Life is Beachy

The Nichols' just returned from a fantastically awesome week at the Oregon Coast. We tore up the town in Newport, Depoe Bay, and Lincoln City, playing in the sand, touring the aquarium and other sites, taking fishing and crabbing trips, munching seafood, and generally having a great time. Check out the results!


The best part of the beach is playing in the sand, and Wesley and cousin Megan did it right. LOTS of beach time :)


Cameron demonstrates how to make "pooter" castles. We've heard them called "drippy" castles, but we like "pooter" better!


The boys and cousins Sara and Megan had so much fun body surfing in the waves. The water was surprisingly warm (the parents know because we had to wade out and keep an eye on them while they surfed for an hour at a time).


The kid's enthusiasm for the ocean was only matched by Angus and Gauge. Oh my, they had the best time in the waves. However, after a few days of drinking salt water with every retrieve, the "saltwater enemas" did their job and cleaned both dogs right out :)


Angus loves to roll in the sand. His coat was FULL of it after every beach trip.


Gauge toted his bumper back and forth to the beach every time. The only way he'd let it go if if you threw it for him!


The tide went out far enough to enjoy the tidepools just south of the beach access. We found a sea snail!


Wesley helped reel in the crab pots on his and Mom's bay crabbing expedition.


The non-keeper crabs (too small or female). We had about 25 non-keepers for every crab we kept! In the end, every traveler got 3.6 crabs each.


Mom and Wes as the crabbing boat headed out to the bay.


Dad and Cameron on their deep sea rock fishing expedition.


The fishing was a huge success, they both caught their limit! And the nice people at the charter outfit filleted it and vacuum packed it for my freezer! Woo hoo!


We also enjoyed the Hatfield Marine Science Center, where Cameron took a look at several creatures using a microscope.


Wesley enjoyed the touch tanks at the Marine Science Center. We touched skates and several kinds of fish.


A trip to Depoe Bay wouldn't be the same without a stop at our favorite salt water taffy store - Ainslees!


We also love having dinner at the Rouge Brewery on the waterfront in Newport. The boys and cousins always enjoy the pizza.


Cameron had a blast at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, as usual :)


Aquarium touch tanks are a favorite, there is so much to check out!


Couldn't resist a picture with Zoltar - fond memories of the movie, "Big" with Tom Hanks :)


As you can see, we had such a great time. We are so blessed to live close to this beautiful place, and to have a trailer to take on our trip (especially since it rained a couple of times). We always come away from this trip marveling at God's creations :)