This was followed by lunch with a view at Georgie’s Grill (fabulous clam chowder). We were going to go to the aquarium, but the weather was so nice we decided to hit the beach instead. If there is one thing I have learned about vacationing on the coast it is this: always be prepared for the beach (even though on this particular day I left Ellie’s suit home, but she was a good sport and happily played in her clothes).
After making the trek down to the beach below my children (can I include Mike in that category) engaged in fun activities consisting of building sandcastles (of course), wave jumping, burying random body parts, sand fights. Mike even tried to recreate his sea-weed lasso. I just enjoyed the sea air by reading a book. It was great!
On the way back to the car we encountered a random drum-circle. Everyone was pounding out their own personal rhythm. It was open to anyone who wanted to join, so of course James had to investigate. (For those of you who have not seen James walk you won’t understand this. James spins and jumps, cartwheels and rolls rather than walking.)
Favorite Quote of the Day: “Everything is about SALAD!” James said angrily with a conductor’s flourish.
The next day we headed to another hike on the Cascade Head Nature Trail. The most noteworthy part of this excursion was the fact that Ellen refused to be in any pictures. At one point we even gave her a camera, and asked her take a picture of Ali and Paris while we huddled around her and Janae tried to snap a photo. She was way too smart to be fooled. Little Punk. However, despite Ellie’s reticence to be in any pictures, the view was beautiful.
After the hike we headed to Neskowin, home of Proposal Rock and the Hawk Creek Café (highly recommended). Because of the nature of this beach, it is a great place to hunt for sand dollars. But the real fun came Ellie and Sophia buried themselves (in an effort to get warm) and then posed for the camera with their sand-filled bodies.
Favorite Quote of the Day: “Mom, I am the Queen of India,” said Ellen.
We spend our last day in Oregon at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, (home of the Spruce Goose). We took a tour of the airplanes for which James, who is ALL wriggle, stood at rapt attention for more than an hour. I love how much that kid loves planes.
Mostly, I think this museum will be remembered for (1) the kids’ first 3D movie, and (2) Ellie’s first ride on a merry-go-round, and (3) the fabulous playground they had outside the museum. All the toys were shaped like rockets, planes, and helicopters. What a hoot!
On the way home we stopped at a farm and picked up some fresh raspberries, fresh blueberries, and some honey. You haven’t tasted blueberries until you’ve had them farm fresh in Oregon.
We ended our vacation with a final tribute to the beach experience . . . we made smores . . . in the microwave. It was a great way to say farewell to the coast.
What a great vacation!
1 comment:
Looks like a really great time!! SO glad you could get away for a while. I know you needed it.
My sister-in-law is from McMinnville, by the way.
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