Oregon Coast Vacation

So, after the family reunion, Nick and I decided to get a place on the coast. We got a small cabin in Lincoln City just a couple hundred feet from the ocean. It was wonderful. Ryan and Krista wanted to stick around the coast as well, so we invited them to stay with us. We had lots of fun, and Nolan got to spend a little time with his baby cousin Layla. She is so precious!

The first day there, we went to the Marine Science Center, and then we met the rest of my family at the Aquarium in Newport. This is always so much fun, and the kids really enjoyed all the animals.

This first shot is of Nolan and I at the science center. We are exploring the anemones, sea stars (not starfish), and many other tide pool animals. I think Nolan just wanted to splash a lot, so we didn't do this too long.



So, here we are in the "petting zoo" area at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Uncle Tyson is with us here to help us exlore. He's such a funny guy. It's fun to see how the "little kids" in your life grow up. It's funny to see their personalities, etc. come to be. I'm so proud of him. He's such a good uncle to all the neices and nephews too. Love you Tyson.


Nolan's cousin Brooklan had so much fun with Nolan pushing him around and playing with him. I can't wait for him to get just a little bit bigger, and then they will really start interacting much more. I love these kids. Life is just so much funner with them around.

By the time we finished the tour of the aquarium, Nolan was getting a little antsy, so we sat outside waiting for the others. We saw the biggest fattest squirrel ever. It was a little funny, but after I thought about it, it made me a bit sad. The poor squirrel was so fat because humans had been feeding it sooo much nasty human food. Poor thing will get heart diease and die soon no doubt.

On a happier note, Nolan found my sun glasses, and he decided he wanted to wear them. He's just so cute. I love him!

So, the next day we went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory! My favorite. I love their cheese, and I love their ice cream even more! Since Ryan, Krista, and Layla were staying with us, they decided to come along for the ride. I'm so glad they did. We had a lot of fun. So here we are at the factory....

I'm not quite sure why we didn't get any pictures at the ocean. I'm a bit sad about that. I'm sad too we didn't fly our kite like we usually do on the coast. We'll have to do it next time. Nolan will just be big enough for that, so it will be a big treat! Since I don't have one of me, Nick and Nolan, here's one of our roomies...

The same day we went to Tillamook, we also went to Moe's chowder house. As always the chowder was delicious. I think I over did it with the fried shrimp and fish, and so I got sick that night. My body was telling me not to eat fried foods anymore. I rarely ever have fried food, so it must have been a shock to my body. I did not feel too hot the next day, so I just stuck around Lincoln City and took some really long, relaxing walks. What could be better when you're on the coast?

Ryan and Krista went to Newport that day, and on the way back, they brought us some crab. My favorite! So delicious. Next time I want to catch my own crab though. Thanks Ryan and Krista!

Finally, the time came to leave our comfy vacation spot. It was both sad and happy. We were ready to get back to our routines, but we would miss the fun time together as a family.

Of course on our way home we had to stop at Multnomah Falls. I love it there. A couple of years ago, Nick and I took the historic highway, and we visited most of the falls along I-84 and the Columbia River Gorge. So pretty, and the Vista House above the Gorge is so fun to see as well. There's a lot of history to it all. We always have to stop and go for a walk at Multnomah though for sure. I love the scenery and vegetation of the area. I love the green everywhere. I could easily live here during the summer months!

So, while we were in the gift shop at Multnomah, I found a cute little monkey hat, so I had to put it on Nolan. It was a bit large for him, so we didn't end up getting it. It was sure was cute though.

I think next time we go to the coast we'll have to make a day of just hiking around the falls on the Gorge. I can't wait already. Maybe I'll have to plan a trip for the Spring or Fall for a change in the season. Who knows!