Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Astoria

June 24th began at midnight like most nights, but this time I was awake. Amber was the first person to wish me a happy birthday and Hanna called me at 3am her time. It was great to begin the day early! Breakfast included homemade crepes with Nutella! Our plan: Explore Astoria!


Astoria here we come!

We began our adventures at Battery Russell; it's an abandoned fort near Fort McHenry. It was used to watch for the Japanese.

360 degree view of the top

Looking for enemies

Waiting for the enimies is tiring.

There were so many rooms to explore. It was great to imagine how it was like during World War II and finding rooms where they would store military items.


Bethany is a peach!

We believe that this is the 'Shell Room' where they stored ammunition.

Amber and I and our quirky pose

The long hall that made a picturesque moment

Amber


Next stop was the Astoria Column.
The Oregon-Washington bridge


Preparing for the selfie

Looking fabulous with windswept hair and squinty eyes


The view was worth it after climbing the 164 dizzy steps.


Cloud cover

We quickly went over the Oregon-Washington bridge to say we stepped into Washington. Here is our proof

It was a great day; full of laughter and joy! I celebrated with Steve's family, Matt's kids, Joe's kids, and Brittany stopped by. We wanted to watch A Walk To Remember, but the wifi wasn't working, so we watched Beautician and the Beast instead. Well I have lived in Oregon for 300 days and I'm a year older. Can't wait to see what lies ahead.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Lincoln City, OR

Steve's family, Grandma, Grandpa, Clarka's kids, and I had an awesome Memorial Weekend at Lincoln City/Olivia Beach. It wasn't relaxing, but it was great to get away from the rainy country. The weather was just perfect!

Friday: After the kids got done with  school, we made the 2 hour trip to the coast. After getting lost to find our beach house we settled in. That evening we enjoyed the sunset and our collection of shells and sandy feet began. Ended the evening with hot tubbing and Animal Channel.

Friday sunset

Procrastinators unite!

By the Wind Sailor

These blue, alien-like organisms covered the beach; they are swept onto the beach by the hightides. They have venom and tenticles, but are not a type of jellyfish.


Friday Sunset

Friday Sunset
Amber & I have this quirky thing to do a piggy back pic.

The coast

Amber is so cute!

Saturday: It was great to sleep in, but the day began earlier then expected. I was left home to work on schoolwork (no break for me). I was bummed, but got it done quickly so I wouldn't miss high tide. 

One of many of the hermit crabs we found.

Mussels and barnacles

Sea an-n-n-mones

Staircase to Heaven (the beach)


Sunday: We attended church at the local church. After lunch and the loudest quiet time I've experienced, we played at the park and enjoyed the beach. We enjoyed the sunset while roasting marshmallows.

Eating some lunch

Sunset silhouette

Enjoying our beach side bonfire


While at the beach, I enjoyed not only family time, but the beauty of the Earth. I was able to ponder on what I am thankful for and appreciate God's beautiful world he provided for all of us. The wonder of it all.