2019 Doutre Family Reunion-Rockaway Beach

Our Doutre reunion started the weekend before when Mom and Dad Doutre and Bree came to visit. This was our first time seeing Bree since her mission! She wanted to see some people from Washington that she hadn't seen in a while so it worked out for them to stay a few nights with us. Dallin wasn't able to fall asleep right away on Saturday so he got their full attention for 2 extra hours and didn't go to bed till 10! 

Sunday they left for Puyallup and then Monday, I had a quick appointment for Dallin and then we had lunch with Austin and picked some blackberries. We all took naps in the afternoon and then spent some time swimming and being in the hot tub. 

Tuesday we headed out around 10AM for what was supposed to be a 5ish hour trip. Turned out to be an 11 hour trip because our car overheated (it turned out to be a simple fix of a new radiator cap) and then the Doutre's car had two leaks in the tire. Luckily Dallin was a champ but we all were ready to be in Rockaway and get some sleep! In some ways it was nice because it allowed for Bree to have some good chats that we haven't had in a while. 

Wednesday, we did Rockaway beach in the morning and Tillamook factory in the afternoon. That evening was really neat because the adults got to share a line or word or something that stood out to them from their patriarchal blessings. We got copies of Grandma and Grandpa Doutre's and Johnson's patriarchal blessing and see what was fulfilled in their lifetime. I shared a little bit about wanting to get my patriarchal blessing from Grandpa Lewis but he was too sick to give me one. I realize now that it was probably for the best because when I read my patriarchal blessing, when it talks about my specific gifts and talents, it's not just 'oh Grandpa, that's just him saying that', I know that it's the Lord who knows me personally. And I love that it says 'radiate' and 'light' so many times. 

Thursday, we headed up to Cannon Beach and spent all day there. I should mention that Dallin LOVED the water and sand. We have found his sweet spot. It was gorgeous weather, not too hot and not too cold. Even the water was mild. That night we played Dungeons and Dragons. Sean did a crazy amount of work ahead of time setting up the story and coming up with the characters (all based on Lord of the Rings). Even though those games are not my usual jam, I enjoyed playing it with the Doutre's and being in awe of Sean's creative ability!

 

Cousin buds. They could not get enough of each other!

Friday we hiked a short trail to this old tree that Austin found when looking up things to do in Rockaway. It brought back all the nostalgic PNW, Washington feel that all the Doutre's were missing. Speaking of, that night they all reminisced about high school/cross country days. It was so funny to watch them all laugh about the good old days. That afternoon we played games and went back to the beach. Also that evening, Bree shared a mission experience about their car needing to be in the shop but because of that they were able to meet Pamela who later got baptized. 

Saturday we had no mishaps of the car getting home which was a blessing because we had a lot to clean up before Sean and Cami stayed with us that night as they were visiting friends in Puyallup. We had such a good time and so excited to see most of them Labor Day weekend in just a few short weeks!