Road Trip - Day One

Our first day of travels, we visited the beautiful danish town of Solvang, CA.

We walked around town, and enjoyed the beautiful architecture of this quaint little city. The kids enjoyed treats at the sweet shop, while Dave and I had the most decadent sandwiches.




Afterwards we packed up the kiddies, and headed towards Morro Bay. The fog started rolling in, and the air was quite chilly.

We walked around the dock and snapped a few pics. Then we drove around to visit this monstrous rock.

Then we headed North on the 1 to see the elephant seals. The kids could have looked at them forever.

As we drove off into the sunset to find our campground for the night, I snapped a few pics from the moving car...not too shabby.

Road Trip - Day Two

As we got back on the road we noticed that the rain and fog from the day before had dissappeared, and it was going to be a beautiful day.

We made our way into the heart of San Francisco, and found a parking place big enough for both the truck and tent trailer, only a few blocks away from the wharf. The sun was shining, and their was a breeze as we got closer to the water.

We walked around Pier 39, and enjoyed fish sandwiches and fish and chips for lunch.

The boys loved going through the naval museum, and I found myself quite nostalgic looking through the old memorabilia. The ship pictured actually came across the banks of Normandy, and I was choked up as I read the account. So many have sacrificed their lives for what we have today...

Road Trip - Day Three

After another night in the tent trailer we were again on our way. Did I mention our cheap stays..we paid no more than $25 a night to stay, and had pools and showers at our disposal. We also were cheap on eats, and only ate out once a day, and no fast food!

Monday was a long travel day as we drove through the beautiful forests of Northern California into Oregon. It was absolutely breathtaking, as we drove through tunnels of tree covered roads, and passed by streams, brooks, and lakes.

Late Monday night we arrived at our destination, Long Beach, WA.

Here are some pics of the northwestern countryside as we were driving..

Road Trip - Day Four

We arrived at the beach house late Monday night when everyone else was sleeping soundly. The kids were anxious to check out their surroundings, so we got everyone dressed and decided to make a little pit stop at the beach before our planned excursions for the day.



The beach was incredible, yet so different from the California beaches I know. The tall grasses and drift wood, and the beach that seemed to go on forever. We took Bailey out so she could get some exercise, and she went crazy playing amogst the waves. Natalie wanted in on the action, and I left her to take off her own shoes as I snapped more pictures. My next picture of course is of her wearing her birthday suit, playing in the chilly chilly water.

We learned that we could drive on the beach, which is over 25 miles long, so after a quick pit stop to change little Miss we took advantage and drove down the Washington coast..on the beach.



We traveled on so many bridges I lost count, and I loved them all.



That afternoon we met up with a friend of mine, and her sweet family. They took us through Portland, and to this great restaurant where the kids enjoyed cheese fondue, an accordian player, and new friends they weren't ready to say goodbye to. Did I mention that it was a sit down restaurant with eight kids total..

Road Trip - Day Five

On our fifth day, we traveled down the WAshington coast to view the lighthouses and beautiful coastline. We visited two lighhouses filled with great history, and did some great hikes.







We enjoyed a picnic lunch and then made our way to Tillamook, OR to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory and Creamery. We learned all about chesse, and even watched them package it, which did little to hold Natalie's attention. There we sampled a variety of cheeses, and my kids and I got our first taste of cheese curds, or "squeaky cheese" to those who know it well. We purchased some for the ride home, and indulged in ice cream cones while we were there.




We then headed north up the Oregon coast to Cannon Beach, OR where the ending of "Goonies" was shot. My boys were especially eager to get a picture there after seeing the movie.

Road Trip - Day Six

almost have it done..

Road Trip - Day Seven, Eight and Nine

almsot done..