Family Vacation: Second Attempt

Friday

So...things improved ten-fold the next day (see previous entry). Our 'new' Montero, dubbed "Montenegro" for it's black color, was in the shop getting fixed on someone else's dollar (long story) and we were headed off to Cannon Beach once again. We figured we were able to take the Honda Civic camping, why not push it a couple more hours to the beach? Oski was not thrilled to be back in the front seat of that car (see August entry entitled 'Scenic Beach State Park...third to last photo), but it was all worth it for him when he ran free on the beach! If you've never seen a dog 'smile' before, you should join us on the beach someday.

We made it!

Our cabin was comfy-cozy and perfect for our needs. We quickly settled in when we arrived, then headed out to the beach for a walk. Everyone was bundled in several layers in preparation for the cold coast winds. However, as the days wore on, each proved to be nicer than the one before! We totally lucked out with the nicest weather we could've hoped for.

This is what a baby looks like after nearly 5 hours of driving. For those of you who continue to suggest that we should just make the 14 hour drive to Utah rather than fly? Ummm....no.

Saturday

Our first day out on the beach. Perfect!

We threw frisbees and tennis balls (for the dog), dug holes with shovels, chased the waves, found seashells and flew a kite. Clay managed to find the most complicated kite in the store, with nearly 50 parts and pieces! But, hey...it was all for the love of Star Wars, right?

Darth Vader's TIE Fighter...how nerdy are we?

It wouldn't be a trip to Cannon Beach without a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory! It's a short 45 minute drive south on Highway 101, and you know you're almost there when you can smell the cow manure! We did our duty and walked the self-guided tour even though we had done it about six times before. Then we filled our tummies with ice cream and the best 'squeaky cheese' ever!

Koen wasn't sure about this photo idea. It was all we could do to get him to look through the hole. I think it was because several people were watching and smiling at him. Clay felt nice and silly by the time we finally called it quits.

On the way home, we stopped at the docks in a small town and bought a couple Dungeness crabs. So fresh! We ate them cold with melted butter and a fluffy loaf of sourdough bread. Simply delicious! Koen thoroughly enjoyed the ritual of the feast and had no idea what he was actually eating. So the next day at the tide pools, Clay made sure to point out the live crabs scooting around, making the connection for him. Nice. He'll probably never eat it again.

Hello little crab.

Sunday

On this day, we revisited a favorite spot of ours, Smuggler's Cove in the Oswald West State Park. A nice little trail leads you down through the dense forest for a while, and then you suddenly emerge onto one of the most beautiful and serene beaches you've ever imagined. It's also quite a hot spot for wet suit clad surfers. Ahhh....someday. That's one sport I'd love to cross off my list of 'Things to do before I die'.

No...no surfing for the Greenleafs today. I relaxed on a huge drift log while I fed Finn and watched Koen and Clay run barefoot in the glistening sand. It was magical as it was.

A hairy, scary suspension bridge on the walk down. I hate those things.

A giant tree, one of many to crawl through.

A quick hiking movie.

We were overcome with the beauty of the place and the afternoon sun reflecting off the surf. Lots of pictures! These are but a few.

Koen is a big fan of jumping, lately. Every big rock, final stair, curb, chair, bench has to be jumped off. Here he is jumping on the beach.

Of course, on our way back to the cabin, we had to stop for a picture on 'Greenleaf Road'!!!

That evening, we ventured out to Haystack rock. Koen had been talking about it ever since Clay pointed it out to him in the distance. Our timing could not have been better. The tide was out and the sea creatures were abundant! The evening was warm and breathtaking with the sun setting slowly on the water. I've always wanted to explore tide pools with my kids some day, a favorite activity of mine since childhood. So you can imagine how giddy I was.

Hundreds of colorful starfish, anemones, crabs, jellyfish, mussels, barnacles....awesome!

We had a great time playing with our shadows in the sand.

The Shadow Dancer

Here, Koen is flexing his muscles in front of the mussels.

I was shocked he actually wanted to touch the starfish! Go Koen!

Monday Last day...so sad. :(

On our way out of town, we made a stop at the Seaside Aquarium. It is well known for the Harbor Seals that you can feed. This was also an activity during which I underestimated my son. He jumped right in (well, not literally) and began throwing fish parts to the demanding and hilarious seals. We were all laughing uncontrollably at the funny gimmicks they pulled trying to get our attention for the next snack. They were incredibly smart and sneaky. I got splashed several times. I just hope my mouth was closed! Eew!

Feeding Frenzy!

When we approached the 'petting' tanks, we encouraged Koen to touch the anemones just like he touched the starfish on the beach. He adamantly refused saying, "They are kooshes!" (If you know Koen, he has a major dislike/fear of koosh toys.) Check out the worried look on his face.

Koen vs. Koosh

And that was that! We were headed home. What an awesome trip it was. We're already talking about our return trip next summer! Anyone want to come? :)