Oceanside for the Holidays

Last Wednesday we packed our van to the brim for a full, fun-filled four days at the beach. We stayed at The Sea Haven beach house overlooking the Three Arch Rocks in Oceanside with nearly 30 family members and a few guests. Over the course of the four days, we celebrated my brother Corby's 30th birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and my Grandma Phyllis' 80th birthday. It was a little crazy, but absolutely wonderful!

Cousins! 

Zoë requested that Rachel come with us to the beach.

They were pretty much inseparable from that moment on. :)

The beach was surprisingly beautiful on Wednesday and Thursday. 

We enjoyed several hours of beach tromping and a couple of gorgeous sunsets!

Because Zoë had a cold and I wanted to keep her as dry as possible, Zoë's beach attire looked awfully similar to sledding attire...and it worked really well!

Zoë and Daddy in the tunnel

Zoë had so much fun being carried around by her Uncle Kenny,

 and running away from the waves, 

exploring caves and throwing rocks in the water. ;)

And she managed to get Uncle Judah to carry her around too. ;)

Playing in the sand with Lola

Zoë missed Thanksgiving dinner, but somehow managed to get the dessert...

Happy Thanksgiving!

And then it was time for Christmas!

All the "kids"

(It's nice to still be in that category!)

Dancing with Anna

We spent Friday morning singing Christmas carols and meditating on the Christmas story (before opening presents, of course). Zoë, always the center of attention, kept us delighted with her lovely dancing. It was precious to watch her dance her little heart out! Here is a short clip so that you can be delighted as well: 

We left with our van full of sand, our suitcases full of presents, our stomachs full of good food and our hearts full of love. We are so thankful to be surrounded by such wonderful family! We love you all!