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September 25, 2012
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Last weekend we celebrated our anniversary on the coast. We've brought Hazel to the ocean only two other times - the first she was just 3 weeks old, and the second was a quick day trip with some friends, she was about 5 months. But this time it was different. The weather was lovely and we rented a fabulous house right on the beach. We got to our house and within 15 minutes went straight to the ocean to exercise the dogs. While B played ball with the pups, Hazel and I played in the sand. This was her first time feeling sand, and she was entranced by it. She couldn't stop smiling, seriously.
Dogs!
Later that evening B & I started making dinner in the fantastic kitchen (local fish & quinoa/veggies, yumm!). We also popped open some wine from our wedding. The upstairs of the house had a wall of windows facing the ocean - it was breathtaking. Hazel had a fantastic night scooting around, playing with the dogs, eating local squash, & she even got to stay up slightly late with mom and dad
The next morning we got up early, made breakfast (it was so nice to bring our own food instead of going out to eat), and drove just a few miles south to a area called Cape Perpetua. There are miles and miles of hiking trails. We decided to check out some trails right along the shoreline, being high tide we knew there'd be awesome sights. The photo below is an area called 'spouting horn.'
It was a bit chilly - it probably didn't get above 50 all morning/afternoon. That didn't slow us down, or put a frown on H's face!
Some friends of ours were due to show up later that afternoon, but we had an hour or two to kill after our hikes and lunch. B went to the mouth of the Yachats River & wet a line - I love watching him in his element. Hazel and I sat on a bench and watched the ocean & people, sipping on a hot latte.
Our friends came & we did a lot more walking, mainly on the beach. Hazel was absolutely spent when we got back to the house! Case in point:
Later that night the four of us (& the babes!) made dinner and played games. It was wonderful spending time with friends. There were multiple times we laughed so hard our cheeks hurt - that was way overdue!
The next day B and I went for another walk, loving every minute of the early morning salt air. Our friends & their babe sleep in later than Hazel which I used to be jealous of. But I've slowly been realizing what I've been missing in the mornings that I used to spend sleeping.
Later that morning we hit up the beach again - the girls couldn't get enough!
I also flew a kite for the first time since I was a kid, so fun!
Later that afternoon we went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium just up the road. I knew Hazel would be interested in the sights, but I didn't know to what extent. She was absolutely thrilled every minute we were there! She'd reach out to the colorful fish, her legs kicking excitedly with the occasional yells and loud squeals of delight. I got so much joy out of seeing this!
She especially loved the shark tank, we were completely surrounded by fish!
I am slightly in love with the photo below - it's so silly!
Te girls being turtles:
That evening we went for a final walk on the beach. We were tempted to stay one final night (our friends were) but our mostly indoor cat ran away the day we left, and our neighbor hadn't found him yet. I was so worried throughout most of this trip that I sadly convinced B to go home a day early. Of course the cat came running to the front door the minute we got home!
That evening we drove home along the coast as the sun was beginning to set. Every single view was stellar, it took a lot of self control not to stop every mile and shoot photos. Finally I couldn't take it & asked B to stop the car. I got out and snapped a few photos, taking in the amazing beauty I was so privileged to be a part of. I got back in the car and caught sight of dear H snoozing in her car seat, only to realize that beauty is always with me. She and B bring it to me every. single. day.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart”
― Helen Keller
