Brooke

My cousin, Brooke, graduated from high school this past year and is up visiting Oregon for a few days. As a Texas gal, Oregon's coastal sites are a rarity. So, off we went into the sand for a mini photoshoot! 

 

Fresh finds

 There's something magical about fresh foods; something extra tasty about home and locally grown goods. One of my absolute favorite parts of Oregon summers are the amazing farmer's markets, berry/fruit farms near by, and the humble pots of tomato & basil plants behind our white & rugged picket fence. This week's market find was a gluten free lemon pepper fusilli dried pasta. The two women selling certainly won me over with their sweet southern accents. We paired the flavored pasta with a simple blend of our home grown tomatoes and basil along with what seems to be our favorite ingredient of turkey bacon & voila! A delicious, fresh meal! 

We are looking forward to trying a new flavored pasta next week. 

(After frying the bacon, we used the same pan with extra virgin olive oil & garlic sauteed with the tomatoes)... try it!

 Clam shell pasta bowl c/o Beyond Jordan Studio.

You can find this pasta & more at Pappardelle's Pasta.

Beach Getaway

  The Oregon coast was calling my name. For numerous reasons: to celebrate the completion of Andrew's 3rd year of med school, to squeeze in one more getaway with my honey before baby, and to return to the place we were exactly one year prior processing and grieving our miscarriage. So, to the coast, we went...

We stayed at The Coho in Lincoln City. Being our 3rd time there, I guess it has become a special place for us. Nothing grand, but perfect for us. 

Andrew spoiled me and booked the "sunset sweet," which included prime beach views, a balcony, fireplace, and an amazing jacuzzi tub. He knows how much I like baths. It was quite the treat and so very thoughtful of him to book a little something special. 

 The weather was windy, but amazing for our stay. We especially enjoyed the pool to ourselves in the evening. Baby girl had her first swim and it felt so wonderful to float. I'm wishing I got on the pregnancy pool gig earlier. Maybe next pregnancy...

Andrew had to study for some of the trip, but I enjoyed this time to myself to reflect, journal, & pray.

 After a filling lunch at Mo's, we weren't hungry for a real dinner. Instead, we settled for splitting a personal watermelon, peaches, & nectarines over a movie. Can you tell I'm in a fruit craze right now? We then stayed up far too late into the morning finishing the second season of Dexter. We are hooked!

I'm so thankful for our little getaways.

Family Spring Beach Trip 2014

Each year, Andrew's extended family gets together for a beach trip on the Oregon coast. Though not everyone was able to be there for the entire time, most were able to make at least a day or two. The weather was sunny and beautiful for the first few days (a rare site on the Oregon coast), and rainy/stormy the last couple of days. I like a mixture of the two. The rain and crashing waves sure make for a cozy state of mind. Just right for a restful vacation.

Sorry for the overload of photos below. This post is more for our own memory's sake.

 

We enjoyed having the youngsters in the house this year! 

Isaac discovered many yummy treats. His favorite might have been cheetos. He even made up a song about them. And... Andrew insisted on buying some when we got home. "Cheeeeeetooooo..."

 

 

Isaac (22 months) impressed everyone with his extended vocabulary and remarkable understanding/retention. This kiddo is quite amazing. I love the simple fact that he knows everyone's name (16 of us). What a joy it has been to watch this little guy grow up.

Then there's Lady Eliza (3 months). She got lots of cuddling and loving. What's not to love?

My favorite meal was made by Nick & Michelle (Bro & Sis in law). Gourmet waffles!

The boys couldn't forget their yearly sand castle build or ocean plunge...

 Our friends even came out to the coast to hang with us for a day. Loved getting to see them and enjoy this windy day together.

 I set up sewing camp and finally pieced together my quilt. Still lots of work to be done...

 Most of all, I enjoyed having my hubby around. I'm so thankful he got a "spring break" this year. What a blessing.

 Next year our little one will be joining the beach crew! Can't wait!