Meanwhile, our Heroes are incognito somewhere in Oregon...

I am relaxing in a recliner in front of a huge picture window with a fabulous ocean view. I am sure it would be more fabulous if I could see it. It's foggy out there.

My kids have loved heading out at low tide, exploring tide pools and collecting agates. The water is freezing in Oregon so no swimming. We've bought kites for flying. We've been hiking. We've visited the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour (eh..) and ice cream (Mmmm!) We've seen lighthouses and rocks. We've eaten seafood out and cooked steaks in. This beach house rental has Playstation and board games. No TV. No movies. No worries - we've hardly been here.

We've loved exploring this new place. Somewhere we would never had thought of visiting if we hadn't moved to Idaho. Mr. Wonderful started a new family competition this past year: whomever gets the highest grades gets to pick the family vacation. Secondborn won the contest. He was given a budget and I helped him research ideas. He has been having a great time.

This fall I will be one of the competitors in the contest. Mr. Wonderful is hoping I will win. He has been suggesting places all week of where he thinks we should go i.e. someplace with a warm ocean.

In order to beat Secondborn for the vacation-choosing privilege, I will have to get straight A's.

Let the pressure begin...in 2 1/2 weeks. Meanwhile I am going to enjoy fighting crimes of stress right here. On vacation.