Newport,Oregon

September was a busy month-visits from both sets of grandparents, a first sleepover, a first taste of solid foods, and a much needed mini trip to Newport, Oregon. 

We stayed at The Embarcadero by recommendation of Amy and it was every bit as great as she said it would be. For the price I really don't know if we could of found a better place to stay with kids. The hotel rooms are actually one bedroom apartments with bay views, balconies, flat screen TVs, and fireplaces. Although by no means luxury decor having all the space of a small house gave it the nice homey feel needed when traveling with small kids. But really the best part by far was the view. L fell so in love with the it that she instantly claimed the couch as her bed and insisted she sleep facing the window. But really can you blame her?

One morning L had enough of the view to glance around the room long enough to notice the hotel telephone. She instantly declared, "Look! That is like the phone is some of my books! Those phones are actually real! WOW!" Yeah, that didn't make us feel old at all. Nor did the following, "When we were kids" conversation. She played pretend phone with it for quite awhile. Even pretended to call people, but get a busy signal. For some reason the idea of not getting through was hilarious to her.

Where L spent her time when we were "home".

 Part of the reason behind the trip was the purchase of a Groupon for the Oregon Aquarium. And although it was no Monterrey Bay we all really enjoyed it.

L was very anxious to get to the much awaited shark tubes and was not amused with my want of picture first.

L and Joe probably would of stayed in the tubes for hours had I not been there to move them on. (The lighting was terrible for pictures, and since I am SO behind on blogging I am not even attempting editing)

Classic Joe & L.

Mesmerized.

But not the only one. For having just turned 5 months Hannah was very captured by the aquarium too.

Just so many wonderful sharks to look at.

Like I said they both could of stayed here for hours.

L thought the glass on the floor was one of the coolest things ever.

And because you are only young enough to plaster yourself right on to the glass to get a closer look for such a short period of time I didn't have the heart to say no.

Eventually we made it to see the seals.

And feel the tide pools.

As well as observe the jelly fishes.

Hannah really did want to look at everything.

Although, she didn't appreciate the big sister insisted photo.

Luckily, Big Sister agreed that a solo pic would be best. 

 The next day we ventured to the Yaquina Lighthouse thinking we would climb the spiral staircase to the top and lookout its magnificent view. However our plans were thwarted with their very strict all participants must climb by self so babies in Ergos are out rule. L and Joe considered making the climb without Hannah and I but the elderly in costume lighthouse volunteer badgered L out of it. I think she said three to four times in a matter of thirty seconds, "You are tall enough to do it but your dad CANNOT carry you at any point so you have to do it ALL BY YOURSELF." We decided to brave the cold misty weather and explore outside instead.

The lighthouse from the parking lot.

Reading all the historical markers around the outside of it.

Joe wanted to be picture taker so I am in these ones :-) Hannah nearly asleep.

L and I enjoying the rocky beach below. (Hannah is asleep)

Having fun climbing around the rocks.

L hit the jackpot with shell finding.

The lighthouse from the rocky beach below.

More rock climbing, and ocean watching :-)