie theater was in Port Angeles over 40 miles away. Otherwise Jorelle and I might have made the movie on opening night.

Luckily we had Jorelle & her husband Andrew with us and with their Faith and Prayers, so despite the forecast we were blessed with beautiful sunny and blue skies. It made for a great hike out to and on the beach.

From the moment we stepped onto the sand the kids had their shoes off and were off running and digging in the sand.

Tate and Ava especially loved the water and tide pools

Looks can be deceiving-In True Tate form, he mostly tried to hit Ava

and she would promptly scream, "NO!"

This is McKenna's Happy Place-she's been asking to go back since the moment we left last year. There is never a lack for things to do-exploring the tide pools, Flying kites, playing in the sand

Our campsite

Our Covergirl-Jorelle

John found this driftwood art display down the beach

It Goes without Saying, but the scenery was still Beautiful!

So thankful to go and be able to appreciate our Heavenly Father's Creations!

After not sleeping so well the night before, our family slept in until 9 am Saturday Morning. Unheard of in the Payne house, especially for Daddy and Tate who are usually up with the sun.

Tate was pleased to wake each of us individually.

He's also a binki stealer, but always nice enough to offer his binki in exchange.

Nathan & Ben always quick to make friends found one willing to be Buried in the Sand

Still eating Sand/Dirt-sadly so much I could see the evidence in his diaper.

It was fun to have the McClellan's with us, hopefully they had a good time.

The trip came to an end all too quickly-like all good things do, but never fear we should be back next year, sooner if the kids have their way.