Oregon Coast (Erika Visit Pt. 2)

Sat: This was the only day that Mike was going to get to hang out with us so we decided to make it a fun adventure. We didn't really have a plan in mind except that we were heading to Astoria, OR and we would see as much as we could throughout the day.

Our first stop was at the Astoria Column - the highest point in Astoria. We climbed all 164 steps to the top to get a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River, Mountains and the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

From Astoria-Seaside 2009

After the Column, we crossed the bridge just for the experience (it is the longest truss bridge in the world) and checked out an old fort on the Washington side. We didn't stay long because we really wanted to see Historical Fort Stevens since we had missed it the last time we had visited. It was a good decision too, because when we pulled into the fort we were informed that a WWII re-enactment would be starting in about 5 minutes. We ran up the hill and made it just in time to see all the action. It was intriguing yet sad to see what combat was like at that time and how quickly men died in battle. We left before the show was over so that we could explore the fort a little without all the people around. I could have explored the fort all day and been content, but we had a shortage of time with Erika so decided to move on to the next adventure.

From Astoria-Seaside 2009

We drove to a different part of the Fort Stevens State Park - The Peter Iredale Shipwreck and ocean. It was at this point that Erika informed us that this would be her first time to the ocean! After finding this out I couldn't believe the girl hadn't been dragging us from the fort. :D Now, as beautiful as the Oregon coast is, the water is FREEZING cold. We still let the boys play in it though because, like Erika, this was their first time playing in the ocean. I was amazed at how much they loved playing in the water regardless of how cold it was. We eventually had to drag Korben from the water because his lips were turning blue and he was shaking like a leaf, and yet he cried the entire walk back to the car because he wanted to
"play in the ocean".

From Astoria-Seaside 2009

(You can see from his face that he absolutely loved it, but that is was REALLY cold)

Before we left the beach and headed for our next destination, Erika wanted to get some pictures of herself in the ocean. She completely surprised me when she decided that she needed to sit in the freezing cold water in order to "get the full ocean experience". I remember the days when I did silly things like that just for the experience - now I just prefer to stay warm. :D Unfortunately, she was wearing denim which doesn't dry out quickly...fortunately, we had Mike's swimming shorts just in case he had decided to get in deeper than his ankles, so we at least had something she could put on. Luckily for her she is completely gorgeous even in over sized men's swimming shorts, not to mention completely confident in herself, so it didn't even seem to phase her at all.

From Astoria-Seaside 2009

We decided to take the long way home and go through Seaside, OR. While we were checking out the shops in Seaside we found a great place to get ice cream - a place that also sold every kind of salt water taffy imaginable - called The Seaside Candyman. We went a little crazy and ended up buying around 4lbs of salt water taffy. One would think that much taffy would last us about a year...um, yeah, it lasted us about 4 days... :S

After Seaside we decided that we wanted to go see Cannon Beach and the Goonies rocks. It was getting late so we put the boys in their pajamas intending to only stop long enough to get a few pictures and then head home.

From Astoria-Seaside 2009

However, our intentions went right out the window as soon as the boys set foot in the sand. For some reason the sand would squeak when you walked on it- something the boys thought was outrageously funny. They ended up running and prancing and kicking the sand in every way possible trying to get it to make funny sounds.

From Astoria-Seaside 2009

At one point I was kneeling in the sand and Logan ran up and gave me the sweetest hug. I didn't know at the time that Mike saw him and snapped a picture of the moment, but I was excited to see it later. I think that I mostly blog about how crazy Logan is and forget sometimes to mention how sweet he can be - I sure love my little Logan Spencer.

From Astoria-Seaside 2009

We ended up staying for an hour or so just enjoying the peace and beauty of the ocean. It was a great way to end an absolutely wonderful day.