Epic Road Trip - Part 1

So, we're back from our epic adventure.

Mason was actually the inspiration  behind this trip. Last year he mentioned he'd like to do a road trip. Last year however, when he first talked about it, it was a little too late to begin booking things. So we weren't able to do it. Plus, we had to really think about it, where we wanted to go. What we wanted to do and see. We had to save for it, and prepare our hearts a little bit for it. 

This winter, after the new year, we began to brainstorm and talk about possible destinations. We talked about when and where we'd like to go and be. What we'd like to do and see. We scribbled down a wish list, and from there, had to cull days [our original plan had us gone just over 3 weeks] Barry thought 2 weeks was more reasonable, and affordable. 

We saw so much. I'm so glad I have photos, and I did a journal each and every day. Because now, a week later, things are seriously all melded together.

We started out on our adventure on July 14th. It was a Sunday, our destination was Coeur d'Alene, ID. This post is photo heavy, and includes the first 5 days of our adventure. 

Made our way to dinner,  and passed by this guy. He would be our first family selfie of the trip. There were many, many more to follow.

We woke up to an overcast cooler day. It was our Silverwood day. We hit the water park as soon as it opened. The cooler temps meant it wasn't as busy as I'm sure it can be. We spent a few hours on the waterpark side, then made our way to the other side. I would go back again, for the waterpark alone. It was so much fun. Too bad we didn't have a waterproof camera we could have brought.

Ready to board the first of two big wooden roller coasters. Mad wasn't exactly thrilled...

She did it though!

This first roller coaster was so clacky... I was sure I was going to have a concussion at the end of the ride! 

So far so good, these two have been so good to one another.

All the big rollercoasters were tackled. Mad opted out of the second big roller coaster, which wasn't as clacky, but was way more intense. I thing she made the right decision.

Barry accompanied the kids on the spinning rides and the backwards rides. I know my limits...

These two got FRONT ROW!! I would have had an upset stomach for the remainder of the day had I gone on this one.

A highlight of the trip to Silverwood, was a photo with Garfield.

Arrived in Seaside, OR and immediately made our way to the water.

Our happy place.

She rescued this star fish, put it back into deeper water. So thrilled to find starfish, sand dollars and the sand fleas. This girl was in her element.

Our trip to Cannon Beach, sadly it was POURING rain and so windy. We only did a quick photo here and then carried on.

Made our way to Pacific City, Pelican Pier Brewing. The drive to here was foggy and rainy. We didn't see anything. We had a bite to eat here [it was on our bucket list] It stopped raining for a short time, but as we went outside to walk on the beach and take photos, the rain started up again.

We arrived in the rain in Newport, OR 

We were absolutely soaked. But so happy. 

So thankful to wake up the next morning to a clear sunny day. The wind was howling, and there were wind warnings for this area showing up on our phones. At least the rain stopped.

We went to the Yaquina Light house and were thrilled that we were able to get on a light house tour. They offer a limited amount, and only 15-16 people at a time can go it. Felt very lucky we got to see inside.

114 stairs to the top of the light house. So, so neat to hear all about the duties and responsibilities that light keepers had.

Of course she'd find the skull and vertebrae of a sea gull...

We went down to the beach to watch the sunset, but it was SO windy and cold. The sand was blowing like crazy, so we basically got to the waters edge, and turned around and headed back to the hotel. [For hot chocolate thank you very much!]

Sunset from our balcony. [You can see the light house on the right side of the photo, when it's dark, you can see the light going on and off]

Well, that's a lot of photos, so there's part 1 of our adventure. 

More to follow.