Camping

We went camping at the Trail bridge campground along the McKenzie River, which is up from Eugene, Oregon. It was a beautiful area we loved all the hikes we went on and how pretty things were. Sometimes I think when we are packing for camping why in the world are we doing all this work to go spend one night camping. But when we are all sitting around the campfire and I am listening to my husband tell the boys stories and they are giddy with laughter, probably because they are exhausted but at that point it makes it all worth it.

Corbin trying to sneak a snack shocking!

This beautiful view was down the little trail from our campsite.

The boys had so much fun playing in the dirt the were digging with the dump truck for hours. The were filthy but hey your camping right.

Look at that cute dirty little face.

The next morning Braxton said mom I want to go on another hike, I thought he would not want to since we hiked 5 miles the day before to the blue pool. But I said okay we will go on a little one. So we went on a hike from Sahalie Falls to Koosh Falls this one was shorter just over a mile round trip. The picture above is Sahalie Falls.

The trial to Koosh Falls there were a lot of stairs.

The river was raging you would not want to fall in there.

Koosh Falls, the area was beautiful and amazing we had a great time.

Corbin is always trying to climb on something I have to watch this kid close it is only a matter of time before he breaks something.

Kevin climbing a fallen tree and Braxton trying to.

What a life what kind of hiking is this??

Our campsite, we finally got a new tent it was bigger then we thought but it was nice to have the extra space the boys loved running in there!

The Blue Pool Hike

We decided to go on a adventure with the boys we had to make our way through the 1st level, which was the enchanted forest.

The enchanted forest felt like you were in a different world it was beautiful.

For the 2nd level we had to walk through the land of lava rocks. It might be hard to tell but this area was covered in lava rocks but most of them were covered in moss and dirt. Braxton loved all the lava rocks and was so excited that it was once hot lava.

The third level was cliff bonnia (don't ask me Braxton came up with all the names of the levels) but we were up high and it was neat to look down and see the McKenzie River.

Finally we made it to the Blue Pool also known as Tamolitch Pool. This was amazing and worth the hike. It is really neat because the river comes off this very clear, still blue pool and their is no obvious water source to the pool. The river come up from underground into this pool and then the river flows off it. There was no photo shopping on the color of this pool it really is that blue it was amazing to see. However it was a little scary with the little ones because you are on a cliff and look down at the pool so if you go you have to keep a close eye on them.

While we were on this hike Braxton came up with the story about the levels and the enchanted forest, the land of lava rocks and cliff bonnia. He had a great time making up little stories to go with each land. This hike was 5 miles round trip!! You are probably wondering what we were thinking doing that with a 5 yr old and almost 2 yr old with no backpack for Corbin. Ya well we are a little crazy! It was pretty shocking Braxton did amazing and walked pretty much the whole thing and did not whine. Well he whined for a minute and I gave him a 5 min. piggy back ride and he was good I was so impressed. Kevin and I had to switch off with the chubbers but we all made it and it was really fun. We went camping when we went on this hike those pictures are to come.

Exploring the Beach

We decided to go for a bit of a drive and we went to Oceanside, OR (about 2 1/2 hrs away) to explore the beach. This beach was really neat it had a cave you had to walk so you could go explore some of the tide pool. it was beautiful with all the giant rocks out in the ocean. We also went to Tillamook cheese factory they had some really good ice cream and squeaky cheese that the kids liked to eat. Then we went to Rockaway Beach and played in the water and sand. The water is so cold we could only handle getting in up to our waist. But we had a great time playing in the sand and hanging out on the beach. What a great way to spend a Saturday!

The cave we walked through we told Braxton he needs to watch out for zombies but he did not really believe us. "THERE ARE NO ZOMBIES IN HERE DAD!!"

Tide pools are so fun to explore and see what you can find in there, it is neat to see it in a aquarium but it is something else to see it in the wild.

Kevin was trying to get Corbin to touch the star fish but he did not want to walk in the freezing water.

Loving the beach!

This little man was exhausted as you can tell poor Kevin had to carry this little guy as he passed out on the way back to the car.

Sliver Creek Falls

We have enjoyed exploring new areas out here in Oregon. Sometimes it feels like a different world it is so beautiful. We went on this hike called Silver Creek Falls that is about 45 min from us. We went with some friends and it was beautiful it has 10 different waterfalls in the area we only got to go to 3 of them because the boys were tired but I am sure we will be back for more!

Pictures don't do it justice this waterfall I think it was about 170 ft tall it was beautiful everything is so green it is a great way to spend a Saturday!

Crazy Corbin

My boys posing behind the waterfall.

We hiked down to the bottom of this waterfall it was a little challenging with the two little boys but it was worth it it was really pretty down there

Our friends The Hoggards, Greg, Madeline, Sam, Mark, & Ava

Braxton fell in the water at this waterfall so that was about it for hiking for us! He was a little whinny before he fell in the water so after that happened he was done! We were able to go have lunch and head home but it was a lot of fun and I am excited to go back again.

Visitors

We have loved being in Oregon so far. There are so many new places to go explore and see. We love going to the coast and it is only 1 hr 20 min from our house. One of the best things about being out here is that we are closer to family which means we might actually get more visitors. The other thing that is nice is that people want to come visit Oregon so we might get people to come see us. We loved having Steven and Elsha out to visit come any time guys!

Baby seal pups like to take naps on the beach it was so neat to see this animal so close! It was surprising to be walking along the beach and then look behind a rock and you see this cute little guy!

Corbin was so excited about the baby seal we had to keep him away from him because he wanted to walk right up to him!

Pacific City Beach

Loving the beach, (Steven, Chole, Elsha, Jaxton)

Exploring the Pirate Cave

My cute boys and me in the Devils Punch Bowl

ARRGGH Its Captain Braxton watch out!

Corbin enjoying the Beach!

Elsha posing with this star fish we found floating in the water. It was not stuck to anything so we thought it was dead at first but then we realized it was still alive so we put it back on a rock.

Loving the tide pools. It is neat to see these little creatures out in their own element.

We went down to the Devil's punch bowl and we found a way inside, it was pretty neat to go inside there.

(Steve, Jaxton, Elsha, Chole)

We had so much fun with these guys we were happy to have them out! It has been nice living a lot closer so maybe we will have some more visitors hint hint!

Lets Go Hiking!

One of the best things about Oregon is the beautiful area, this little area was called Mcdowell Creek Falls!! There is nothing like it you can go on little hikes not to far from your house and you run into a beautiful waterfall!

My little guy is getting so big he is 5 now!! Where does the time go?

This little guy is such a explorer we have to keep such a close eye on him because he has no fear. He will just charge into the water walk into a big whole, jump off anything he is a little crazy! But he sure is cute!

Corbin trying to charge down the river.

The boys had so much fun walking up the river we had a great time just enjoying nature!