Summer Vacation Part 2 (Good Times in Parma)

You cant visit my family or Parma without doing a certain things while you are there, the Parma Drive-In being one of them
While we were in Parma we attended a Farmers dinner with very yummy food.  The Nielsen Clan took up 2 whole tables.

A trip to Parma is not complete without a trip to the Parma Drive-In.  The kids had a blast.

While we were in Parma Seths family was able to come and visit us.  We took them for a picnic on the River and then swimming at the Nielsen Pool.

The Nielsen Family gathered for Dinner and I was able to see alot of my extended family. 

At first Kade was fine riding around on the play tractor but then he noticed the big one.

 Tanner and My Grandma Nielsen.

 Nielsen Family Vineyard grapes.

We enjoyed are time spent on the farm.  While I am writing this and posting the pictures Im getting homesick.  Theres nothing better than growing up in a small town on a farm!

Summer Vacation Part 1 (The Oregon Coast)

So I have been totally slacking in my updates and have resolved to be better about keeping my blog updated as I also use this as a journal of sorts.  This August we were able to take a very much needed vacation.  The first part of our journey took us to the beautiful but cold Oregon Coast.   We stayed in Lincoln City, Oregon in a beach house directly above the beach for one whole week.  During that time we played games, ate great food, and took many little day trips.

One of our first little trips took us to Cow Country and the Tillamook Cheese Factory.  Look at how excited I am to be there!

The most enjoyable part about the Cheese factory was the Squeaky Cheese and Icecream, Yum!  After  the Cheese factory we made our way to the Cape Meares Lighthouse where we enjoyed a nature walk and beautiful views.

After the lighthouse we found a great little beach by Pacific City, Oregon.  There we found a dark tunnel/cave and had some fun playing in the sand and waves.

The next day we made are way South to Depoe bay where we stopped at the Visitors Center learned a few things, hit the tourist shops and of course couldnt pass up the lure of Salt Water Taffy.  For lunch we headed to the Devils Punch Bowl, where we had a very cold picnic and watched the crazy people surf.  BRRRR!  After the Punch bowl we then headed to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  The kids had a great time watching the sea lions play around and also enjoyed walking through the tunnel of sharks.  For dinner we made the requisite trip to Mos for some fish and chips and chowder.  A trip to the Oregon Coast is not complete without a trip to Mos.

 Day 3 the girls headed to the Outlet malls while everyone else relaxed and napped.  After the Mall we made our way to Moolack beach where we found lots of interesting agates and rocks.  The boys decided to be brave and do a polar bear swim while Mckenzie and I were content to stay on the beach.

The final day on the Oregon Coast we relaxed, played volleyball on the beach, and had a bonfire on the beach. 

After a week of good times on the Oregon coast we headed back to Parma for a break before we we left for the next chapter of our vacation.