Beach Weekends

We were fortunate enough to spend two weekends in a row at the beach. Kyle and I have always loved the coast and we try to go as often as possible. The first weekend, Kyle and I escaped the hustle and bustle of our lives to spend a relaxing weekend celebrating our 7th anniversary. We had a wonderful time, did a lot of nothing, and enjoyed every minute together. We strolled through Cannon Beach, ate at Mo's, did a lot of walking on the beach and even played a fun game of bingo at our resort. Kyle, being the lucky Irish boy, won a round and a giant Kit Kat, happy anniversary to us! It was the first time that we had left for an entire weekend and we are so grateful to Kyle's parents for giving us this opportunity. The kids had a blast with Grandma and Papa and Kyle and I were able to enjoy one another knowing that the kids were happy and safe. It was perfect!

Kyle and his game winning bingo card and fancy prize

The next weekend, we packed up the car and headed to the coast again. This time we made a stop in Tillamook before heading up to Rockaway. I haven't been to the cheese factory for years and years, so it was something we were all looking forward to. The kids loved it! The stood and watched the cheese making for quite some time and then thoroughly enjoyed the cheese tasting and ice cream eating.

The best picture I could capture of the kids as a cow and farmer :)

Moo

Kennedy was a riot with her cone...so possessive at first. She had a death grip on it and wouldn't let Kyle or I get near it. We were just trying to help her avoid a mess but she wouldn't have it. Independent much?

Our happy family chowing down on our delicious ice cream!

Such nice siblings. They shared their ice cream cones back and forth...it was so sweet that I temporarily didn't mind all the germ sharing that was surely going on!

After our stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, we drove a bit down the road and visited Blue Herron Farms. It was a cute little place with animals to feed and cheese and wine to taste. At this point we were too full to enjoy the eats, but the kids loved the animals and it was definitely worth the stop.

A worker was out on the farm raking a new layer of top soil from a huge pile. Of course Carter found this to be fascinating. He stood and watched, engaged the guy in conversation and offered to help. The man was so nice, let him rake for awhile and then gave him a bag of feed for the animals. It was quite possibly the highlight of Carter's day.

Carter feeding a sheep. I was proud of him for not being scared - he fed goats and llamas too.

Kennedy was not so sure about those big, furry beasts. I had to hold her away from the fence to get a decent picture.

Someday I hope to have a picture with my kids where we are all looking at the camera.

It was so windy on the beach that it nearly knocked you off your feet. Carter didn't really mind and loved being at the ocean. I think this might be the best pic of the day. Can't you just feel his excitement?

Kennedy and Daddy

The wind was so fierce that it blew Kennedy's hat right off and we weren't able to find it. Bummer, I really loved that hat.

Can you see the sand blowing from the side?

Silly Carter celebrating Kirstin's 33rd birthday

One last trek to the beach before heading home. It was a quick trip but a wonderful weekend with friends.