Celebrating Us!

Last Thursday, Brian and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary.  We left Thursday evening and flew to Portland to spend the weekend.  We stayed in Lake Oswego area.  It was absolutely a beautiful there.  The LDS temple ended up being just 2 blocks away, so we got to see it daily.  Thursday, we arrived at the hotel late, so we just headed over to a close restaurant for dinner.  We were there so late, that we were able to get in on the happy hour prices.  I enjoyed a cheeseburger and fries for just $3.95.  AWESOME!!!  We had a great day.

The following day, we went into Portland and snagged some Voodoo Donuts.  I was pleased we only waited in line for 5 minutes.  Others, have not been so lucky.  I had the apple fritter, which was mmm...mmm...good.  Brian had the "Old Dirty Bastard" which he said was good, but very rich.  Then we went to the Japanese Garden and then to the International Rose Testing Garden.  It was so beautiful.  We had a nice time outdoors. 

Saturday, we went trail running at Tyron Creek State Park.  Runner's World Magazine comes out with a special issue for trail runners once a year.  In this issue it lists some of the best places to trail run and this was one of this.  After, we went into downtown Lake Oswego to the Farmer's Market.  Then we went shopping at the outlet stores.  On our way back to Lake Oswego, we headed for Nike World in Beaverton, however, they turned us away saying we could not cruise around the property and there are no tours.  However, we did get this picture before we left.  After our fun day, we followed that up with some awesome gourmet pizza.   

Sunday, we took it really easy.  We stayed in our hotel room until check out.  Then we headed up to Forest Park, another must trail run location.  This time we hiked.  We ended up hiking for a couple hours just enjoying the beauty all around us.  After, it was time to head to the airport. 
We enjoyed the kid free weekend and enjoyed the much needed us time.  Happy 11 years honey!

Day 10 - Mountain Home

Today has been a long day.  We have been driving all day and are finally in Mountain Home, Idaho.  However, I do have a couple pictures to share with you.  The first is a picture of some beautiful flower fields we saw when we were driving into Seaside.  Colin said to me "Mom, it looks like juice."  I have love that so much, that on the way back I had to have a picture of "juice."

Secondly, when we arrived at Mountain Home Air Force Base, this plane was there to greet us.  Coli and Lou both thought it was super cool to see this F-15 at the front gate.  When we made it to our room, Bri paid the kiddos each a dollar for a back rub, which they went to buy a treat with right after.

Well, gang this concludes the Hansen Family vacation.  We return home to the City of Salt tomorrow.  It has been a very nice time and I am not ready to be back.  However, I am excited for my own bed.

Day 9 - Seaside

Today is our last day in Seaside and we just were in the mood to enjoy and not rush off anywhere.  We started our morning very late and decided to see if we could find another stretch penny for the kids.  I am happy to report that after a walk down Broadway, we did in fact find one.  While we were walking down the street Olympia High School marching band came down the street playing music amongst the cars and surreys.

After, we decided to rent a surrey ourselves.  We loaded the kids up and went on a cruise through town.  We found the man who gave us his crab and bought starfish from his kids.  Then we went down to the Lewis and Clark Salt Works.  This is were men from the party worked night and day to get enough salt for the return journey.  Then we went to the beach and just walked down it for a little bit.

Lastly, we went shopping in town for Carter Man.  We have a little tradition of bringing him home a little t-shirt.  The kids picked one out and we headed back to the condo.  We all took naps and then enjoyed some movies on TV.  It really was a nice low key day for our last day in Seaside, OR.

Day 8 - Aquarium & Whale Watching

The Seaside Aquarium started 75 years ago today.  So, the admission prices reverted back to the prices in 1937, which was $0.10 for kids and $0.15 for adults.  We went there first thing this morning.  While we were there the kids got to feed the seals, they loved it.  Several of them would "clap" for fish and one even splashed the crowd a lot.  They were really a big hit.  The aquarium also had a couple hands on sections and Lynnie got right in the water and touched the different creatures..  Coli was very reserved and did not touch any of the animals.  At the end, each kiddo got another stretch penny (score!).

After, we were walking along the promenade and took pictures standing on the time table on the ground.  However, the time was incorrect, but fun.  While we were doing that I looked down and saw a pig on the beach.  Lynnie again was brave and touched the pig, I feed it popcorn.  It was so cute, but I have no desire for a pig as a pet.  Then we went to a tiny shark display.  It was fun and each kid was given a shark tooth as a little gift.

After lunch, we went to meet our captain for our boat ride.  We had hoped to see whales.  However the water was so choppy and rough, Bri and I got very sea sick even after taking Bonine.  So, whales were very hard to spot and we did not see any.  BOO!  We did however, see Sea Lions and could smell the stink from 100 yards away.  After, the captain took us around for some pretty sights.  Once, we were out of the rough waters it was a nice trip.

Our day ended with a nice seafood dinner.  We ended up catching 1 crab and someone gave us 1, so we had 2 fresh caught crabs and 2 store bought with a nice fillet of cod.  It was delicious.  The night ended with cone s'mores.  A waffle cone filled with chocolate, marshmallows and Oreos, if wanted.  They were fabulous!  In fact Coli stated, "It's the goodest ever."

Day 7 - Cannon Beach & Kites

Today, the guys headed for Garibaldi, for a rock bottom fishing trip, at 4:00 AM.  At 6:30 AM they walked back through the door and stated due to all the severe weather we have been having the past little bit, a sand bar has become high and dangerous.  So, today the captain cancelled the trip for safety reasons. 
Everyone, slept in and had a more relaxing morning.  Mom and I had planned to go to Cannon Beach for a shopping trip, so that is what everyone did.  We found many cute little shops with all different fun things. One was a glass shop, with a glass blower actually blowing, this was a first for me.  Colin sat on the chair and was very amazed at the process.  In fact, I think I he was sad when it was over.  Next a little more shopping and a stretch penny for each kiddo. 

Mid day, the kids were hungry so we went to a fun little restaurant.  Everyone had a good lunch.  After, we went to Oregon's oldest kite shop, searching for a kite for the kids.  The prices were very high so we past and then went to Bruce's Candy Kitchen, where we found fresh made salt water taffy.  It was Coli safe, which has been harder than one would think.  We walked the full length of the street, it has an old downtown Park City feel.  I love Cannon Beach.  It feels romantic and quaint.  I could come back here for sure.

After, we had a nap we headed to the kite store here in Seaside.  Each kiddo got to pick a kite.  Lynnie picked a Mermaid and Coli a Pirate kite.  We then walked down to the beach for some kite flying.  That only lasted a few minutes until the playing in the sand commenced.  What a fabulous day we had in Cannon Beach.

Day 6 - Haystack Rock

Today was a relax day.  We started out with a run on the board walk, which was a very pretty run.  It was nice to spend some time with my hubby again.
Then we went to Haystack Rock, which is a huge rock in the ocean, close to the beach and when the tide is out there are tide pools to explore.  So, that is how we spent the morning.  The kids played in the sand and everyone just had a nice time.  I was disappointed in the tide pools, there were not really any cool animals in them.  Did find a couple small sea creatures, but nothing that was oh wow!  Once we saw a storm coming in, we called it and headed for the car.

We have also continued our hand at crabbing and again today, no keepers.  SO SAD!  People all around us are getting but all we get are females.  We then have just spent some time in the condo, sleeping, relaxing and being on vacation.

Day 5 - Crabbing

You would not believe the difficulties I am having getting my blog published.  The Internet connection here is horrible, plus I think the storms have something to do with it too.  Since we have been in a constant storm, it has been hard to get a good connection.  So, I have posted some more photos on yesterdays post.
Anyway, since we are up here near the ocean we thought we would try our hand at the crabbing.  So, first thing this morning Grandpa Garry went to Trucke's and rented a crab net and got a shellfish license.  We went down to the 12th street bridge and put the net in.  Every 10-15 minutes we were checking it.  However, the rain was so bad, that we ran to Warrenton to buy everyone a raincoat.  So, that maybe we could enjoy some of our days even if it is raining.  While Mom and I were getting coats, the crew back at Seaside caught a female (which you can't keep).  But this helped everyone get more excited.

By the time, Mom and I made it back the prime crabbing time was over.  So, we headed back to the condo for lunch and a nap.  When naps were over, Coli did not want to leave to go back out, so Bri stayed with him.  Lynnie and I went down to Trucke's rented another crab net and I got my shellfish license.  We went out to the bridge and pulled up Grandpa Garry's net, there were 2 in there.  I was so excited, but nervous to touch them.  So, I didn't know what to do with them.  Just then Grandpa and Neeners pulled up and helped me out.  Both crabs were females and had to go back.

Next, we got my net into the water and starting pulling up the nets every few minutes and we were catching the crabs like you would not believe.  I finally pulled up a male and so we measured it, too small.  So, it too had to go back.  BUMMER!  I was so excited.  Bri and Coli decided to come down since we were having such good luck.  After, a while I say we had caught somewhere between 18-20 crabs.  But none of them were keepers.  Darn!  However, the enjoyment of a new experience was worth every minute.  Lynnie had a good time, but was more content in the car with Neeners.  Coli was right amongst the action.  However don't ask him to get close to one, he is down right scared.  Coli and Lynnie are both stating we better catch a "daddy one" so we can eat it for dinner.  Guess we will have to try tomorrow.

Day 4 - Tillamook & Hug Point

This morning started out fun.  Bri and I went on a little running date.  Neeners and Grandpa watched the kids while Bri and I went on our trail run.  We ran from Seaside over Tillamook Head to Indian Beach.  It was a beautiful run among the trees, ferns and moss.  However, it was a muddy run, our shoes will never be the same again.  :)  It was raining the entire run and the wind was blowing big time in some area, which normally is not a big deal, but when we would stop to sight see we got cold.  Thankfully Neeners and Grandpa picked us up from Indian Beach and we were able to get a warm meal and a hot shower.
Since I found out that Tillamook, was up here, I have wanted to go to the Tillamook Cheese Factory.  Tillamook cheese is my favorite cheese, I have my mom to blame for that.  Mom and I really wanted go to the factory, not necessarily for how cheese is made, but to have samples.  However, we did not feel safe taking Coli into the cheese factory, so Bri, Gar, Coli and Lou went on another adventure, while we toured the factory.

The factory was interesting.  I learned it takes 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese.  Tillamook factory receives 1.7 million pounds of milk every day.  Mom and I then enjoyed some samples.  We each bought some cheese and fudge from the factory.  Then decided while we were waiting to enjoy a junior ice cream cone.  They were delicious.  We did have Coli and Lou come in for a photo opp and a stretch penny.

While, we were in the factory, the other members of our group went to Oregon's Shortest Lighthouse.  While they were there looking at this short lighthouse, they saw the "Octopus Tree."   They also got a stretch penny from here.  After, they came back to get us Neeners and Grandpa went for a cup of clam chowder and we headed toward Seaside.

Along the way we stopped at Hug Point.  We had heard that this was a nice beach, especially if you wanted to have a romantic stroll on the beach.  It was so pretty here.  The dark rocks and the lighter sand was such a nice contrast, I can see why it is considered a romantic spot.  There was even a little cove.  Bri called it "Coitus Cove."  Te he

We enjoyed beautiful sights along the coast on the way to and from Tillamook.  At the end of the day when the kids where is bed, Coli told Grandpa his favorite part of the day.  "Was getting 2 new pennies."  Gotta love it.