Nehalem

Nehalem Bay was the place we chose

to breathe and get our bearings at the onset of this trip.

It has been our go-to spot to camp since Olivia's first camping trip at 1.

Grass-covered dunes,

Northwest forest,

and a quiet state park.

Days settled into a pleasing rhythm of

seaside walks through the morning - 

seeing,

digging, 

rescuing -

Bicycle rides 

through forest

and fog

and rainy afternoons in the library quiet -

reading, 

working,

researching mushrooms, jellies, and trees.

Realities of rv life became more apparent - 

sewer duties, close quarters, wet clothes.

And though this trip is a break from the ordinary,

the everyday tasks still persist -

preparing meals, 

doing dishes,

and all that is parenting a family of four. 

But we are laughing often

at ourselves and with each other,

and finding beauty and grace

in the everyday place.