Redwoods/Monterey/Big Sur

The week of August 7th is when we started our return back to Phoenix.  We took our time however, and did some great sightseeing along the way.

Our first scenic stop was the Redwood's National Forest.  We took the 27 mile drive on the famous, "Avenue of the Giants".  It was beautiful!

Jeff and the boys look so tiny compared to that tree.

Wow!

This is the stump that Zach decided to jump off from.

Hence, the sprained ankle and a short stint on crutches.

On our way through the Avenue of the Giants, we came upon a group of elk.

These things were huge! 

 Oh, we also got to visit with Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox.

Ha, Ha!

The boys of course had to try climbing.

On our way to Monterey, on the Klamath River, there was a whale that came in with her baby.

When the baby was big enough, it swam back to the ocean but

Mamma decided to make the river her home for awhile. 

It was a treat to see this whale close up!

Can you see it?

Well, we finally made it to Monterey, CA.

Of course, we couldn't leave Monterey without stopping at

Fisherman's Wharf.

A highlight for Jeff and the boys was visiting the famous

golf club at Pebble Beach.  WE had lunch there and everything!

This is a pic facing the 9th hole, I believe.

I would have to say, my personal favorite was the

drive down to Big Sur, CA.

Breathtaking!!!!!

I loved seeing all the wildflowers in bloom along the coast.

Honestly, it's so hard to say what was our favorite from this trip. 

We saw and experienced so many amazing things.

I will say, the more I see of this awesome world that GOD created for us,

the more I am convinced of his "Magnificence".

We are blessed beyond measure!!!!!

Week of July 30th (last day)

Of course, we had to spend part of our last day in Manzanita at the beach. 

It was one of those dreary cool days in Oregon that we hear so much about. 

I was freezing but nothing that a cup of hot chocolate can't cure.

The boys playing football with Daddy.

Wrestling. 

After the beach, the boys even made it to the driving range.

Tomorrow, we start heading south making our way back slowly to Phoenix

but not before some more adventure.

STAY TUNED!

Week of July 30th (3)

Okay, we didn't spend all of our time at the beach relaxing.  We actually did some exercise too.
We went on a 3hr hike up to the top of a mountain near the coast line. It was exhausting!!!

We made it to the summit above the clouds.

What a view! You can see the beach that we have been spending lots of time on below.

Zach and I reached the summit first.

I was so proud of Jason because he made it too.

This was the last part of the hike from the top.

Can you see Jeff and Jason?

We also went kayaking on the Nehalem River.

We also explored some other beaches as well.

Week of July 30th (2)

We spent loads of time at the beach just relaxing. 

We couln't have asked for better weather.  It was sunny and warm.

The boys loved looking in the tide pools after the tide went out.

Pretty starfish!

Boys spent a lot of time building this fort. 

Several days, in fact......

They even found a crab.