Trip to the coast with Grandpa Gary

One of my favorite things in this life is the beach/ocean. Seriously one of the things that can guarantee to bring my soul happiness. I'm glad my family feels the same way. We had sooo much fun!! Grandpa Gary came down Friday night, Saturday we headed to Astoria, OR. One of the places I have wanted to see since I was a kid and reading books. And it was as magical as I had hoped. 

Thia is the Astoria Column. It looks really neat, like a lighthouse, but it's not. I giess it was built by the Northern Pacific Railroad, but it was pretty cool to drive around. Due to time constraints, money, and kids, we didn't go walk around.

Where the Colombia River opens up to the Pacific Ocean.

Cannon Beach

Joe had a hard time keeping Addie out of ths cold water. She was in heaven!! I don't know if there i a kid that could have loved it more.

Jojo also enjoyed himself, but he preferred to keep the water to his knees. He would run out to squeal and run back in.  I have more pictures of him because Addie wouldn't hold still. Haha, This day is definitely a memory I'll keep in my heart forever.

Grandpa Gary with us. He was a good sport driving around, walking to the beach, walking around the outaide of the coast guard center.

The kids loved having Grandpa come visit. He came to church with us and Addie loved holding his hand as they walked up the sidewalk. I think she feels a special need to care for him. Jojo enjoys snuggling up with him too. They're lucky to have such a great grandpa!

Our first trip to the Oregon Coast

When I was growing up, I read a book called "Flower of the Winds" by Dorothy Keddington that takes place on the Oregon Coast. And ever since then I would research the landmarks and want to visit so bad. And finally that dream came true. Cheesy, I know, but it's  the truth.

The four of us headed west towards the coast. And just the drive alone was breathtaking!! I loved every minute of it, and got a little bit sick trying to see evrything with the tall, dense forest. I learned to just sit back, relax, and enjoy it. The Tillamook Cheese Factory was a lot more touristy and larger then i expected. But it was still fun to see, and their ice cream and cheese is to die for. Joe came here once as a kid with his dad, Uncle Randy, and brothers so it was fun for him to see it again.

Then we drove to Netarts, Oceanside and Cape Meares. Unfortunately the road was washed out to get to the lighthouse at Cape Meares. And to hike there would have been quite the task with little ones.

Oceanside, was nothing short of amazing!! Love at first sight? You betcha!! All four of us had the best experience.  It was Addie and Jojo's first time at the beach/ocean. And they couldn't have had more fun. Jojo was pretty brave  to go in, but then would run as the waves came in. Addie pulled Joe in and tried to go deeper and deeper. They are so much fun.

I didn't get good pictures of Addie because she was always blurry, so sad.

We didn't plan things well. Our trip was spare of the minute decision I hastily made. So we didnt have clothes to change into.....and i didn't think it would be so warm or that the kids would be for swimming. That's ok, who needs dry clothes whe. You're having so much fun? It's a good thing we had their blankets to wrap them up in the car.