Oregon in pictures

Here are pictures from our last two weeks on the Oregon coast.  Driving to the coast, we took a road that has been declared one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.  Here's one picture of a view:

We arrived at Fort Stevens State Park, which is known for the Peter Iredale shipwreck, where our young, aspiring pirates were happy to play.

Cannon Beach

Y's 6th birthday celebration, in his 6th birthday wetsuit!

This is probably not the best way to scope out a big gun, but it was interesting exploring the fort here at Fort Stevens

The first time we went to Cannon Beach, the roads were packed and traffic was at a standstill.  We saw a sign on the road that there was an event in Cannon Beach that day.  We figured we were going to that event, even if it were for the National Outhouse Cleaners' Annual Assembly, just because we were caught in the traffic.  Fortunately, the event turned out to be the 50th annual sandcastle competition, and we saw some amazing castles.  In this picture, you can see the best castle - a fish playing the cello.

This is the view from Cape Disappointment.  Gorgeous!  The short building near the lighthouse is where we were able to watch the Coast Guard work.

Lots of movies were filmed in Astoria, including the Goonies.  Apparently, we watched this the week Char and I met, but I didn't really remember that at all, as my mind was on the proximity of the man who would be my future husband.  Here, we walked to the Goondocks.

Getting a historical trolley tour of Astoria

Dressing up as settlers and Indians at the Lewis and Clark museum at Fort Clatsop

Our "scooter friends" from Louisiana arrived for our second week here, and the scootering began!  Yes, the 8 kids are sitting here to scooter, as they're about to go down a decently steep hill in a pack.

I love tide pools!  This is at Ecola State Park.  Fantastic!

More Ecola

Climbing, jumping, somersaulting, and enjoying the dunes at Fort Stevens

We got to climb the Astoria Column

to see this view

and to launch airplanes to the grounds and forests below.

I love the misty Oregon weather, and even love the rain!  Plus, it's so fun to look out and see your kids enjoying the rain like this:

And that's a picture of our last two weeks.  I do think Oregon is my favorite state.  Absolutely beautiful and so fun!  We wish you a similarly great week!

love from the Utter Family