Exploring!

We explored many of the sights near Ocean Beach. 

Trip to the jetty:

Checking out camp:

Nature hike along the Columbia River:

And more Coffenbury Lake!

Fort Stevens

We spent our last few days at Fort Stevens.

We've been to this campground many times, in fact, this is where Matt and I made our first camping trip together!  It holds a special place in our hearts.

Flashback:

This year was James' first visit to this camp.

First activity: Trout fishing at Coffenbury Lake!

James had to be holding the fishing pole, just like dad.

We had great weather so we spent much of our time at Ocean Beach, which was within walking distance from our campsite.

The boys enjoyed taking breaks from the wind in our beach shelter.

Then to our surprise, look what we spotted on one of our walks back!

James enjoyed his first stay at Fort Stevens- it certainly won't be the last! 

We look forward to the days of long bike rides and flying kites!

Cannon Beach

On our third day we decided to head up the coast. 

James read some books while mom and dad got things ready to go.

Leaving the park, we spotted deer! We were able to get pretty close, they weren't easily spooked.

We loved Cannon Beach. 

By this time James was really comfortable in the sand and was ready to be put down so he could run!

We checked out the little town too, lots of fun shops to explore! 

Then we hit the road for our next destination! 

Nehalem Bay

Our second evening at Nehalem Bay was gorgeous. We stopped at the big toy on our way to the beach.

James is starting to love slides. Check out that tongue!

It was a great evening to spend on the water. 

I think I'm going to have to enlarge this photo!

Discovering rocks and shells...

What a sunset!

Campfire time and then bed...

But not until we enjoy some of that Tillamook ice cream in a fresh waffle cone!

The Oregon Coast

Last week we had the opportunity to get away for a mini family vacation, so we packed up the camper and headed for the Oregon coast! It was the perfect trip.

We made a few pit stops on the drive down... James offered to drive and give dad a break.

We stayed at Nehalem Bay State Park our first few nights. It's a beautiful spot on the beach.

Here's James enjoying breakfast our first morning.

The first morning we had rain, so we decided to check out the Tillamook factory.

Excited for the trip...

James loves cheese and ice cream, almost as much as his daddy. 

Of course I'm also a huge fan right now, there's not much this pregnant momma won't eat these days!

By the time we left, the rain was gone and so we stopped at the beach.

James loved to run in the sand with Kona.

A beautiful sight... and the beach isn't so bad either. :)

 Kona LOVES the ocean.

James enjoyed his first visit to the beach! It was one of many we made over the long weekend.

Fun memory: Matt and I often had to run to "rescue" James from the waves that would come high up shore, so he didn't get his little feet wet!