Last Day in OR

Our last full day in Oregon was the reason we all went out there in the first place.  It was time to run the Ocean's Edge 5k.  I was so proud of so many of my family members who agreed to run in this race this year.  Normally, my family aren't really in to running that much. 
Cody was first to cross the finish line and Bailey was just seconds behind him.  I finished in my best 5k time ever (just over 26 minutes).  It was a gorgeous day (unlike last year) and an incredibly fun run.  

I was especially proud of my nearly 60-year-old dad.  He is awesome and finished in a great time. 
Don and Amberlee pushed themselves to do the race even though they were not very excited about it.  They did awesome and I hope they know how proud I am of them for trying something hard that they normally wouldn't do. 

Em and I were showing off our donkey kicks after the race.  The lady behind us thought we were crazy. 

We pretty much just spent the rest of the day enjoying the beach and each other. 

Don and Amberlee flew their kites like pros.

Don's string broke on his kite and he had to run after it.  He has lost so much weight lately that his pants are getting too big for him.  It was fun to watch him run after his kite while trying to keep his pants from falling down. 

Although we miss the McCuen's when they are not around, we are thankful they live in a beautiful place that we can go visit.  One of my very best friends is moving to Portland (I'm jealous), so it will just give me more reasons to go out and visit now! 

Oregon - My Favorite Day

No doubt, EVERY SINGLE DAY in Oregon was awesome, but if I have to pick a favorite, it would have to be Friday.  We started the day off with a fun whale watching boat ride.  We were on a nice big boat that was big enough for all of us who wanted to go.  My kids were very excited to sit inside the cabin, which made me sad.  I wanted to sit out on the deck.  Luckily Grandma and Grandpa also wanted to sit inside.

Cannon got brave and came out and enjoyed the sea air. 

We saw some cute sea lions and a guy on the boat caught a big sea bass and showed it off to the kids. 

 

We also saw 3 different Grey Whales.  It was so cool.  

That night it was my turn to make dinners.  So naturally I wanted to make a big campfire on the beach and do HOBO DINNERS with S'MORES for dessert.  It was so fun.  3 of my favorite things all combined into one.  Camping, my family, and the beach! 

 

 We sang songs and stayed on the beach until all hours of the night just enjoying the fire and each others company. 

 

It was also one of my favorite sunsets of the trip.  The sun was super red and just gorgeous. 

One of my favorite days for sure. 

Hiking Fun

Thursday was our "free" day.  

Every family was free to do whatever they wanted.  

I couldn't wait to take my kids to Driftcreek Falls.  It's an amazing hike (aren't they all). 

We were happy that Bailey, Em, Cody, and Shantell all decided to join us.

I know they would love the big trees and the fun waterfall and the awesome...

BRIDGE! 

When we started the hike Cannon asked me where we were hiking to.  I told him we were going to hike to a really cool bridge.  He then asked me "does a troll live under it?".  It made us laugh. 

We hike down to the stream and got another cool view of the bridge and enjoyed a snack before making the hike back to the car.  This hike is actually deceiving because getting to the falls is a piece of cake.  It's all down hill.  Hiking back to your car seems to take much longer. 

 

It's an awesome hike though and still one of my favorites. 

That night we enjoyed a yummy sloppy joe dinner courtesy of Don & Amberlee and then laughed our butts off watching an old VHS of Angela Landsbury "working out."  It was a memory I will cherish forever and never forget. 

Fourth of July (In Oregon)

On the 4th of July we woke up and enjoyed a fun pancake breakfast outside at Tonya's church with her ward.  It was free and delicious and fun.  Then we stopped by the park she used to live by.  The last time I was in Oregon with my kids, they LOVED this park.  And...they still DO.  :) 

The big kids loved the park too. 

It has the most amazing view of the lake.  I wish I lived here. 

After some play time we went home and Gabby painted our faces all patriotic like. 

We did a BBQ for dinner that night and played on the beach every spare moment we got. 

Then we headed down to the Bay to stake a spot out for fireworks.  There were A LOT of people at the bay (of course) but it was a lot of fun. 

Watching the fireworks go off out over the ocean was awesome.  

The best firework show I've ever seen.  

I'm so thankful for this beautiful world and for the freedom I have.  

I'm so thankful for the men and women who fight to defend that freedom.  

GOD BLESS AMERICA!