Seaside

We spent the past few days at Seaside! Bryan had a conference and the kids and I joined him. We stayed in a nice condo with 70s decor but lots of room and a lovely location.

We arrived Wednesday afternoon after an easier-than-expected trip over. Of course, we went strait to the beach!

Not surprisingly, Shannon was delighted to charge into the water! After some beach time, we returned to our condo and enjoyed the indoor pool. Mitch was in heaven - there was even an elevator!

Thursday Bryan worked from 8-5 so the kids and I enjoyed exploring together. We started at the beach, of course, where we got wet and sandy, but had fun.

We spent time at the aquarium, where they loved the touch pools, the coloring station, and the freedom to run from one tank to the next. Amazingly, Nemo was located several times.

We returned that evening with Bryan to feed the seals, who obligingly ate the herring and performed charming antics.

We then went to the carousel and rode twice, once with Mom, and once when Dad joined us.

Mitch is really into making squirrelly faces for the camera. Thursday evening there was a family fun night at the conference center with inflatable bounce houses, free food, balloons, clowns, and much more. It was a big high for the Mitch-ster.

Friday morning we went back to the beach while Bryan did his final sessions. The weather cooperated beautifully. There was much sand castle building, and then Shannon learned a new trick . . .

beach yoga! She did this several times and it cracked me up!

Bryan left early (!) and joined us for some surf play.

Here's his David Hasselhoff . . . albeit running in the wrong direction!

They were thrilled to see Dad because it meant we could go in the water! No way I was trying that solo!

Calm contemplation

Shannon loves to hold MBJ's hand and he obliges. After this, Bryan took Mitch way out into the water and they jumped in waves. Shannon ran out a ways, too (up to her bum) and would then race past me saying "Hurry, hurry, run, run!". It was pretty cute.

And it wore her out! She was asleep before we got back to our home base!

After nap we walked down to the swing set and did some high flying!

Mitch insisted he be in the baby swing.

We rented a bike and managed to cruise for almost 40 minutes of our allotted hour. It was HARD work pedaling!

A bike breather led to our family photo op.

The view from our deck Friday night.

Saturday morning we checked out and drove up to Astoria. We stopped at Fort Stevens first, exploring the wreck of the Peter Iredale. Mitch climbed aboard like a fearless pirate!

This ship ran aground in 1906! No wonder only a rusty hull remains! We also went to the mouth of the Columbia at South Jetty and then explored the Battery Russell in the Fort grounds which was operational from 1904-1944. Bryan made "spooky" noises inside which echoed and delighted the children who fled in mock terror.

We then drove up to Astoria where we picnicked in a city park and then went to the Astoria Column. It was completed in 1926 and has a spiral staircase inside with 164 stairs. Yep, we trudged up!

The view from the top was spectacular!

Shannon was nearly asleep, but Mitchell launched 2 balsa wood planes from the top which soared gracefully into the plane-laden trees below. It was a big hit!

End of our vacation with a 6 hour return trip ahead of us.

Early naps (note the plane clutched in MBJ's hand. We had to buy a third at the base of the column to bring home!). We made it home, are unpacked, and are prepping for the next phase of summer!