Coasties

Brian enlisted in the Coast Guard after high school. He served on a Cutter (living on the boat, imagine!?!?!?) from 1993-1995. And then was stationed at Grays Harbor from 1995-1997. He was in the Coast Guard when we were set up on a Blind Date by another Coastie Derrick Jackson.

He made some great friends during his service. Friends he still keeps in contact with, friends that still care about our family, friends that we still care about.


Brian on the CGC Resolute.

Brian became a 44 Motor Life Boat Driver.

One of those friends is Mike Fratusco. He's known Brian as long as I have. He has always been such a positive friend. Both He and his wife are in Law Enforcement now too. They live in Idaho, but make it up to Oregon to see friends a couple of times a year. I swear, their kids must be the best car travelers. Our kids have a hard time driving to their Grandparents an hour a way....

This last Saturday we met Mike and his family in Seaside. Despite having a gaggle of children to keep track of.....we had a great time.

Mike and Brian

The Gaggle of children: Jake (7), Avery (6), Peyton (9), Grace (2), Reagan (5), and Reese (2)

Is it me, or am I just always amazed how quickly children can make friends? This picture is about 5 minutes after meeting one another! What would it be like if adults could act like this?

A cloudy day on the Coast, but only a little drizzle.

The kids at the round-about in Seaside with Lewis and Clark.

Waiting outside the fudge shop. For some reason, the Coast really does have the best Fudge and Salt Water Taffy. We ate soooo much junk.

At the Aquarium the kids got to feed the seals DEAD fish.

Real Seals. They would flap their fins and splash the kids. Bet that water was sanitary!

I just liked this picture of Jake, because it shows his kind side.

And it was all topped off with a Carousel Ride.

Jake and Peyton

Fast Friends.