Oregon Coast Bike Ride

When Ron returned from Ontario we packed our motorcycle and headed out for our trip.  The first day was mostly driving along the interstate.  We arrived in Spokane and found a beautiful hotel with lots of history. 


Historic Davenport

We went for a walk in the evening.  It is always good to stretch your legs after a long day of riding. The next day, we had another long drive and arrived in Lacey, Washington.  We walked to Red Lobster for supper.  We both were hungry for seafood.  We got soaked walking back to the hotel.
The next day was a beautiful day and we arrived in Oregon.

We crossed the first of 11 bridges along the beautiful shore line. 

Along the coast, we stopped at some beautiful spots.  At a state park, we stopped to see a historic lighthouse and were treated to a spectacular show from some grey whales.  We watched them feed right off shore and could hear them spout.  It was quite amazing. 

From there, we went to the Sea Lion Caves. It is the second largest cave in the world. 

It was another neat stop.  We had to take an elevator underground to the cave.  There weren't any sea lions in the cave but lots along the shore.

 Along the way, we enjoyed lots of wonderful fresh seafood.  It was delicious.


Clam Chowder Soup

Fresh Cod



Ice cream from a Dairy

On Ron's birthday, we arrived in California.

The next day we drove into the Red Wood Forest.  The drive was nice and the trees were BIG!

 We started back up the coast.

On our way south, it had been beautiful and clear.  This time it was foggy but still pretty.

We headed across the state and came across more nice roads.  We had to go over White's Pass. 

Our final day of travel didn't have a great forecast.  We got up early and tried to drive as far as we could.  We crossed the border and still didn't have any rain.  As we drove to Fernie, we got a little rain.  We stopped in the Crowsnest Pass for a nice picture, just before the rain came.

The temperature dropped to 8 degrees and it poured but thankfully we were only a half an hour to home.  After warm baths, hot drinks and dry clothes we were okay.  It was a great trip and just what we needed.
This past week, I started my job and now I live for the weekends and am planning for our next holidays.

The Best 6 Weeks

Over the past six weeks, my house has been noisy, messy, cluttered with craft supplies, beds were made most of the time and the dish washer ran a couple of times a day.  There were extra shoes at both doors and the ipads were usually running out of battery with lots of fingerprints on the screen.  It was great!
We had so many adventures. We did lots of hikes to falls, lakes and through many trails.

We explored the area around us and had fun all along the way.

 We enjoyed lots of time around the house playing games, baking, singing, being silly and enjoying lap and hug times.

 And of course, tea times!

Even walking around Pincher Creek was fun.  We went to parks and got to see lots of deer.

Swimming lessons lasted a full week and the kids had a great time learning new things in the pool.

We got to see where Grandpa works and nothing warms this Nanny's heart but to see her grandchildren walk along side the man that I've walked with for 36 years.

And then yesterday, we celebrated one day early our Princess's 10th Birthday.  Sarah helped to make the cake and we had friends from the church join us.

And then this morning my heart ached as I hugged Sarah, Emma and Jacob goodbye on Sarah's actual birthday.

My house is clean.  My ipad has battery left for me to use tonight.  The beds are all made and there isn't any extra things laying around.  The house is super quiet and I have cried a number of times today.
I'm going to miss so many things.  The early morning snuggles from Sarah.  The many hugs demanded by Jacob and Emma's helping hands and silliness.  These past 6 weeks have been the best and now I need to get use to a quiet house again and start planning for when I can see them again.

My heart is full of love!  Now, off to bed, no stories to read, no kids to tuck in, no one more hug....this house is too quiet!