Valentine's Beach Trip

So, this year Nelson decided to plan a Valentine's trip for us, which was a nice surprise! My only complaint was that he told us about it before it happened, so it wasn't a surprise. He has yet to surprise me for any gift or present. But, he wanted to make sure the trip was in the budget, so I totally understand!

Nelson took a 4 day weekend, Fri-Monday, which was gift alone, so much time together and so much help with Kalaya, all wonderful things! He planned our trip in Lincoln City, at the coast. He could not have picked a more perfect weekend, the weather was GORGEOUS! In the low 60s and not a cloud in the sky! Did I mention this was in February?? In OREGON?? Unheard of! It was wonderful!

We left on Friday, around mid-day and drove to Portland to drop off Pippy at my parent's house. Then we took the longer, scenic route down 101, along the coast. It ended up being almost a 5 hour drive, but it was really pretty. Kalaya did great. I brought a whole bunch of toys and she took a good long nap. Nursing in the car seat does wonders! We stopped on the way to each lunch.

Picnic along the way

We got to our hotel around 5 and checked in. It was really nice, Nelson did a good job! Our room had a beautiful view of the ocean and had 2 beds in separate rooms so that Nelson could get plenty of sleep without being woken by late night feedings. It was within walking distance of the main drag, shops and restaurants. We went out to dinner at a home-cooking-type place (Nelson had pineapple pancakes, I had chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. mmmm. Oh, and Kalaya had peas and brown rice, though not off the menu) Then we went back to the hotel and tried out the (indoor) pool with Kalaya and she LOVED it!! I'm signing us up for swim classes, she was a total water bug! Then, watched the Olympics and bedtime.

Dinner, sitting in a high chair now!

View from the hotel with Daddy

Swimming with Mommy

Saturday we got up, had breakfast at the hotel and walked around the shops for awhile. We bought a couple of small things, including some salt water taffy. We then decided that salt water taffy all kind of tastes the same! Then Nelson discovered an indoor batting cage/miniature golf place, so we went there to play and do both, as they weren't very expensive. Kalaya was strapped to me in the Moby, (the single greatest wrap EVER!) so it was no trouble to golf. We did take turns holding her while the other was in the cages though! We discovered our bodies are not as young and in shape as they once were, but we were both able to get some good hits in! We then had lunch at a fun little soda fountain place and went back to the hotel for a nap. Then we walked on the beach and explored. Then some outlet shopping (Carter's was having a MAJOR sale!!) and dinner at a local pizza joint. Then back to the hotel for more swimming and bedtime!

Mad at golf, we wouldn't let her put the golf balls in her mouth!

Future softball player like Mommy!! Heck yeah!!
Vintage high chair at lunch
Walking on the beach
Swimming with Daddy

Sunday we got up, packed, breakfast and drove home, this time the shorter route through Salem. We made a quick stop to say hi to Uncle Theo and then back to Portland. We had to get back by 3 for Elena's 1st birthday party! So fun, but oh no! It means Kalaya's first birthday is just around the corner!! THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE!! Then a quick dinner with Mom and Dad, pick up Pippy and back home. A good time was had by all!

Sunday morning nap