Oregon Visit

 We just got home from a wonderful visit to Oregon. We have started visiting in the summer and the weather is perfect. It's green, its beautiful and best of all, its not hot and humid. 
We drove again this year and we did it in two 15-hour days. The kids were total champs and although we were exhausted afterwards, the drive really went pretty well.  
I drove most the way because Chris was working remotely the whole time. So I would drive from early in the morning until around 5:30 pm and then Chris would take over once he finished work. 
The kids were so happy to be back in Oregon. The morning after we arrived in Oregon, the kids were already out with Grandpa, exploring and checking on the cows. 

I love these pictures of the kids on the back of Grandpa's truck. We drove out to the ranch to check the fences and we picked wildflowers along the way. 

Tucker and Bailey were especially into flower picking. They found a beautiful variety of flowers and had a great time assembling their bouquets. 

And as always, Grandpa packed plenty of soda for everyone. 

Benson took quite a few naps on Mimi's floor and couch. He would play and play and then collapse. It was pretty precious. 

On the Monday after our arrival, Chris and I took over for a little overnight trip. We celebrated our 14th anniversary and drove back to the same B-n-B where we stayed on our honeymoon. 

We stopped on the way to the coast to get some delicious Mexican food at our favorite little shop in Corvalis. 

After our lunch we drove to Cape Mears to see the lighthouse 

This lighthouse is one of the shortest ones in the state, but it was one of the first to have a kerosene lantern used for its light. It's now inactive, but it was a very powerful lighthouse once upon a time. It's also just really cute. 

 

Located near the lighthouse is the "Octopus Tree". This picture was mainly taken so we could show our kids. We thought they would love all the huge branches. This tree boasts to be over 250 years old and the oddity makes it a favorite of many locals. 

After exploring a bit more we went to check in at our B-n-B. This place has changed hands over the years and had some remodeling done. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the rooms are nice and we enjoyed our stay all over again. It was so nostalgic to be back again. 

That night we drove over to  Tillamook for dinner. We got a delicious seafood dinner and a local diner. It was so yummy. We ate outside and enjoyed the mild temperatures. It was definitely cooler at the coast but it felt nice.  

 

After dinner we got some Tillamook ice cream and then ate it at the beach. 
After our ice cream we walked around and explored this cool tunnel that was on the beach through the rocks. 

 

Honestly, that tunnel had me spooked, but we made it through just fine. 

The next morning we slept in and enjoyed some kid free sleeping and relaxing. 

We ate a delicious breakfast in Tillamook. I'd been craving crab cake eggs benedict and I was able to find those at this tiny bar that served breakfast. It was so good. 
After breakfast we drove over to devil's punchbowl  and explored. 

This park is a popular whale watching site but we didn't see any whales on our visit. It is said the punch bowl was probably created by the collapse of the roof over two sea caves and then shaped by wave action.  

 

 After exploring and driving home the scenic route, we arrive back at Mimi and Grandpa's house. 
While we were gone, the kids had a great time with their grandparents and their cousins. Bailey especially enjoyed snuggling Aunt Stephanie's cat. 

Grandpa also took the kids to one of his properties to check on some renters and the kids fell in love with their little puppy. 

We spent many nights on Mimi and Grandpa's back porch. 
Benson really loved the lounge chairs

and I really loved the beautiful sunsets every night. 

The next day we left for Sunriver. We drove over to Bend first so we could float the river. This had been on our to do list for a couple years and Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Phillip and their family joined us. They had never floated the river either so we had a great time figuring that out together. 

We had a great time floating. There were a few small rapids at the end. Dad took Benson down on his tube and they did tip over, but the rest of our survived ok. Benson wasn't a fan of floating the river after that. 

From the river, we drove the short distance to Sun River and checked into our cabin. 

We got unloaded and unpacked and Uncle Brad and his family arrived. Then we grilled some burgers and enjoyed a yummy dinner and got to eat it on the back porch. The evenings are so nice and cool in the evenings at Sunriver. It was so relaxing to sit on the back porch at night and chat. 

The next day we got up early to reserve a spot at the aquatic center. Once we reserved a spot, we ate breakfast and then the kids played outside and biked around for a bit. 

We all went on a bike ride together. Benson loved riding in the front of my bike in his little seat. 

We couldn't all go at once, so we took turns going for bike rides. 

Benson did try a little balance bike for a bit, but he didn't like it that much. He soon wanted back in my bike seat with me. 

 

 

We spent the afternoon at the aquatic center and it was a blast. 

We had a great time because my older three were able to run off with their cousins and play and then I just played with Benson. We all had a great time. 

I love these shots of Tucker and Maureen sliding together. Tucker was tall enough for the tube slides this year and he was so thrilled. 

Paul and Tanner also had a great time hanging out and playing together. 

The kids also loved playing "king of the mountain" and trying to stay on this floating pool shark the longest. 

This ropes obstacle was also a huge hit. 

I love all these cutie cousins. 

After playing at the aquatic center, we went back to the cabin and Grandpa got a group together to go explore the lava caves. We did this last year and it was fun so the kids were excited to go back. 

 

After we got back from the lava caves, we ate dinner and got to hang out on the back porch again. These girls really enjoyed their watermelon slices together. 

These bubble shots are pretty fun with the gorgeous sun setting in the background. 

The next day saw us back at the aquatic center. Again we played and played. Except this time, Uncle Brad and Uncle Phillip took the bigger boys on a big mountain biking trip. They were gone all morning and we met up with them after playing for a picnic lunch. 

Tanner loved being one of the big kids and even though he wiped out twice, he got back up and kept riding. He said he loved it!

So while the boys biked and biked, we played and played. 

Benson was a big fan of the lazy river. 

I love this shot of Benson just chilling, but still holding my hand. I sure love my little buddy.

I love these picture of the boys underwater. Benson is getting so brave and Tucker is getting to be such a pro. 

Tucker also loved getting to master the ropes course. He really came a long way in a couple days. 

Bailey also tried out the course and made it across too!

After a picnic lunch, we all went on a hike down to the waterfall. It was hot and we were tired but we made it happen. 

Here is a picture of my sweet family in front of the lower falls. 

After our hike, we headed home. We were sad to leave Sunriver but the kids were ready to get back to the farm. 

When we got back, Grandpa took Bailey to the grocery store to buy her a dragon fruit. She was so thrilled. She's been dying to try dragon fruit for a long time and its really hard to find in Arkansas. 

We got to go to church with Mimi and Grandpa a couple of times on our trip and on our last visit to their ward, I ran into Tamara Mitchell. We were friends when we both lived in Mtn. Home and so it was so fun to see her in Oregon too. 

The following week we had more fun with our cousins. We decided to go tubing down the river in Lebanon. This float as a bit longer than the one in Bend. It was nice though. We had a great time. 

We ended our float at Uncle Matt's property and played there while the dads went to get the cars. 

That night we ate dinner at Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Phillip's house. 
Then we ended the night with ice cream sundaes and a cousin sleepover on the trampoline. 

Funny though, I don't think any of the kids lasted the whole night. Benson , Tanner and Chase  lasted the longest. But eventually they all ended up coming inside. 

Chris and I slept over as well, but in the guest room. We figured we should stay close because we didn't think the kids would last long outside. And we were right. 

Later that week we headed over to the coast with the kids. Chris and I had enjoyed our time for our anniversary trip, but the kids were dying to go to the coast. We decided to try a new area this time and headed over to Florence, OR. 
Although, on the way we stopped for ice cream at "Toppers". This ice cream was legit and so delicious. 

After our ice cream stop, we drove to "Heceta Head Lighthouse". It was so beautiful. The trees around the lighthouse was so lush and the coast was beautiful. 

We were happy to have Mimi with us on this little adventure. 

Heceta Head lighthouse is beautiful and still functioning. Sadly, because of COVID they weren't doing tours. 

After the walk to the lighthouse, we did a short hike to see the overlook. I sure love this sweet hiking crew of mine. 

After our visit to the lighthouse, we met the cousins at the "Sea Lion Caves"

The kids loved this place. I felt like it was a big of a rip off. It was really expensive and we only got to see the sea lions from a far. But the kids loved it. 

These cutie cousins had fun running around and looking at the sea lions together. 

After exploring the sea lion caves we went on another little hike. It was called "The Hobbit Trail" and it was awesome. Lots of cool little trails and trees to climb on and it ended all the way at the beach. 

The end of the trail was lined with these little crab shells. It was weird and gross but also kind of cool. 

After the kids played and got all wet in the surf, we found a delicious chowder spot and we all piled in. This cute cousin crew loves clam chowder. 

Especially Benson. Benson calls clam chowder "cowboy soup" and he loves it. 

 

 

That night we checked into a hotel and before going to bed, we did some Oreo taste testing. That was a lot of fun. Then we finally got kids into bed. It was a fun packed day and the kids slept hard that night. 

The next morning Stephanie and I grabbed breakfast and fed everyone and then we drove over to the Florence family fun center. We had reservations for a sand dune buggy excursion and we were pretty excited about it. 

Here is our group right before we boarded our buggy. 

 

While the ride wasn't quite as fast paced or exciting as we thought it would be, it was still really fun. 

 

This boy snuggled next to me the whole time and had a blast. 

Tucker got bored during the tour and all its boring info. But he was still a good sport. 
He had a great time giggling with Paige though.

 

I love this shot of everyones' hands in the air as we descended a huge dune. 

The drops were the best part. 

  

Tanner and Chase thought it was a little boring as well, but they were good sports. 

We had fun on the dune buggy ride but we decided that next time we want to rent ATVs and explore on our own. 

After we got back from our excursion, Dad and Uncle Phillip needed to get home for work and they took Tanner and Chase home with them. Stephanie and I grabbed a pizza and then drove over to the beach to let them play for a couple hours before heading back. 

The kids had a great time playing and it was so nice. 

 

After we got everyone changed out of their wet swimsuits and dressed warm again, we started the drive back home. We were exhausted but we had a great time so it was totally worth it. 

We got home in time for dinner and then bedtime. 

The next day we hung out at the house, the boys worked with Grandpa around the farm. Tanner got really good at driving the gator around. 

 

That night we took family pictures. These are always a labor of love. But I think they turned out pretty well. We took them at "Hillside Ranch" and we decided to go with a country theme. Cowboy boots for everyone and sometimes even hats. 

I really love the shots in front of the barn door. 

But seriously, how cute are these country kids?

After the pictures were over, I took some of each of my kids on their own. 
Tanner wanted his on the tractor. I thought it was pretty fitting considering how hard he worked with Grandpa on the ranch this summer. 

Benson just wanted to wear his hat and Tucker asked for his picture on the fence post. 

It should be no surprise to anyone that Bailey wanted her picture taken with a cat. 
That animal loving girl gets more beautiful every day. 

Oh and Tucker and Paige wanted a picture together. 

I was able to snag a picture with my handsome husband too!

We celebrated pictures being over with s'mores  around Mimi's firepit. It was really nice to finally have those pictures done. 

The next day Stephanie and I took the kids for a hike around McDowell Creek and got to see the waterfall. The kids did great on the hike, even thought it was long and it was hot outside.  

The waterfall was pretty small this time but it was still fun to see. 

We had a good time and enjoyed a picnic lunch afterwards. 
When we finished at the creek, we drove over to a used bookstore and let the kids each pick out a few books. Benson picked out the weirdest books and was dead set on buying them. 

That night we had a BBQ at the farm. 
This picture of Benson is probably my favorite from the whole trip. 
Nothing says "Herb" like a diet coke in one hand a slab of meat in the other. 
I can't help but laugh when I see this picture. 

The kids all love Mimi's soda supply. She always has the best soda.

We spent many days just hanging around the farm. The kids loved playing there and picking cherries non stop. 

We even picked enough cherries for Mimi to make us a delicious cherry pie. 

These two boys had a great time together too. I love seeing their relationship grow. 

And Mimi got some decent  food massages out of our stay too. Benson loved using Mimi's little massager. It was so funny. 

Oh and Tucker had to get his traditionally picture with Rosie. 

My kids were also completely obsessed with Aunt Stephanie's goats, chickens and bunnies. They loved getting to see them, feed them and they loved gathering eggs. 

 

 

We had a wonderful fourth of July. The kids played in Aunt Stephanie's pool during the day and while it wasn't super hot, it was warm enough for some fun in the sun. 

Eventually we went back to the farm to celebrate the fourth. We had all the delicious food and Mimi's sisters came over to celebrate with us. 

Benson apparently spent a lot of time getting piggy backs from everyone. 

 

 

 

We had a mini firework show. It was fun and the kids had a great time helping to put it together. 

After the fireworks were done, we let the kids have one last sleepover. They had been wanting to have a sleepover in Mimi's living room this whole time so they were quite thrilled. 

On our last day in Oregon, we drove down to Eugene to play at the trampoline park. 
This was more fun than we had expected. Even the adults played and jumped. 

 

 

We all played and had so much fun. We were all hot sweaty messes by the time we finished and we were starving. 

 

From the trampoline park we drove to a Chinese buffet. The kids were so excited to get to pick out all their favorite foods. We ate until we were stuffed. 
Then we drove back and enjoyed one last dinner together. 

The next day we left early to start our long drive home. We had a wonderful visit. It wasn't as long as last summer, but we had to get back for Dad to go to drill. We were still able make lots of memories and spend lots of time with our Oregon and Utah family. We are so grateful that Dad is able to work remotely. Otherwise we could never spend 3 weeks away from his office. 

Until next time Oregon! We sure love visiting you!