My Trip to Oregon - Day 1

My sweet little niece, who lives far too far away in Oregon, made the decision to be baptized on October 8, 2011. I really wanted to support her big day. My loving husband agreed and a fun trip was born! I left on Thursday, October 6th. Flying all alone was very exciting and it made me realize how much Dave does for me when we travel. It was just me! Flying alone is far more simple than hauling kids and their belongings. I sat peacefully in my seat, entertained just me, and even took a few pictures. Bliss....well, until the turbulence started...the worst I've ever experienced. The captain even called off the beverage service and the attendants frantically returned to their seats. I will admit that I said a few prayers. It was scary.

 My parents also drove out for the weekend and picked me up at the Portland airport on the way through. My brother, Scott and his wife, Traci let me stay with them and I loved reconnecting with their family. I got to be a fun aunt since I didn't have my own kids to watch after. And another treat...My sister, Laurel and her family arrived late that evening from Colorado.

The next day we drove to the beautiful Oregon coast and stopped at a few sites. 

 We visited the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It was a small aquarium, but there was a lot to see. This exhibit allowed us to touch the sea anemones.

My brother Scott, nephew Ethan, nephew Joel.

 

 From there we drove to Yaquina Bay and saw the tide pools at low tide. It was so awesome to see and touch anemones and starfish in real nature. I finally got the guts to stick my finger in an anemone and the yucky suction feeling made me scream and pull my finger out. They asked us not to pull fast, but it was a reflex...sorry little guy. Kari was my little buddy at the tide pools. I had fun exploring with her.

My mom and sister, Laurel at the Yaquina Bay tide pools.

The shore was covered in these black rocks. I think my mom said it was Basalt. I wanted to take some home but it was a protected park. Blast.

Nephew Joel, Brother Scott, Sister-in-Law Traci, Nephew Rex (under Traci's coat), Nephew Kurt, and Niece Kari

 I cannot describe the excitement of our next stop. We walked up the path from the tide pools to a LIGHTHOUSE!!! I don't know why I have such a fascination with them, but I've wanted to see one as long as I can think of. This was my first! If I recall correctly, I'm pretty sure I did an actual happy dance when I saw it. They are just so amazing to see...and just as fun to photograph!

View from the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Our last stop of the day was Lincoln City. We drove our cars down onto the beach and watched the tide come in. I love watching ocean waves!

What?! I really missed him, okay!

My parents and me.

My sweet niece, Kari and me, at Lincoln City beach.

As you can see from the pictures, there was a light mist the entire day and by the end of it, we were soaked. We drove up to a fun little restaurant and enjoyed soup and salad. Such a fun day! I kept saying how much I wanted to bring my family back here someday and I still plan on it!