the first road-trip of the summer. as a family. in a car.

We decided to start off the girls summer holiday with a road trip down Hwy 101. And it went pretty damn great! Our drive south was pleasantly (and surprisingly) calm for the most part, Aside, of course, for some normal sibling squabbles amongst the girls. We did the usual road trip things, a couple times each; stop for gas, stop to pee, stop to eat and a few road games. Our 7 hour drive grew a bit, as these drives with kiddos tend to do, and after 10’ish hours, we finally landed in Humboldt County, Eureka, California.

heaven on earth.

We spent the week at my Uncles home/retreat in the middle of the Redwood National Forest. It’s truly one of my top 3 happy places and I am so happy that I finally got to share it with Joe. Joe, myself, 3 of the girls and our 2 pups spent most of our time at my Uncle Richards property in the Redwoods. We played and ate food. We a built a campfire, roasted marshmallows and ate smores. Most importantly, we did a whole lotta nothing and so much of everything. The days spent there go by so incredibly fast. It’s like a completely different world; magical and serene and I have to remind myself to leave the property to explore other places every time we’re there.

Joe took some amazing photos, as he always does, and the moments that he captured this weekend, are absolutely incredible. His photography is so beautiful and I never tire of seeing what stories and memories he’ll create next.

Samoa; beautimous

We spent a few hours at Samoa Beach taking fun photos, collecting rocks, playing in the water and letting the dogs run along the shoreline. I love Samoa. I think it is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Eureka. The photos that Joe took in Samoa (and at my Uncles) make me happy beyond explanation. His ability to capture true emotional moments is incredible. I’m usually slightly hesitant and self conscious when it comes to someone taking my photos. Even Joe, although I’m slowly getting better about that; its a must when your love is a photographer, I guess. Overall, my first instinct is to shy away from the camera. Most of time.

This time, I am so thankful that I didn’t.

…..in a car (?!)

So, you’ve probably been wondering, this whole post, why on earth we did our first family road trip of the summer, in a car instead of Lou-Lou. A small car. A Kia Soul to be exact. Well, here’s why….

Lou-Lou has been a bit under the weather for the past 34 days. Under the weather might actually be an understatement. Simply speaking, her engine blew up. So, she’s getting a brand new one. And it’s taking the repair shop a very, very, very long time. This also means we’re semi-stranded in Portland for the time being. It’s been pretty okay and full of interesting happenings, to say the least. We’re planning (possibly a few) posts about that whole situation soon’ish, so watch for that in the next few weeks!