Lincoln City Surprise!

This summer we only went on one camping trip, normally we go on two or three.  So we were feeling a little antsy.  So I decided to surprise Daddy with a trip to Lincoln City, OR for his birthday!  I packed in secret, planned for animal care in secret, arranged with both sets of grandparents in secret... even got him Monday off without him knowing (thanks Papa H!).  So Friday he came home early, he knew we were going to do something Friday, he just thought we'd be coming right back home.  He got home about 1:45 and off we went.  He figured out we weren't going right back home after we drove past Portland, then figured out where we were going when we only had about an hour left of driving.  Kayda and Dillon both knew and did a fabulous job keeping the secret though Kayda kept telling her teachers she would be gone on days she would actually be there!

 The first night in the hotel was interesting... the kids were all so hyped up they were still up and running when Papa and Grandma H got there about 10ish.  They didn't fall asleep until 11 and of course were up at 7:30 the next morning.

 Waiting for everyone to get ready for breakfast!  The beach was GORGEOUS!

 There were some rocks out in front of the sailor's inn (not our hotel) that had some good critters!  Anemones, starfish and of course barnacles and muscles.

 The kiddos LOVED climbing around on the rocks.  At first Carson just wanted to be carried everywhere, then he decided he wanted to walk... unfortunately he needed a LOT of help (of course he's two) but it was easier to carry him!

 Breakfast!  Grandma H colored and read with Kayda.

 Papa G colored with Carson, but once he saw I had the camera he decided to do this instead!

 It was the kite festival while we were there.  Fortunately we were on the opposite side of a little river so most of the business stayed on that side!

 There's our hotel.  Not the best place but the cheapest and it had GREAT beach access.  Just a few stairs and you're there!

 Papa G of course had to teach Carson how to run from the waves!

 The first time Carson ran all the way back to Grandma G and wouldn't go back to Papa G!

 They were building a wall to keep them dry so Dillon jumped to get away from the water!

 Since example didn't work Papa G picked Carson up and taught him by holding him and running!

 This crazy lady was sitting out on the beach, perfectly still, with bread and arms spread wide for the seagulls.... I got a kick out of it.  The birds followed her down the beach when she left so it worked out for us!

 He finally got the hang of it!  

 Papa H got out in the waves with Dillon!

 I think this one caught Papa H by surprise!  He kept pulling up he shorts even though the waves were hitting closer to his stomach.

 Papa G taught him to "sneak" up to the waves before running.  I didn't get a picture but it was adorable the way he tried to tip toe!

 Making a river with Kayda!  Way to go Grandma H!

 Singing happy birthday to Daddy!  

We only got to fly kites for a few minutes before the wind got too strong, they even had to take down the anchored kites at the festival!

 Sunday night we went to Road's End State Park.  I had read online that if you hiked up the beach and climbed around some rocks you would find a hidden little harbor with some cool tide pools.  The walk was much longer than anticipated.  Fortunately we spotted a beach access point farther down among the houses so Daddy jogged back and moved the truck so we would have an easier time getting back.

 Papa G!

 Here are the rocks we were supposed to climb around.  You can see Grandma G, Kayda and Dillon starting down at the bottom of the cliff.  It was really windy do Grandma and Papa G brought Carson back to where he was sheltered a bit while Daddy, Kayda, Dillon and I continued on.

 I'm sure it would've been really cool if it was actually low tide.  The problem was that low tide was at 8:40pm and sunset was at 6:50pm so we had to go early.  None-the-less the older kids had a great time climbing the rocks around and we got to see a few starfish!

 The way around...

 While we were away Papa G found some hermit crabs to show the kids!

 There was a little water fall going down to the beach.  There were actually quite a few creeks and such coming out onto the beach.

It ended up being a great trip.  The kids had a blast hanging out with their grandparents and we all enjoyed getting to the beach!