Oregon Coast Part 1, Beach, Candy, Lighthouse and Tide Pools.

Right after Mikey and Kelseys wedding we headed to the Oregon Coast. I had been looking forward to this trip from Day 1- cold weather, ocean breeze, sand, family, fun... it sounded like my perfect vacation. And let me tell you- it was. I'd say it is in my top 3 vacation spots  ever.  I can't wait to go back!!! I can't start this post without saying a HUGE thank you to my in-laws for making this trip possible. Man I'm telling you. I lucked out with this family!!! 

We stayed at a gorgeous inn called - The Inn at Nye Beach. It is right on the water.. we had the most gorgeous views right out our window. It felt like my kind of paradise. 

Everywhere you turned there was Salt Water Taffy... which naturally Gemma was really really pumped about. 

 The very first thing we did when we woke up (wait... actually the first thing I did was get my BOOTY kicked by my sister in law who is a personal trainer, and made me do all sorts of crazy things on the beach, after which I think my calves will never be the same) After our workout we ran and got the kids and headed to the beach. The water is like needles if you stay in for more than 5 seconds... it was so so cold!! But they had a blast playing football and building sand castles. Gemma always has so much fun with her cousins. Im so grateful she has them to look up to-- because seriously they are all such good kids! 

 Then we headed over to Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina Lighthouse. It was SO GORGEOUS. I need all the heart emojis to tell you how I felt about that place. I felt so refreshed and happy...  I love being cold, and the wind and water just re energized my soul. I  kept looking at Mark and telling him we needed to move there asap. I mean- look at these photos.. this place was insanely beautiful. It was so good to just look around and take in all of Gods beautiful creations. It was a highlight of the trip for sure. 

 That walk from the bay to the lighthouse felt like an hour... while I do love being cold even I will admit that wind was pretty painful. It was so so cold and windy, I was extra grateful I'd pulled mine and Gem's hair out of our faces.. it was pretty intense. 

Down here is a photo of the Tide Pools at the Bay. We went at just the right time for 'low tide' so we could walk around and see all sorts of sea creatures. Such a cool experience. 

It was so fun to see Gemmas face light up with delight when we'd find something special. I listened to a podcast once about how we don't have enough "Awe" in our life... It instilled in me a HUGE desire to create lots and lots of opportunities for my entire family to have "Awe Inspiring Moments" where we get that feeling of awe for the world around us and all that God has done. They explained that that feeling of marveling at something bigger than us, helps us realize how small we are in comparison to the rest of the world, but at the same time it helps us to feel important, connected to a higher power, and grateful to be a part of it all. 

 If you made it this far then.. wow, you are the real MVP!! Stay tuned for part 2, the amazing pool on the beach, flying kites on the beach, and exploring newport.