We met the entire Larsen crew the week before Thanksgiving for a little get-away in Hammond, Oregon. It's a darling little coastal town near Astoria. We hadn't seen the family in a while, and hadn't met Brooklyn yet, so it was a ton of fun.
We saw a lot of neat things, including the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale. It ran ashore on October 25, 1906.
We found treasures on the beach,
and smiled big for Auntie April. Is he the cutest or what?
We climbed 164 steps to the top of the Astoria Column. Jake bought everyone wooden airplanes to fly off the top...
I think Kelly won the contest on longest flight...hers went forever! The kids went on a hunt for downed planes once we were out of the column so they could bring one home.
We went on a spectacular hike in Oswald West State Park.
The kids climbed over,
under, and through Mother Nature's playground.
We passed a lot of giant old-growth Sitka Spruce on our way to Smuggler Cove.
It didn't disappoint! We lucked out on weather constantly...it had been raining most of the day, but when we got to the cove, the sun peeked out until we were ready to head back up the trail, then it started to drizzle a bit. It didn't bother us though, because by that time, we were under the cover of all the trees. It was absolutely breathtaking!
Cannon Beach was next on the list, which has been on my bucket list for over a decade. I have to admit, I got a little emotional when I saw Haystack Rock. Photos just don't do it justice!
We got there at the perfect time to see Sea Anemone and Starfish. Isabelle and Dylan found hermit crabs and tidepool sculpin. It was so much fun to explore...completely hands on learning. It's something I don't think my kids will ever forget.
The sun started to set, and I will be forever grateful that I got to see Cannon Beach in person. It was amazing.
And let's be honest...who can go to Astoria and not stop by the Goonie House? One or more of my kids may have done the truffle shuffle, but that's another post for another day.
Thanks to Fred and Kelly for an amazing trip! We made some great memories. It was so fun to see the family and spend some quality time together.
