a holiday away..

Since we live in the same area as my parents & grandparents its pretty easy to get together whenever we want and since there are no babies in the family (yet) its even easier to get away!  My husband shares his birthday with Christmas so we have always tried to separate the two with Christmas morning/birthday evening, or do something that he can enjoy equally as much as everyone else that celebrates the same day (for a different reason then his of course!).  Last year we decided to skip Christmas all together, we (the family) met up for breakfast out then we all got to do our own things.  The year before that we rented a big cabin up in the snow.. see the trend?  We aren't very traditional, but spending time together is equally as important.

This year we talked about renting a beach house during the summer, but life got so hectic that we never got around to it so we all sort of casually mentioned doing it for Christmas.  I searched online a few times and found this rad beach house in Neskowin, which is 10miles north of a city called Lincoln City.  We found lots of really cute and brand new places a few blocks from the beach, but this one was a score with it being right on the sand and having a cool lodge vibe to it.  The place felt comfortable like a home away from home should be, the amenities were surprising and the memories we made were simple and perfect.


We (g-parents, rents & hubs/myself + doggies) all arrived the afternoon/evening of the 23rd.  We were lucky to experience different weather each day we were there, which is a typical oregon coast experience.




The first night we had a big tamale dinner (total must have in this family) with salsas, nachos, wine.. everything.  The boys did the usual 'hanging out by the tv, comfy and full on the couch' thing, while us girls set up a simple tree with lights and popcorn/cranberry garland <--which I haven't made since I was a kid.







There is something so calm and beautiful about waking up to the ocean.  It doesnt matter how many times we go there (since we dont live that far) its always a soothing feeling to be around it.  I would have tried to get more photos, including family ones, but as you can tell we had a good time and just enjoyed being there.

That first morning (xmas eve) I made a big breakfast for everyone then we all went and did our own thing for the day, but met up before sunset to do some whale watching (no luck!).. still caught a great sunset! We then went out to the local casino, my grandparents favorite past time, for dinner & games.  Someone hit the jackpot!








Christmas day was mellow.  Big breakfast, staying in pjs, opening presents, watching movies, beach walks before the storm hit (which was cool!) and just hanging out.. exactly what we all could have wanted. Oh and there might have been some birthday pie & ice cream.. just maybe.  











The next morning it was rainy, cold and dark.  A beautiful coastal backdrop for a winter day.  Mr. Smith and I left early for the drive home and later that afternoon I took him to the airport for his 3week work shift in Australia.  The holiday away was perfect and just what we all needed to refresh for the new year!

14 comments:

  1. Sounds absolutely perfect. I want a holiday away so bad. :)

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  2. Beautiful pictures! Sounds so relaxing and beautiful! Glad you had a great time :)

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  3. How beautiful!! Sounds like it was a fabulous time ;)

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  4. im so happy for you that you had a peacefully wonderful time!

    these views are jut so breathtaking im in love! xxx

    http://sydsense.blogspot.com

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  5. What a beautiful Christmas...and birthday :)

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  6. These pictures are gorgeous! Looks like an amazing holiday! I love the underneath the bridge picture! wow!

    -Lindsay

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  7. Seriously gorgeous pictures. :-) what type of camera do you have?
    Your Christmas looks like a nearly perfect one if I do say so myself. I'm wanting to book that cabin for spring time now!

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  8. My oldest son's birthday is 12/20. I've always made it a point to separate his birthday from Christmas, even with it being 5 days apart! I can't imagine how hard it must for your husband....Good for you for making it important too! :)

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  9. aw this is so nice! what a great way to spend xmas :) the place really does look cozy and homey too :)
    xox dana
    thewonderforest.com

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  10. Wherever you were, I want to go there. RIGHT NOW! Absolutely beautiful photos.

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  11. I want to live there...so pretty! Your pics should be in a brochure for the place! That sounds like an amazing time

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  12. Lovin' the popcorn/cranberry strands!

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  13. i want desperately to live on this beach or at the very least visit. the east coast is nice, but so different.

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