Seabrook, Washington

We took our first family vacation, just the three of us and the dogs. We loaded up the car and headed to the Washington coast for three days. When we planned this little getaway, we assumed we were going to be watching storms pass from the windows of our cottage. I mean we were going to be there in January. As luck would have it, we ended up with the best weather possible. No joke, it felt like July out there. We had an amazing time. (I over use the word "amazing" but I really mean it this time.) Relaxing, playing in the sunshine, and spending quiet, quality time as a family.

If you are looking for a special place to go on the Washington coast, I definitely recommend Seabrook. Seabrook was established in 2004 and there are plans for expansion. Most of the cottages are privately owned and rented out. There is a small main street with a few shops, one restaurant and a little grocery store/deli/clam digging gear rental. The community has several parks and common areas with playgrounds, boche ball, horse shoes, volleyball, fire pits, and an indoor pool. It is about 20 minutes north of Ocean Shores and just five minutes from Pacific Beach- both of which have several more restaurants and activities. Not to mention the BEAUTIFUL beach that is nothing but sandy and huge. So many things to do! We successfully wore out the dogs and our 16 month old. We will be back.

How did we manage to pack two dogs, their crates, a toddler, two adults, and food and clothes for three days? Yea… so this happened… We have fully conceded to being a suburban family. We are proud owners of a Thule.




Anywho… this is the adorable cottage we rented for the weekend!



A tour of the cottage, complete with evidence of Cooper's total meltdown because I would not let him play with the camera.

The kitchen/Cooper screaming on all fours preparing to smack his head on the hardwoods. Full tantrum mode.

I mean, how adorable is this place? 

I love this bunk room. The functional use of space makes me happier than is probably acceptable for the normal person to admit. 

The first afternoon we went to the beach. I wish these pictures captured 1/1000 of how beautiful the lighting was. My amateur photography skills just do not do it justice. 

Oh, and there was not a soul to be seen. 

This beach was great for Cooper's age right now. The sand is not the deep kind sand that is difficult to walk in, it is hard and stable. There are shells and sea treasures to explore, but not a ton of small rocks that are so tempting for him to pop in his mouth. My, how my perspective has changed. Never ever would have thought of this stuff a year ago.

Notice how Cooper is pointing at the waves in almost every picture? Someone should write a book, "When You Show a Toddler Waves."

Breakfast with Dad

Day 2 and 3 consisted of more of the same beautiful weather. The wind was even non-existent. It was surreal. Every time we left the house I bundled Cooper up, and by the time we got to the beach he was in nothing but a sweatshirt and jeans. Maybe a pair of shades too. I just couldn't believe how warm it was.

Side note: this little community has put thought into every last detail. Check out their landscape rock. The parking lots and walking paths are crushed sea shells too. Love that.

I have no idea how we got a picture of all FIVE of us looking at the camera- but I'll take it! Such a happy memory together.

What is the white lump out there? Oh it's just Sadie taking in the views.  

My boy likes to play in dirt. I love that. 

He, however, did not like the taste of it.

Not sure what I love more in this photo: capturing Cooper's sweet relationship with his doggie or the perfect pug shadow. 

They played so hard. A three hour nap was needed.

We tried out the pool, but Cooper is still not super excited about it.

Until next time...

(If you look closely this picture shows Cooper's zig-zag footsteps next to his Daddy's. Cooper, Chris, Molly and Sadie are playing in the distance. This is my happy place.)