My favorite part of Oregon.

For those of you who know me well, this comes as no surprise ... but the Oregon coast is my favorite place in the world. It's the best when Brandon is with me (or someone else for that matter), but I absolutely love the beach even if I'm by myself. It doesn't matter to me, as long as I can be there. There is something therapeutic about the sand beneath my toes and the waves crashing into the shore. I am at my best when I am there. It is when I feel most alive.

Because we stayed in Oregon longer, we decided to spend Sunday in Brookings and the weather was absolutely B-E-A-UTIFUL! Seriously, it was perfect! ~60-65 degrees, a slight breeze, and clear skies! It was the first time Denali has been to the beach, and I haven't been in what feels like FOREVER! Alright, well it's been 6 months ... but to me that feels like forever. In college I used to go at least once a month, so living in Utah has been really hard on me in that regard!

Anyway, here are some pictures from the trip. I don't think the top one needs any explaning. :)
Driving through the Redwood forest. We had been following these two older men (one in a Porche and one in a Mustang) pretty much since Grants Pass. They gave Brandon a run for his money, but it made the drive more fun! :) We even got a wave when we pulled off!
Before break, we studied Utah's habitats and when we were learning about trees, I was trying to explain to my kids the magnatude of the Redwoods in California. We made sure to snap a couple photos!
Can you believe I've driven through this forest at least 50 times in my life and still felt the need to do this? :)
Sarah and I playing with Denali in the water. Brandon was the designated camera man for most of the time on the beach. He's not a HUGE fan of the sand ... and when the sand mixes with the water and sticks to you ... man, that's even worse. haha

We had SO much fun! :)
Me and my new beach buddy. When we finally get back to Portland, Denali and I are going to the beach every chance we get!
My cute little family. :) This picture was really difficult to take because Denali was so excitable. lol Sarah captured the whole process, but this is the final product.
I taught Denali how to dig a hole. He proceeded to dig the rest of the time we were there. lol Thankfully he hasn't been digging since we got home!
WILLARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such a beautiful day! This is my idea of heaven.
Brandon had to jump over the little tide pool/stream because he didn't want to get wet and was still wearing his boots.
Here we are!
And here's Denali! He slept ALL the way home!