A Day at the Beach

One thing we honestly have not taken enough advantage of since moving to Portland six years ago, is our proximity to the beach. We have made a few trips, but mostly to meet up with family for a weekend or dinner.

As Monday was forecasted to be 90 degrees, Jeff suggested that we take a day trip to Seaside. I didn't hesitate to agree since I'm usually the one lamenting the infrequency of our ocean exposure. I truly think my soul is renewed by the sight, sound and smell of an ocean. I cannot imagine living in a place that didn't allow for a weekend or day trip to the beach, even if those trips are too few.

With our goal in mind, we set out early on the road. Two hours later, we arrived to find a typically overcast day in Seaside (though the forecast did promise it would warm up). We hit the Seaside Aquarium first, a tourist spot that will not soon be revisited by us. But Nathan always enjoys watching fish swim in the tanks, sometimes will touch a sea star and refused to feed the sea lions.

Nathan wasn't crazy about the wind blowing.

Afterward, we settled into our chosen spot of sand for lunch. Nathan didn't quite grasp the concept of keeping sand off the towels, but enjoyed digging while Jeff focused on reading.

I asked Nathan to smile and he cocked his head to the side like this. :)

Jeff was chilly without pants or long sleeves.

It took a little convincing to get Jeff to check out the waves. Fortunately for us, it was low tide and the water was slightly warmer than usual. Nathan LOVED the waves lapping at our feet (and his knees). He giggled with so much joy every time a new wave came along and he kept pulling us back toward the water. 

Laughing in the water!

Once Jeff had enough of the water (he was in short sleeves and shorts, after all), we packed up our things and spent an hour or so strolling the Prom and through town. Nathan was more than worn out by now and soon dozed off in his stroller, leaving Jeff and I to admire the beach front properties for sale, far beyond our means. We made a quick stop at one of the local candy stores, then drove back home.



It was a long and exhausting day, but very much fun and hopefully will soon be repeated!














UPDATE:  Jeff's first iMovie project: