some things I forgot to mention.

• my cell phone fell out at a {rest area} along the way
• after spending 20 minutes unpacking the pick-up in the pouring down rain at another rest area, we realized it was NOT with us
• I dialed my number several times - hoping to hear it ring
• on my last attempt before totally FREAKING out ... someone answered (and it wasn't one of my boys)
• some wonderful folks had picked it up ... and those wonderful folks just happened to be from Eastern Oregon ... and better yet ... they like cattlemen (and their wives)
• I got my phone back yesterday ... and honestly, I didn't really miss it too much

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• Tillamook Ice Cream is always better in Tillamook
• Cold Stone Ice Cream is good ALL the time
• homemade caramel corn is mouthwatering
• steamer clams dipped {soaked} in melted butter is a meal in itself
• my family has an addiction to Salt Water taffy
• the Pelican Pub Brewery is one of greatest things about Pacific City
• fish 'n chips always taste better when you can see the ocean while eating

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• life away from {reality} is good for the soul
• taking pictures of life is worth EVERYTHING
• making the effort to drive a little further south ... and then a little further north is TOTALLY worth it
• being the person you say you are isn't easy
• living the life you say you have isn't easy either

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we're home.

we're doing our jobs.

we're making memories.

we're stepping up when it'd be easier to step out.

we're raising our boys.

we're dreaming of the future.

we're blessed. and we know it.

** thanks Misty - for letting me try out your lens

** thanks Papa & Mimzy - for building a beautiful home that we are so lucky to enjoy

** thanks Carlsons - for picking up my phone - and returning it

** thanks God - for this beautiful life we live - trusting, believing, and hoping in You.

Friends + Food = FUN

** and no - this is not beer ... just a bit of egg nog in a bottle! {grin}

Becky and Brandon joined us for about 24 hours of our wonderful trip ... and they definitely added some {spark}!! We ate well, laughed a lot, took pictures, napped, walked, talked, read, played, and just enjoyed being together. So thankful we were able to catch up and just {be}.

... now, if only we didn't live so far apart. That would make life just about perfect.

Oh yeah ... I went too

... and despite the crazy expressions I ALWAYS seem to have ... and the crazy wind-blown hair that was OUT OF CONTROL ... this was definitely one of the {best} trips to our favorite beach I've ever had.

... and if you're bored and need some reading or picture viewing blog time at {Bales and Tales} ... here are some of our other {beach} adventures ... just click away :)

Seashore, seashore

Pacific City

and

Dirty Thirty

Mason.

Mason has enjoyed this beach, this sand, this cold, salty water for almost 4 years.

It has always intrigued him.

It has always drawn him in.

And this trip was no different.

... well, maybe one little thing ... the {dancin'}.

Oh, how I love this boy.

Watchin' the Waves.

There is something about watching waves.

Maybe it's the rhythm.

Or maybe the crashing force of the water against the sand.

Whatever it is, it's magical.

It's rejuvenating.

It's refreshing.

It's mighty and yet so peaceful at the same time.

The ocean and its beauty roars, and as it comes closer and closer, you can't help but find yourself drawn into its trance.

This vacation of sorts ... this time away ... these moments of watchin' the waves and just {being} ... it did wondrous things for our souls.

Bike Ridin' Fools {and a little explorer too}

I wonder where this path will lead next ... hmmm... you'll have to wait and see :)

{sand, sleds ... and a few smiles too}

... and we're off on another adventure ... next up ... BIKES!