Long Beach {day 3-5}

Wednesday, May 25

My 31st birthday. I was able to sleep in {ahhhh, thank you!} followed by a delicious breakfast by Kurt. The kids showered me with home-made cards, a balloon, lipstick, a box of donuts and candy. I even got a nap in the afternoon. It was all pretty great. In reality they could have done nothing because the fact that we were all together, on vacation, was wonderful enough!

It was raining so we decided to head over to Astoria {about 11 miles away} to see a little bit of the historic city {It is celebrating it's 200 years of existence this year. It is the oldest city in the west.} We went to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Unfortunately they don't allow you to take pictures inside but it was very informative and hands-on for the kids. We all learned a lot...for example the area with the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean meet is called "The Bar." It is very rough and very dangerous. More than 2,000 ships have been lost in the bar and it has earned the nickname "Graveyard of the Pacific."



Outside the museum they have a boat that you can go on and explore. It is pretty tight quarters.




Sending a message via Morse code,


All hands on deck!

There was a beautiful boardwalk all along the beach and that evening when there was a break in the rain we took a nice walk along it.






{Great view of the time share in the background.}



One of our favorite memories of the boardwalk: we were walking back on one of the trails and Kurt and I looked ahead 100 yards to see Spencer with his pants completely down going to the bathroom. He was facing towards the boardwalk and naturally two ladies were walking by right at that moment. Ya, we're screaming hicks! His explanation, "But dad I had to go really bad!" Emma already had a talk with him that you can't do that at school. ;)

Thursday, May 26

Found a break in the weather for a morning beach run. Wisely, most of it was spent in the sand to avoid getting too cold and wet.







When the weather was too unbearable we headed down the road to the "World Kite Museum." It was seriously only 2 blocks away from us. They had an impressive variety of kites from all over the world.



But the highlight was the station to make our own kites.





The sun was shining by the time we finished the museum so we went straight to the beach to fly our creations.









Really, I was impressed with how well they flew for what they were. But naturally there were a few tears when they didn't last forever. There is something beautiful and simple about flying a kite on the beach.

Friday, May 27
Long Beach really didn't have very many shells. It seemed like that was the one thing our trip was lacking: shells. So after a little asking around, and Internet research we planned a day in Oregon.

Our first stop was the Astoria Column. It had impressive views but with a 165 circular stairs price. I was feeling very claustrophobic while Austin counted all the stairs, Emma gripped my hand, Spencer tried out the echo and Roost walked it all without hesitation.


from the bottom


from the top


Astoria and the 4 mile long bridge that connects Oregon and Washington.


my favorite view from the column.

Then we continued south to Seaside, Oregon. We stopped at the aqurium. It was really quite small but contained an impressive amount of sea life. At least the kids were pleased.


Spencer loved checking out this octopus. It was quite cool {and slightly creepy} to watch it breathe.




And it wouldn't be complete without the touch tank...

Then onto Canon Beach to find shells! It was raining by the time we got there so we stopped for lunch. Luckily the worse was over by the time we finished. Canon Beach has the famous Haystack Rock. When the kids and I came to the coast last time {the mom's only camping trip} we spent one day at Canon Beach. It is gorgeous.





We timed it perfectly to be there to explored the tide pools during low tide. Unfortunately Austin didn't bring his coat so he was freezing {I won't mention that his mother asked him to bring it. And he was right, it really was freezing!} So we didn't even stay longer than a half hour.



Meanwhile this one was just happy as a clam finding shells. She was humming along with her bright pink bucket swinging easily in her hand. She could search for shells all day and just be so content with life. She didn't even noticed the weather {and for those of you who know her know that it nothing short of amazing.}


Seeing her happiness was worth the trip.

That night Emma and I had a mommy date. We went to see the local acting group perform "The Sound of Music." We had a great time and it was very enjoyable. I love being able to have someone to share that with!

Saturday morning Kurt found out that a pivot had crashed in Nyssa. I encouraged him to go home because I knew he was stressed about that, the up-coming trek and our farm not being near close to being ready for planting. In the end the nagging feeling in my heart helped me decided that it would be better for us to stick together so the kids and I left too. On the way out of town we stopped for ice cream cones from the local shop that boasts 64 different flavors.

It was a wonderful vacation {and I honestly haven't regretted coming home 2 days early for a minute.} I am grateful for the time we had together. MEMORIES.