Portlandia + Lincoln City

Cole & Vanessa got to go on their first airplane rides to go see my sister and her two kiddos in Portland. My mom is the best mom ever and of course came. I am a wussy and was so grateful for her help on the plane and everywhere else pretty much. I wish I could get out to see Heather more often. I love visiting Portland and every time I have gone, we have lucked out with amazing weather and headed for the coast. I apologize in advance for the picture overload, but the Oregon coast is one of the most breathtaking places. Plus I like pictures.

Cole waiting for Grandma at the airport so we can get on the airplane.

These babies were the cutest together.

 Vanessa was a little aggressive with Ryan.

We had enough time in Portland on both ends to go to Cartlandia for food that I dream about at night. There is an amazing cart with a buffalo chicken wrap, another one with El Salvadorian pupusas and of course Voodoo Doughnuts.

 We rented a house right on the beach for three nights. If I weren't missing Jared and my other kids, I would have never come home. This was the view from our house. Vanessa likes it too.

Cole & Allie were in heaven chasing waves, digging in the sand and being super naughty together. We weren't there five minutes before they had colored all over the back of a door, stuck stickers all over the chairs and walls and put cheerios inside the sheets in my bed. Good thing they are cute because they were naughty.

 This is pure joy. I love it. Minus the crying Vanessa.

Low tide and beautiful sunshine

 Best grandma ever. She took these two on lots of walks.

 The last full day we were on the coast, my cousin Jess came out. I loved seeing her and her adorable three kids. I can't believe we forgot to get a picture of us but we kind of got some of the kids. They were too busy having fun.

 Snuggling up with Vanessa

 Heather snuggling Ryan. Those babies were cozy.

 There were a few difficult moments. Like wearing a baby on the front  pack and having to carry a sandy, wet toddler back.

 We wore those kids out.

 The last evening, we left the babies back with my mom and took the toddlers out for a walk to get some energy out. We felt so free without the front packs that we walked too far and it was pitch dark on our way back. Things look very different at night. Luckily we found it quickly. It was a beautiful walk at dusk with all the lights coming on.

  The last morning was a little drizzly but still incredible. My mom and sister took over so I could go on a run. I could not dream of better scenery for a workout. I was sore in places on my calves and ankles that got a whole different kind of workout with that sand. I loved it.

 Cole was fantastic on the plane because my mom bought us all tv. Can't wait to go back again...

And Jared took fantastic care of the older two while we were away. I feel pretty lucky that he is so supportive of me doing things like this and helping out so much with the kids. Now I need to come up with a way to take just Jared to the coast and leave the littles at home...