On July 18, 2015 we hopped into our minivan and drove 888 miles to the Oregon Coast. A bit daring with an 11-month-old and a 4 and 7 year-old who can be hot or cold….sweet or mean to each other. The first day was rough. But after spending more than a week driving all around the Pacific Northwest - the girls overall did a great job.
Kudos to my mom for being the brains behind this trip. She planned it long before Adalynn was even born. It was just lovely. We saw so many awe-inspiring sights. To break up the trip we stayed in Ontario, Oregon the first night. The second day - we drove completely across the state of oregon. The beach house we stayed at in Gleneden, OR was insanely gorgeous. The girls were thrilled about the bunk beds. The ocean water wasn't warm….okay - it was freezing! But that didn't stop Gracie. She asked to play in the ocean everyday. Both Gracie and Sienna were pummeled by a wave…taken under the water. The ocean in Oregon is a bit angrier than the California coastline. But Gracie kept on playing. Sienna, however, decided she didn't like the ocean after the 'wave attack'. The beach house had a hot tub that was just what the doctor ordered. It felt so nice, and the view wasn't so bad either.
We celebrated my birthday in Newport, OR. It was magical. We started the day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Gracie said her favorite part was when she watched the trainers feed the seals and sea lions. The weather was perfect, and the girls enjoyed playing at the sea animal figurine park.
Sienna was up to her old tricks: running away, not listening - she threw a fit when she didn't get a toy out of the gift shop…but she hadn't earned one.
We had heard about The Chowder Bowl in Newport - known for the best clam chowder. And YES - it was! Delicious, and fresh catch of the day made for delicious fish and chips. Gracie likes shrimp, Jody had the halibut…Sienna ate mac and cheese - which she would choose for the next 7 days. The waitress brought me bread pudding for my birthday.
Sienna was tuckered out. She was almost asleep as Jody was carrying her to the van. We saw this metal bike statue…calling my name. Jody even posed taking pictures on the seatless bike statue, while holding Sienna. That couldn't have been easy. A dozen silly pictures later, and we headed back to the beach house. Just in time to see a miraculous sunset. Jody and I did our best tricks in the 4 minutes we had before the sun slipped into the ocean.
"I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!" Plus 12…..34 never felt so great.
We drove up North to see the historic Cape Mears Lighthouse. Such beautiful views. And the Octopus Tree was pretty cool. The tree is 300 years old - and it's believed the Native Americans are responsible for it's unique growth pattern - with no central trunk.
On the way back from the Octopus Tree - I caught a rare photo of a ghost creeping up on Jody. When I saw the picture, I couldn't stop laughing!!!! Gracie thought her bright photobomb was funny too.
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| Wait. Is she running away again? Yep. |
The path down to the Cape Mears Lighthouse was steep. My dad needed an anchor to slow down Michael. And then there was mom, with the delta airlines blanket. She kept saying, "I can't believe this is July! It's freezing."
Then it was off to the Tilliamook Cheese Factory, which apparently is just as popular as Disneyland. It was so busy. The grilled cheese I ate was delicious….but wow, those grilled cheesers bring out the crowds. We watched to see how the cheese is cut and packaged.
The Pacific Northwest Coast was gorgeous. Yes, it was a long drive. But still awe-inspiring to know that majestic shoreline was only a few states away.
The place we stayed near the Redwood Forest was well researched by Ronda. Yep, it was amazing. Only the best when Ronda is booking! She really should be a travel agent. The girls loved the loft where we slept and the view was insanely gorgeous overlooking the emerald waters of the Smith River. Some of the best memories were made roasting hotdogs and marshmallows on the gorgeous patio, which included a very glamorous looking fire-pit. We pulled the pack n' play outside. Addie slept while we talked and ate near the camp fire.
We went to the Paul Bunyan Trees of Mystery Park in the Redwood Forest. Completely awe-inspiring. These trees are magnificent.
As we drove into Reno - the city was aglow with fireworks, booming above the skyline. Talk about a welcome. Gracie and Sienna were freaking out. They were so excited.
The drive from Reno to Salt Lake City was torturous. We were all done. And Adalynn was letting us know that she was tired of being in her carseat. Can you blame her?!?! She screamed from Reno to the Salt Flats. Giving her a pacifier didn't work…she just chucked it across the van and screamed louder. She didn't want toys, crackers or songs. She wanted out. We stopped at one rest stop to let her toddle and crawl around. But then it was back in the van = more screaming.
This trip is one we will never forget. It was incredible!
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| Kinda Wild after an entire day in the van. |
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| Hotel in Reno |
