Trip to Washington: A Day at the Coast

The day we picked up Adam from the airport, we drove straight from Portland to Lincoln City for a day at the coast. The weather was overcast and rainy, much like our trip to the coast last year, but this time even more chilly and windy. Our long-time family friends the Kellys were so generous though, and invited us to spend time at their beach house...it was absolutely charming, so we didn't mind one bit that much of the day was spent inside, cozy, eating delicious food and playing games with the sound of rain on the roof and windows. But stormy weather didn't stop us from getting out to explore a bit of the gorgeous Oregon Coast! Well, except Ava, she was a trooper to stay inside all day. :) Brooks loved marching around in the sand, hands in his pockets, looking for sticks...until the wind about blew him away. ;) And when Adam and I went out together, we turned into a couple of kids...stealing kisses, jumping for joy, and writing out names in the sand. ;) Loved every minute.

Thank you Dave and Jessica for the wonderful day!!

^^ One of "Gram-mom"s many kid-friendly card games that Brooks loves! We had a rousing game, as you can tell. ;) ^^

^^The incredible view from their deck...the water's right there! And Ava below, watching Grandpa & Grandma join Dave & Jessica for a little exploring.^^

^^ Head over heels for that guy of mine. ^^^^ Dave was so sweet and fixed us some cocoa with extra whipped cream when we came back inside...mmmm! ^^^^ Dad, Mom, Jessica, Dave...thank you again Kellys, for everything!  ^^

Overcast Coastline

"Be sure to pack your swim shorts and a sweater for when we go to the coast. :)"

I texted that to Adam the day before he flew out to Washington. That's how we Northwestern peeps do the beach. The Oregon Coastline is stunning and rugged. Especially on an overcast day, it is breathtaking. 

The last weekend of our vacation with the Stum family we went to the Oregon Coast. Hug Point was our destination...and it made for such a fantastic day. In cozy sweaters, we walked barefoot on the powdery sand and then jumped over the cold, saltwater waves. The kid-cousins, Nat, Duane, Corrie, and Celeste even went for a couple polar dips! That's when Corrie's stellar, fire-making skills came in handy...yep, she built that fire without matches. Bam. :)  We cozied up to the warmth of the fire, and roasted hotdogs and marshmallows. Brooks ate about 3 Hershey bars in chocolate, and sported 3 different hoodies throughout the day, as each got wet from the water being too irresistible. He had a blast! And Ava was happy as a clam, being held and loved on constantly. The questionable weather (first day out of the week the forecast called for rain, and rain it did) made some unsure about the day-trip...but I'm so glad we went.  So, so glad.

 Oh, and there was even a wedding on the beach just north of us! It was fun watching the wedding guests walk past us to the special spot...and of the course the gorgeous bride and her bridesmaids holding her full, white dress as they walked up the shoreline. I get butterflies just thinking about it. I'd marry my sweet Adam over and over again if I could. :)