Where have we been??

We have learned, to our great shame, that it doesn't take very much whining to get our in-laws to help us out with the cost of plane tickets to come visit them. How could we possibly say no to the opportunity to spend a week of vacation in Oregon, one of our favorite places on earth??

I'll admit the full day of traveling each way is not the most fun, but it is way easier with two adults than one, and there wasn't any throwing up, only one blow out, and no full blown tantrums on the plane so I felt like we were doing great. And our boys were so cute and well behaved and Eirik was SOO excited to fly in an airplane again.

But look at the treat at the end of the day! Grandma and Grandpa! And just look at that green gorgeous airport.
We headed straight to the beach house to meet up with cousins. What a fun reunion! Grandpa Steve makes the best breakfasts!
We had to hit the beach right away. Even in the drizzly wet weather, nothing beats watching the waves crash in and exploring for treasures that have washed ashore.
This was Eirik's beach attire. He loved wearing cousin Jakes boots and hat and he couldn't leave the house without his "stout" (push vacuum which is a big weapon called a stout if you didn't already know) and his pink horsey.
We all went fishing at this beautiful shore line.
These are cousins Jake and Megan. Jake is the sweetest kid. He loves to share and give hugs and never grabs or hits. Eirik is a little more possessive and grabby so we felt pretty bad bringing the bully child to teach sweet Jake all kinds of aggressive behavior. In the end Jake held his own against Eirik in the screaming wars Eirik started and I think they were better friends at the end of the trip than at the beginning, so I guess all the battles were successful.

While at the beach we always have to take a trip to the Tillamok Cheese factory for samples and ice cream. It's always basically the same, and always fun.
This time after the cheese factory, we went to a great place called the Blue Heron which is sort of like a petting zoo. We all really enjoyed it, but I had an especially great time. I thought the animals were exquisite. I took tons of pictures of them. Eirik had a great time feeding the horses and chasing the guinea foul and chickens.











Paul and I decided we have to have a painting of the amazing long horned steer we saw. It was so spectacular! What a gorgeous animal.
And of course it was all way more fun because we were with our fabulous family.


Jeanette and Jakey
Megan, Aunt Kim and Banana (Eirik had trouble remembering Hanna's name so Hanna told him it was Banana and it stuck. Sorry Hanna. If you read this Hanna, can you comment and tell me if I spelled your name right?)
The cool old vehicles were so fun!

Of course no trip to the beach is complete without a day at Cannon Beach looking at the art galleries and strolling around Haystack rock and eating the best halibut tacos ever at that place on the corner that neither Paul or I can remember the name of (sorry).
This time I found a new artist to fawn over named Michael Orwick. He even teaches classes so I have a new secret wish. Here of my favorites:

I have found some of my favorite artists at Cannon Beach. I always love to stop in and see the work of Casandra Barney.

After Cannon Beach we went to the tide pools! Can I just say that God is amazing. I love watching Blue Planet. It has to be one of the coolest programs ever made, but to see sea life living is even cooler. Starfish are rad.


We were so glad that Dave spent the day with us. It's always a treat to hang with Dave. He's so thoughtful and cool. Dave, we love you.
This is the oh so gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog that we saw at the beach. These are truly the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen. Paul has always wanted one. Not being a dog lover by nature, I am lucky that my husband has impeccable taste and if I have to be forced into a relationship with a dog, at least it will be a very beautiful and fine animal. Just look at that mug.

Ok, I'm only on day three, but I have to go to bed.. so More to come!