Weekend at Seabrook - Part 1

Hello, Dear Friends. 

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart

for your sweet condolences and kind thoughts

on the loss of Ramblin' Man's Father. 

We were driving home from a weekend spent

at the Pacific Coast, here in Washington State,

when the call came in to inform us of the sad news. 

My dear family had planned this weekend

to celebrate my 60th birthday; 

 renting a beach cottage at one my favorite 

places..........Seabrook, Washington. 

So come along with me and we will reminisce

about a special weekend at this beautiful place. 

Seabrook is a new beach community of 

lovely cottages that remind me of 

wonderful summer days spent on Cape Cod, 

close to where I grew up in Massachusetts. 

Now, here I am, 3000 miles away from those 

childhood days, on the opposite coast, 

making new memories with my 

children as they start their own families. 

As we arrive at our shingled cottage,
I think of my Father's maternal ancestors 

who arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts

in the 16th century, never imagining

what was in store, but hoping for a better life. 

I thank my ancestors who risked their lives

to seek freedom in this new land.

I think of all those who still risk their lives 

seeking freedom around the world,

 and how precious that word is.....

Freedom. 

Here I am, feeling grateful for so many things.....

Most of all my wonderful family 

who gave me this gift of time

spent together.

Let's step inside the gate....

Every cottage has a name.

I love this one - 'Message in a Bottle'.

As we all get settled, a happy moment
is shared with Grandson, Baby Ethan,
held by Auntie Heather, with new Mom, Erica.

Already 6 months old, this sweet little
bundle has brought such joy to
our family.
Here he gives us precious smiles
in the arms of Auntie Jennie and Uncle Eric.

Everyone wants to snuggle, including
Auntie Jen.

That's what happens when you have
 such kissable cheeks!

Ramblin' Man gets his turn, too.

This little guy even got to meet
his Great Grandpa just two weeks
before he passed away.

The first Great Grandson to carry on the family name.

Playing with Dad, Gabe, and Uncle Dustin.

While the baby gets passed around :)
 Daughter Jennie helps prepare the celebratory meal.

It's so nice to be kicked out of the kitchen for a change!

Son-in-law, Eric prepares his special sauce, while
Ramblin' Man takes a taste.

Daughter Heather decorates for the party

while I freshen up. 

Special photos to commemorate my life. 

A sweet surprise.

The table is set....

The meal is served.....

A toast to 60 wonderful years! 

Making a wish....

It was a wonderful birthday. 

The best one ever. 

I have so much to be thankful for. 

I am truly blessed. 

I couldn't wish for more. 

xoxo

Next time....we tour the cottage! 

I hope you will join me! 

xoxo

'To be kind to all, to like many and love a few,
to be needed and wanted by those we love,
is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.'

- Mary Roberts Rinehart, writer -

xoxo