We have been wanting to go to Oregon ever since our last trip. We thought it would be fun if the entire family could go. Everything was working out great--until Julie announced they were expecting! Oh well, the best laid plans often go askew. But in the end, we discovered it was probably good they did! It was quite a crowd as it was!
The drive took two days. We stayed the first night in Pendleton, Oregon. Since we had so much travel scheduled for the summer we decided to save some money by staying at the KOA campground--in a tent no less. If you know my husband, you know that isn't his favorite mode of lodging. It went well, but it was hot, so when we went to dinner at an air-conditioned pizza place, we lingered longer, even if we weren't in Kansas.
The next morning we went to the LDS Church there, and then it was only 4-5 hours further to the beach house. When we arrived it was like finding an old friend. It was just like we remembered.
But as good as it was to get to the beach house, it was even better to get to the ocean. My favorite memories of past trips were always going with Matthew to the sea. This time was no different. He was my beach buddy. We would go on early morning walks together, or end of the day walks by the ocean. Matthew loved poking around the tide pools. There is a starfish in this one.
And my husband was also another beach buddy. We took many strolls by the ocean or other hikes. It was so fun to spend time with just him and me--there hasn't been much time for that lately.
We weren't always alone though. It was fun to go to the beach with the grandchildren and watch them play. They were all a little different in how they would play by the seashore. But none of them matched the enthusiasm Matthew had when he was their age. For example, Eli liked playing on the beach--until he got sand on his hands or arms. Then he would melt down a bit. But most of the time he was full of the joy of being at the beach.
My family was proud of me--I only drug home three pieces of driftwood (two were for a neighbor) and a small grocery sack full of my beach treasures--for the entire trip!!! After the day at the beach, I loved watching the grand kids walking home with Grandpa. He would just hold out a single finger for them to grab a hold of on the walk home.
After I got home a friend asked me if it has been hard to leave the coast. Yes, I always hate leaving. It sort of seems like selling one of your children. More of our Oregon adventures later--
