The Cracrofts

6.11.2009

Flashback Photo Friday!

It was 5 years ago today that Justin and I set out to explore and experience a part of the country that neither of us had ever been to before...

We received a tent for a wedding gift 2 years earlier... and only used it once before this trip; while house sitting for Justin's uncle's in Heber. We hated the thought of the tent collecting dust. So, we decided to test it out in the great Northwest, baby! In particular- THE OREGON COAST...

We loved- LOVED this trip to OR. Probably because it was our last big hurrah before our next big adventure- Kids. Yup. 9 months later Caitlin joined our family! :) We do find ourselves wishing that we would have taken more trips like this one, before the chillen's came along, but we were so happy that we have the fun memories and now a deep love for this part of the country. We look forward to when our kids are a bit older and we can go again! Hopefully this post will inspire you to take your own trip to OR!

June 12-

Cascade Locks, KOA

Our first night camping!! We were really excited for this week to start! Mostly to get away and enjoy the peace and serenity of birds and "cute little squirlies" (Shreck 2) ... Ahhh. and the fresh air! We got pretty lucky, this was the only night that it rained (umm... poured) on us... But a little rain never hurt anyone... plus, we slept like babies as the rain softly put us to sleep... UNTIL the massive and very loud train passed by blowing it's horn at all hours of the night... "Honestly! Who throws a shoe?"

So, we really don't recommend this camp site... and for future reference...ask if there's a train close by before booking your spot. Gotta love the KOA's...

Mm. hot dogs!

June 13-

Multnoma Falls

Oooo... so pretty!

Portland Temple

Lunch: Egg salad sandwiches in temple parking lot! Mm.

Ft. Stevens:

Aww. Looks like a shot right out of an L.L. Bean catalog... fleece jackets and matching Chaco's...

June 14-

Haystack Rock-

Making our way south on Highway 101, we finally run into some SUN! Yippee! This little beach was SO beautiful and the homes in this little town were charming, made us want to live here!

The sand and sun made Justin a little giddy. P.S. nice glasses J!

Seaside-

More sun and sand...

Tillamook Cheese Factory-

Justin was a good sport about visiting the cheese factory... even though he doesn't like cheese! I had a good time with the free samples, he missed out big time! Tillamook is quality, Yo! Lucky for him they make ice cream too! Mmm.

Devil's Bowl-

Beverly Beach State Park:

June 15-
This is Beverly Beach...

Heceta Head Lighthouse:

OR Botanical Gardens:

Sunset Bay-

HA! This picture reminds me of those 'older couples' who drive around in RVs camping their lives away... (which sounds strangely exciting!) I'd have to say this was our favorite camp site... we'll mostly likely come and stay here again and for a few more nights. I mean... just look at this place... beautiful camp spot tucked away in the trees...

Ironically, this was one of the nights we didn't have reservations for and happened to find this place... (I think we received a tip from Papa Williams...) It was our favorite! I said that already, but it was! Notice the wet suits hanging on our laundry line? We went swimming in Sunset Bay! Fun!

June 16-
Lunch, somewhere--a rest stop along the highway. Beautiful view!

Jedediah Smith Redwoods

We stayed the night in Crescent City where we rented ourselves a little Kampin' Kabin. We were sourrounded by HUGE redwood trees. the plus side to this we didn't have to set up our tent... or a fire. So we went in town and had Burger King for dinner :)We went to check out the beach found the SMALLEST sanddollars we have ever seen. Then we hit the theater and saw Harry Potter #3- it was a fun night!

June 17-

Redwood National Park

Left coast at Arcata, CA entered Dry and Hot CA (and enjoyed the curvy, roller-coaster road--Highway 299). Stayed at Wiskytown Lake. Set up camp and then swam in lake.

June 18-
Made our way to Tahoe, which would be our last stop on our trip. I don't know why we stopped taking pictures... maybe we were just having too much fun and forgot about the camera! So the next few are googled. Emerald bay...

Stayed at Camp Richardson. We were the only ones there, almost, maybe 2 other campers. Swam in the lake with gease.

Went back to our camp, built a fire and made the most amazing tin foil dinner- chicken, potatoes, green beans and red peppers with lemon and a little S and P! Stars were amazing here!

June 19-
Packed up and drove through NV. Home sweet home!

6.10.2009

Big Mountain FHE

Justin planned a great Family Home Evening for Monday night. We took a drive up the canyon to see some Church History sites... it was a beautiful evening! The air was clear because it had been raining all day long... and the view was just breathtaking...

Caitlin and Will had an enjoyable time too! Glad we thought to put their rain boot on them because no kid can resist rain puddles!

Caitlin took this picture of Mommy and Daddy. Don't worry, Mom, we were pulled over to the side of the road!

6.05.2009

Our three little Monkeys!

Some day I hope they will all sit still and smile for the camera... but for now, I just couldn't choose my favorite one... I decided to post them all! I'm one lucky Mama!

This is hilarious... we had a few of these mini-wars during the photo shoot... i decided to record it... What a kick, esp. Caitlin's face after i say 'smile!'