Visit to Oregon - Part 2 (Life's a Beach!)

Continuing on with my blogging marathon... Part 2 of the Greenie trip to Oregon!

On Monday (Memorial Day), we took a trip out to the coast (about 1.5 hours outside of Portland) with a stop along the way at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Unfortunately, they weren't processing any cheese, so all we really got to see was some manufacturing equipment sitting idle. Alas, we got some fresh cheese from the shop and got our fill of the tasty stuff.

From Tillamook, we drove up the coast to Cannon Beach (about 40 miles north of Tillamook). By the time we got there, it was cold, drizzling, and the winds had picked up. Didn't stop the boys from having fun on the beach (and note - this is Carter's VERY FIRST trip to the ocean!). Before I forget, when my folks came up to Portland, it was nearly 80 degrees and sunny when we went out to the beach! I swear, they bring the nice weather whenever they travel!

Few shots from the sand:
Perhaps two of the most adorable shots of Carter ever - is his tiny red raincoat:
A shot of Haystack Rock (famous for being in the "Goonies" movie - scene where the pirate ship comes around from behind it at the end of the movie):
Carter enjoyed playing in the sand and REALLY wanted to catch up with a kite a fellow beach-goer was flying in the wind (which is what I'm doing below - pushing hair out of my eyes from it blowing so much in the wind!):
Few more shots from the beach:
Hopefully Carter's next trip to the beach (possibly in Orlando in November?!) will be a little warmer, sunnier, and not quite as windy!

From Cannon Beach, we drove further up the coast to Astoria (another 40 miles or so - also included in the filming of "Goonies") to meet up with my Aunt Paula. She has a BEAUTIFUL historic home with a BEAUTIFUL view of the bay! We didn't stay too long, as we had to get back to Portland, but we did have some great conversation and snapped a few photos in the front yard. Thanks, Aunt Paula, for letting us drop in!

Few pics of Paula, Carter, and I (and a stick Carter found in the yard):
A shot of the Greenies:
And a few shots of just Paula and Carter. I think these are just entirely endearing, especially the last one!) and I'm so happy Carter was able to meet his Great Aunt!
And with that, we had to make the trek back to Portland and get all packed back up for the flight home in the morning. However, before we hit the hay, we took Carter to the hotel pool one last time. He was quite skeptical to be in the water on his first time in, but after he saw some other kids splashing (and figured out he could splash too), he was giggling and having a blast! Can't wait to set up the little backyard pool to have some fun in the sun at home this summer!

Well, folks, that was the great Greenie trip to Portland for Memorial Day 2010. We loved seeing our friends, family, and lots of books! And I'm already itchin' to head back!
~kerrie