Spring Break 2011

Spring break has nearly come to an end.  As quick as I snap my fingers.  It's done.

This year was the first year I've taken time off with the kids.  I have always felt guilty as family and friends travel to grand places during the break -- Hawaii, Disneyland, Florida -- as my kids sit at home and do spring cleaning.

Then a coworker invited us to spend some time at her family home in Long Beach with her and her two kids (who are the same age as mine, 12 and 9),  I thought hey, it's not Disneyland, but it's also not Federal Way.  We agreed and packed up the van and headed out.

We arrived late Sunday night and had assistance from two soon-to-be friends, unpacking the van in the dark and pouring rain.  As we settled in for the night, I thought about what might be the best ice breaker for the house of strangers....a game of Monopoly.  We played until nearly midnight. And everyone was toasty warm by then, bonding occurred.

Throughout the weekend there were many games of Monopoly, Dominos, Sequence and Speed (I was the house champ, hmph!).

Each morning started with fresh fruit and cocoa.  We sipped the hot cocoa, as we cozied up on the couch, stoked the fire and listened to the rain beat against the windows.

And it rained, rained and rained.  There were five-minute breaks of sun here and there that would fill the living area with a warm glow, but then darkness would follow and the rain returned.

Regardless of the weather, there were walks on the beach, jumping waves and playing in the sand.  I was bundled up as if it was a snow storm, but the kids frolicked as if it was summer.

We'd return for hot showers and more hot cocoa.

Each day we ventured into town for one activity.

We saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid at the Neptune Theater, there was a total of ten people (including eight of us) in the theater.

We visited an amazing bakery and had fresh baked goods, beyond delicious.

and there were bumper cars,

and go-karts,

and the merry go-round,

Thank you Davidsons, we had a great Spring Break!!