The Coast

This last weekend we traveled down to Portland to visit Ian's Dad and his friend Linda. On Saturday we went to Cannon Beach which is a very special place for Ian and I. We hadn't been since Peyton was born so we were long overdue for a visit. Prior to our arrival at the beach we described in terms we felt he could understand, "a big sandbox". As soon as we descended the stairs down onto the beach he promptly pulled out his bucket and shovel and began playing right there at the bottom of the stairs. As far as he was concerned, we had arrived at the big sandbox and didn't need to go a step further to start enjoying all the sand. It was very cute, except for the fact that people were stuck up on the stairs behind him and not all people can enjoy a cute toddler moment as well as I can.

As you can see it was a beautiful day and Peyton loved being on the beach. He was happiest down by the water and showed no fear when the waves came in and swallowed up his little feet. At first I was unsure as to what he thought as he had a most stoic look on his face but then as the water receded he called out "more, more" and I knew he was hooked.

Ashtyn had her first experience with sand and didn't seem to mind it. She was content as long as she was being held and that's all that mattered to her. Here she is with Grandpa Bob......and Linda...Peyton played a little football with Daddy, but quickly wanted to return to the water with it. He was sure all things would be more fun down by the water.
I was surveying the sand situation as we were getting ready to head out and realized Peyton was in for it as surely his diaper was full of sand. Linda volunteered to go pick up some baby powder at the Mariner Market so we doused him on the grass before changing him into clean dry clothes and loading into the car for the ride back to Portland. I think he looks like a little albino boy in this picture.
Both kiddos were out within minutes of driving and slept the entire way back to Portland. It was a great day and felt so good to return to "our place" with our sweet, young family.