Bodega!

We made our annual trek to Bodega Bay last weekend. This trip started out many years ago as a romantic couples get-a-way but over time has turned into a noisy and chaotic weekend with our many children in tow. Chaotic would be an understated way of describing the weekend given that we had eight kids under the age of six, but it was wonderful nevertheless.

Our kids were anxious to get out of the car and run around after we arrived. Here is Amanda smelling the flowers.

And running around surrounded by some spectacular scenery.

Natalie did the same.

The next day, our clan headed to the beach. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the kids had a great time. Here, Amanda, Will and dad decided to test out the water. It was COLD!

Will loved playing in the sand.

And Natalie, Amanda and dad headed back to the water.

An attempt at a picture of all three kids....only partially successful!

Here, Will and Amanda chase some birds.

Later that day, dad gave some golf lessons to all of the kids. Natalie was up first.

Here she is with Will showing some good form. Too bad the club head was backwards!

Will takes a big swing!

And he loved to dump out the "golf" balls.

Amanda putts.

Dad shows Will the proper form.

Here is Miss Ali posing on the golf course.

And Belle taking a shot.

Later that day, the grown up girls got to escape for a little spa, wine and bread treatment. It was heaven! The next day, the grown up girls were on kid duty while the grown up boys escaped for some wet and rainy golf. To keep the kids busy, we made some beautiful and fruity jewelry. Here is Addison stringing some up.

Belle showing off her finished product.

Dempsey with a beautiful smile along with a gorgeous necklace.

Amanda eating some of that fruity goodness.

Elijah with his necklace that matched his smile!

Natalie with a silly smile.

And Will, showing us the proper way to dismantle the necklace once it was made.

After everyone was done making their wares, they showed them off in a group picture. Here they are minus Will.

And with Will.

After the jewelry was made, it was time to rock out. We had a raging singing and dancing party.

Belle had a great time.

And Ali led the singing.

Steph and Dempsey had a quiet tickle moment.

Will joined in the fun too. (With a bit of purple marker on his face.)

As did Addison.

Here are our 3 rocking out.

Will takes his hand at singing a tune.

Later, we did some gymnastics with help from "Auntie" Stephanie.

Not tired out yet, the kids all headed for the hot tub for more fun (hence the swim suits in the prior pictures -- the kids were anxious!)

And we ended the party with some dress up.

It was a great weekend with great friends and we look forward to many, many more years of the same.