Withrow Annual Family Beach Trip 2008

This year we decided to do something different.... instead of staying in our usual OR Coast cabin we braved it and went camping! It was awesome, windy and cold. Full of yummy food, card games, beach walks, salmon fishing and hikes. We had 3 sites, numerous tents, an RV and a yurt for our home for a week in July. It was awesome! We stayed outside of Ilwaco, WA near the mouth of the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment State Park (We were NOT disappointed).

Looking south into OR from the Column in Astoria, OR.

Photo of the lighthouse that Erin and I hiked to.

Ahhh... Cousin Erin and the lighthouse.

We call them Smore Betters because they are WAY better than traditional smores. Chocolate wafer + peanut butter + marshmallow = goodness.

Ummm.... yummy.

Hanging by the fire. Note yurt in the background.

They fit him almost too well.

Rachel by the beach. So precious.

Nathan by the beach. Also, so precious.

What we do.

Ohhh... the McDonells!

Well as many of you know, this has been a big summer for the McDonell family. We have had many great changes.

First, both my sister AND my mom and dad moved to Quincy, WA. Yes, they do live 3 houses away from each other.

Second, my mom retired. I am so happy for her and my dad. They go to mass everyday together and then go swimming and by that time they come home for lunch and take naps. They are so cute.

Third, my sister got married! She married her boyfriend of 7 years... Andrew. Their wedding was loads of fun. See photos below.

Fourth, my brother and his wife are having a baby! I am SO excited and happy for them. This will be the first grandchild for my parents (even though my dad has been mistaken for a grandpa for the last 25 years).

Mom and Dad at the reception doing "prom pose." Note Dad's hat. Don't worry he didn't wear it during the ceremony (but he did wear it every other moment the whole weekend).

Mom at the reception. She is what she refers to as "peaked." I think she is partied out.

I am not sure what my sister said that made Dad laugh so hard during the Father of the Bride Dance, but it was pretty cute.

And of course, there is never a set of wedding photos complete without one of Dad eating.

Us pretending we were at prom.

They are so cute.

Laura and her new husb.

Laura... so pretty.

Us at the rehearsal.