Bellevue - 106 degrees!!!

We came home from Camano on the hottest day ever in Seattle history (dating back to 1891). The mercury hit 106 in Bellevue, and here in the shade at our house it was 97.

We have an A/C unit in our upstairs master bedroom, but it was working hard just to keep the room in the 80s.

Needless to say, not much unpacking (other than the cooler) got done. All the kids' mattresses were moved in the bedroom, and it was like, well, camping, only cleaner!

Next year, though, I'm going to put an exclusion clause in our "No TV in July" rule on days over 100 degrees. I really could have enjoyed watching a movie with the A/C blasting in our faces.

Cama Beach Cabins

Okay, so ever since I moved back to the Pac NW in 2005, I've been looking for "that spot" where our family can come every year and enjoy a bit of the salty ocean air. I have lots of memories of beachcoming, watching sunsets, collecting shells, etc. I wanted to instill that in my kids' memories, too. I was searching for something above camping, but less pricey than most beach vacation spots on this coast around here.

Then, in 2007, I found it! Sunset magazine published an article about some cabins on Camano Island that were being restored and made into a state park. I called to reserve, they laughed (apparently I wasn't the only one who read the article). Long story short, it was two years later that we finally were able to get a reservation!

We went with two other families, both having kids around the ages of our kids. Awesome! We had the Saratoga Passage and Whidbey Island in the distance to look out at every morning. A microwave and hot/cold water and a fridge to give some of the comforts of home. The bathrooms were a bit of a walk, but very decent, except when Mike's shower token got jammed just as he was set to shower himself and the kids. Another story...anyways.

I apologize for posting so many photos. Since I don't scrapbook or even print any photos anymore, this is my way of displaying the photos...and if you don't like seeing so many photos of my kids, this probably isn't the blog for you.

Our cabin.

Our view.

Point. Aim. Shoot.

We visited during the hottest week in Seattle history, so the kids did some swimming. The water wasn't too cold, either.

Proudly displaying their "shark teeth" (a.k.a. broken clam shells). Dad took them back to his shop and made them cool shark teeth bracelets.

Yes, the game was just to throw rocks into the water. Quite a hit.

Our wonderful group. And you can even see me in the photo...even if I'm just a shadow.

Sorry, Andy and Aaron, I just couldn't resist this one.

Grandpa Marty gave the boys airplane kites. Though the breeze wasn't enough for much kite flying, the boys thought they were great toys. Although it did get a big ugly when we got home, and I told them that the kites didn't belong in the house.

The Dang Family...Cama Beach...July 2009.