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Oregon Coast |
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As the most warm and beautiful weather was promised by the weather man this weekend, I worked diligently on the house, during the week, to free it up. Not knowing what to do with the kids, I first thought that an overnight trip somewhere would be a good start for Johnny to get his feet wet in backpacking. As I thought that too much work for all, I settled on the beach for a day at Seaside to take care of all the energy the little ones had. A quick 45 minute drive and we were slogging our way down the beach in dry sand.
Johnny was a little overwhelmed by the vastness of the ocean. As his comprehension of such things develops, watching him realize what he was looking at was quite interesting, and rather cute. With the sand scoped out, we thought it best to start the fun at the local aquarium.
Many stops along the way to gawk at all the activity overwhelmed the little guy. But his excitement was overflowing, carrying him forward towards the aquarium.
It has been some time since Amber was out at the beach as well as she took her time, while waiting for her brother, to take it all in
At the aquarium, the star fish and hermit crabs were discovered and touched, followed by the feeding of the resident seals. Lewis was the most humorous as he splashed his belly for attention. Soon after, we pressed on to find some local grub to feed our barking bellies. Johnathan was in full-on Terminator mode as his confidence was in overdrive from holding the crawling hermit crabs.
Amber was enjoying herself as well as I allowed her all the time she wanted to do the things that made her forget this was only a weekend. We hoped that food was not far away as bellies were getting quite noisy.
Just a couple blocks down the street, Amber spotted a cafe along Broadway Street. Vista Sea Cafe was a charming little place that was built just after the turn of the last century. The menu looked appetizing as they hand tossed all their pizzas, and of course being on the coast, the fish was fresh. We all split an order of fish and chips, and a three-cheese pizza topped with black olives.
The food was delicious. Johnny wolfed down two slices of pizza as I did the same, following it up with a couple of cod filets and a round of slaw. So much for losing weight for my upcoming PCT section.
With lunch over, for a reasonably priced 18 dollars (Cheaper than McDonald's junk and the Cafe's food was superb), we walked down Broadway and stopped along the street to buy some overpriced sand toys. Buckets, shovels, and molds were bought for more than lunch cost at a nearby shop called World Of Gifts. Afterwards, a quick one block walk led us to the beach, leaving us plodding on soft, dry sand.
Amber dug right in, literally. She quickly realized what she was really here for; Mole Crabs. She daftly grabbed her shovel and bucket while removing her shoes and socks, heading towards the open water.
Johnathan was incredulous. The fact he got to hold one of these ugly little things, trying to dig their way out of his hand, made him giggle in disbelief. Soon afterwards, he returned it, unwillingly, to it's home.
The wind was blowing hard while it was 15 degrees colder out here that at home. The children did not care. They were having the time of their lives and so was I, watching them. Gawking at them while they frolic brought forth a chuckle from deep inside that I did not want to end. The memories made during such times are priceless as a sense of pride welled up inside me.
That same sense disappeared as fast as it came as I had to tell the children it was time to start heading back to the truck. Indeed, it was getting colder while the wind was picking up dry sand and blowing it into my little man's eyes. I could not be a complete party pooper as we had to make one final stop to swing.
Amber showed Johnathan the ropes as using the swing was all to common to her. As Amber went higher, Johnathan became more brave and tried his best to match his big sister.
Smiles abound as this day was only half over. A movie was planned for tonight so I could spend a little quality time with my Angel. Since Johnathan requires diligence to keep out of trouble, Amber usually gets the short end of the stick. It's time for some Daddy, Daughter time this evening.
While listening to her iPod, Amber tried to convince me all the way home that she was not tired. She failed miserably as half way, she was out like a light.
Johnathan, too, felt the strain of such a fun and fulfilling day, passing out as soon as we hit the freeway.
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