Our First Day at the Beach

We're Back!!!We had a wonderful week at the coast and although it was hard to leave, now that we are back, it's so good to be home again. Although the week away from my computer was great, I've missed my blog...but I took lots of photos and now I can't wait to catch you all up with what we did last week...be glad I am showing only the best photos...out of 460!

This trip we stayed in the Long Beach area of the Washington coast. While Washington has nothing on the Oregon Coast in terms of beauty, it was a nice relaxing place to spend a week. For the most part, the weather was great and the kids loved playing in the sand, despite high winds at times. They also spent quite a lot of time swimming in the indoor pool...and Hayden had a great time splashing in the kiddy pool. There was a playground within walking distance to our back door, so the kids also enjoyed spending time there.
We went to the sand castle building contest in Cannon Beach, the kids kite festival in Manzanita and even a garlic festival on Long Beach.

Patrolling the beach on horse back...in the rain.

Natalie and Zander at Cannon Beach, Oregon

Haystack Rock, at 235 feet high, is the third largest coastal monolith in the world. This spot on the beach has a special significance to Dan and I because it's literally where we fell in love...or at least where we discovered that we were mutually attracted to one another...and had our first kiss — over 15 years ago!