Oregon Vacation

July 2010
We all had a great time on our vacation! We flew into Portland, Oregon and then explored the Oregon coast for eight fun-filled action-packed days. (Click on photos to enlarge)     
Our first stop was Ecola State Park 

 Indian Beach

It was hazy and a bit cooler than I expected but beautiful nonetheless.

We did a little hiking through the brush looking for a passage to the beach.  We looked and looked until. . .

We got in the car and drove to the easy beach access point. 

"Here it comes, RUN!"  The water was cold so we played this game a lot.

Exploring the pools between the rocks.                     
Day Two- Cannon Beach
"Haystack"

Rachel was a bit unsteady in the sand for the first few days.

Having fun making a sandcastle with Aunt Elynn who joined us for a few days!

Relaxing together and enjoying the great view.                      

Day Three- More amazing beaches.
Arcadia Beach

A cool morning at the beach but it turned out to be one of our favorite places.

We enjoyed the beach and then took shelter by the rocks which blocked the nippy breeze. 

It turned out to be a beautiful day.

 Elizabeth loves to run on the beach!

Rachel held on to this pail for a loooong time!  
On To Another Beach
An overlook viewpoint along the way

Beautiful!
Hug Point

 

Elizabeth found a great spot just for her.

Like her father, Rachel took to climbing the rocks.

Aunt Elynn came equipped with a lounging chair. 
Day Four
Sunday we went to church in Tillamook, Oregon
After church we took a short hike (1/4 mile) to a waterfall before Aunt Elynn left to go back home.
Munson Creek Falls

We went for a drive and saw some amazing sand dune parks. 
Day Five
Hiking At Cascade Head Preserve

All fresh and ready to go on the hike.                

Halfway through the hike.

Otherwise known as "Super-dad!" by all who witnessed the whole way back (about a 1 1/2 miles) of the intermediate level trail.             
Visit With Grandma and Grandpa
After the hike we went to a grand park and met up with Grandma and Grandpa who drove down from Washington to visit with us for a few days. 
Regatta Park at Devils Lake

Grandma got right to playing with Elizabeth and Rachel.

 Grandpa found a great spot where he could see everyone and share in the fun.

They got to spend time with them in the hotel too.  Here they were having fun with stickers.      
Day Six
Newport, Oregon
We made some quick stop at Fogarty Creek and then to
Devils Punchbowl 

Taking time to stop and smell the flowers with grandma. 
Beverly Beach

Having fun chasing daddy with beach debris!

Beach combing for treasures. 
Agate Beach

Exploring with grandma!

Having fun with mommy!  
The Oregon Coast Aquarium 
Grandpa suggested we go to the aquarium! 

 Enjoying the outside exhibits.

Elizabeth is fascinated by Jellyfish!

Feasting on cotton candy!

Day Seven 
Grandma and Grandmpa went back home this morning so today we did some exploring on our own.

Seal Rock                                              

Off to the beach at seal rock.

Elizabeth did a lot of running and screams of joy!

More fun running and screaming on the beach for Elizabeth.

 Rachel and daddy explored the rocks together.                 
Ona Beach

 This beach was a little more secluded.

 Daddy and Rachel watched as Elizabeth and I went exploring on the beach. 

 We had this part of the beach all to ourselves.
South Beach 

 Up the sandy hill to a nice spot overlooking the beach.

 Isn't this great!

Day Eight
On our final day we drove back up the coast and headed back to Portland.  It was a beautiful day with clear skies and mild temperatures.  The drive was beautiful but we just had to stop at one more beach.  We visited Robert Straub State Park.  We walked along the beach, relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
                  
What a great vacation!!