Oceans of Fun: Part 2

Sunday, May 10th
Mother's Day

The kids woke up early and ran to get their cards and gifts - their excitement was so sweet and cute. I got my stuff first; cards from the kids and a pink version of the blue polka dot coffee mug that Maddie had shattered last fall. I loved it but more than anything, I loved how proud Kelton looked knowing that he got me something I really would like.

Dakota's turn next: cards from both kids along with the necklaces they had picked out by themselves. Kelton gave her a 2009 graduation necklace and Kaylen gave her a "love heart" necklace. She wore both of them all day long.

Then it was breakfast time and "hit the road time". We were off in the opposite direction of yesterday's trip to Seaside. Driving for about an hour took us to Lincoln City where we stopped and visited some favorite shops as well as a book store where Kelton and I each picked out a new book. (I bought My Sister's Keeper - a really good book! Kelton, of course, picked out a Pokemon book.) I also made a happy birthday call to my dad because not only was it Mother's Day, it was his birthday, too.

Oh! We also stopped at the Christmas Cottage to pick up the kids yearly ornaments. This year Kelton selected a karate one and Kaylen chose a gymnastics one. I love getting then an ornament each year that depicts their interests - it's great to look back and remember.




After spending some time in town, we piled into the car again and headed out 40 more minutes south to the town of Newport, home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

After paying an arm and a leg (even after the AAA discount) we entered the grounds. It has been four years since our last trip to the aquarium and the kids were itching to take off and explore.





















Upon leaving we stopped by the gift store which, as it turns out, was a mistake of epic proportion. Kaylen had a complete and utter meltdown over something and I ended up removing her from the store. I stood outside with her while she screamed and then Dakota came out and had to pick her up to remove her from the aquarium. It was lovely. *sigh* She screamed ALL the way back to the car and half way through Newport. Good times, I tell ya. Goooooood times. I thought poor Kelton was going to have a nervous breakdown. :(

When we arrived back in Lincoln City we stopped at the casino child watch area because Kelton had been pleading with us to let him check in and play for a while. Kaylen opted out of that one (it turns out they had gotten a time out last time (last August)for running and it clearly made an impression on her) and instead went with us. It was late in the day so we went into a couple shops to browse and then got dinner before going to collect Kelton.

After picking up our son, we settled in for the hour drive back to the house. Once again, it was quickly to bed for the exhausted, but very happy, kiddos.

Next up: Tillamook Cheese Factory, Rockaway, Cannon Beach and Seaside.