The Oregon Coast, Part I

I'm not sure how many posts I'm going to do on this trip we just took, but there are lots of photos documenting our relaxing week at the coast. Some might think it was crazy for us to drive for two days to go to the beach when we could just drive 10 minutes down the road, but the Oregon Coast is quite different from the sunny, crowded, oil derrick views of Southern California. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind those things and am blessed to live near them. Nathan has never been to the Oregon coast and has always wanted to go. I have been there a few times as a kid and have fond memories. So we packed up the car, met up with Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Drew and relaxed away looking at the big swell out the living room window. Somehow, that never got old.

It was rainy for the first day or so, which I had expected for the whole week. Then, the sun came out and it was actually warm and not windy, two things I do not usually associate with the Oregon coast. It was a nice surprise. We enjoyed having some visitors for a few hours the first day too.

Wyatt was driving AK somewhere in his car. : )

I love this picture. ♥

Amelia is clearly thrilled to eat at Mo's. At least the rest of us enjoyed the moment.

western bbq

On September 11, we headed down to the old neighborhood for a western style bbq dinner. Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures of the two ladies that put it all together! They did a wonderful job, everything was so put together and delicious. We had a nice time, and it was fun to see some of our former neighbors and meet some of their extended family.

The kids looooved this little horse balloon!

These old Navy fighter planes flew over 3 times.
A reminder.

The scrumptious menu and the cowboy decor.

Patriotic cobbler served with ice cream and a freshly made raspberry sauce drizzled over it. Mmmm.

One happy fella who got to take the horsey home!

Unca Bow

A couple of weeks after Uncle Clint's actual birthday we all got to go to their new (to them) house and help celebrate.

A new, fancy knife was the prized gift for this "glorious man."

A peek at their almost finished kitchen.

The kids loved the ledge from the dining room leading onto the couch.

Somehow remaining calm during the mayhem.

Exploring the rocks and 360 views just up the hill from the house.

Happy birthday Uncle Clint!

Pretend City

Pretend City: A Children's Museum. Free admission on their 2nd birthday. I didn't think it was well advertised, so we thought we'd give it a shot. I guess that information was a little more well known than I had perceived. While driving around for awhile trying to find parking, we saw that the line was out the door and wrapped around the side of the building (it is in a large warehouse). We finally parked far away and hoped our car didn't get towed. It didn't. We had fun with the other kids in line around us while we waited for an hour and a half. Once inside, it was a crazy scene of children everywhere, but our kids had so much fun! You understand now why I took Wyatt on a leash, although that didn't always work quite as planned either. He can disappear in a large warehouse with a pint-sized city full of excited children everywhere rather quickly. Thankfully I can say I brought him home with me safe and sound. Maybe next time I'll dish out the dough and go when there are less people!

She loved this grill, she got to do it just like Daddy! ; )

The girls favorite part of the day. The stage. Imagine that.

A bit of stage fright.

Future plumber?


The grocery store was a Ralphs, quite suitable for our family!

The Grove

A couple weeks back our dear friend and relation, Stacey, was in Los Angeles for business. So we got to go up and spend an evening with her. We ate some yummy crepes (not to compare with any one might eat in Paris, but you've got to take what you can get) and then spent some time wandering around next door at The Grove. Amelia felt the need to dance as there was music piped in to be heard everywhere. : )

[Photo credit: Amelia]

Stacey may or may not have purchased a cute dress at the store in the background. : )

Dancin' in the street...

Dancin' in the alley...

Fun times. : )

The City of Angels.