Clallam Bay

On Saturday, May 30, we left the birthday party about 3:00.  Even though it was a late start, I suggested we go to Neah Bay.  That is something Chant has been talking about for a long time.  I had this almost urgent feeling, like if we don't do it now we are going to miss our chance.  I didn't know at the time we would be moving in only a short month, so I am glad that I didn't push that feeling aside.  This was important to Chant and I wanted to make sure it happened.  

Ainsley and Mom trying to get out before we got soaked

Neah Bay turned out to be a lot further away that we thought it was.  We had gone a long way already when we saw how much further we had to go.  Chant said that the main reason he wanted to go to Neah Bay was for the drive and that he would be happy stopping at any beach.  I made sure he was okay with that.  I was not about to have another St. Louis Arch situation on my hands (this is for you Mom).

So we chose Clallam Bay.  And it was perfect.  Aside from us there was only a man, a little girl, and their dog and they moved up the beach quickly so we were alone.

I wanted to test out the temperature of the water and that quickly turned into a game of chicken.  I did  pretty well for a long time at staying dry and then a sneaker wave hit me and it was all over.  I had so much fun running into the water with the kids and screaming our way back out as the tide came in and the waves got higher.  It reminded me so much of the fun times I had at Pounders Beach in Hawaii, although these were baby waves in comparison.  No one lost a lens to their sunglasses this time.  (Ahem...Dad)

Wait for it!  

GO!

 Finally they just gave up and sat down.

my three little chickens all in a row

This was one of those moments, one of those days, when my heart was so full of gratitude and love.  It was as close to a perfect day as possible.  I was so overcome by the beauty of the place we live, for the blessing of being here.  I am grateful for a husband that finds joy in taking a ride.  I am thankful for three beautiful children that bring me so much joy and so many smiles and laughs!  This is a day that I will hold close to my heart and treasure forever.  

Even though our time in Port Angeles was short, I feel like this picture sums it up so well.  "We Were Here."  We did so many things, experienced so much beauty, made so many friends, made so many memories.  I feel such overwhelming gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all He's blessed us with.  In just this one day, we were able to spend time with friends we love and will hold dear, and then drive just a few hours and see this.  We may not have been here long, but it was long enough for this place and the people here to steal a piece of my heart.