Relaxing in Oceanside

Vacationing isn't always relaxing for me. I'm actually more likely to feel uptight and anxious without a schedule--is that strange? So I wasn't sure what shape I'd be in at the end of our open-ended family reunion. Happily, Oceanside is gorgeous and we were spending time with 30+ of my favorite people on the planet. I had high hopes.

It helped to plan on a walk or run every morning, card games each night and playing on the fabulous beach somewhere in between.

Turns out the opened schedule led to some great things:

- walks on the pier

- scootering to a beautiful art museum

- trying my hand at boogie boarding

- lots of sunscreen and cold ocean water

- late night cousins' hot tubbing 

- starting Unbroken

Granted, several scheduled events were also super memorable:

- family dinners and devotionals together

- sand creature building and judging

- whale watching

- playing Bohnanza, the Movie Game, Catch Phrase, and Scum

- eating at the fantastic In and Out, animal style

- 7.5 mile run (!) with great conversation

Fun within a relaxed schedule: a wonderful way to do family reunions. And such a wonderful place to do it, that Oceanside. 

Much love to our dear Evans family!