pines, sand, and a creaky beach house

Oregon was seriously THE highlight of 2020. Lot's of cancelled things but gratefully we were still able to spend a week with two of my sisters (and their families) on the Oregon coast. Much needed for the soul. The endless pines, the cooler temperatures, and fresh air. 

For days we just got to be outside and do whatever as a family. Yes we've been together nearly 24/7 since mid-March but something about this time together felt very different, in the best way possible.

Before making it to the coast, we took a little detour to drive around Mount Hood and explore the area nearby. Enjoyed our time seeing the dahlia farms, watching people ski down at the Timberline Lodge, quick picture at Trillium Lake (since it was insanely packed), an afternoon hike to Tamanawas Falls, and ending the night with dinner at The Gorge White House as the sunset. 

Besides staying in a house literally right next to the beach with a view of Twin Rocks, we got to visit many of the beaches in the area. Hug Point, Cannon Beach (Haystock Rock of course), Oceanside, Tunnel Beach, and Short Sands to name a few. By far my favorite was being able to explore the starfish caves/tide pools at Cape Meares. The sharp contrast of the tree covered cliff meeting the ocean gave such a lovely view. Seeing the cave covered in hundreds of sea stars (one of which we found unattached and bigger than our heads).

Despite going to bed late each night, I found so much peace on my early morning beach runs. One of the mornings all 4 of us went down and enjoyed the fogging views. The kids were in heaven in the water and sand.

It seemed only natural to have a tie dye night, even though a certain someone (Tanner) was a dye hog.

The evening of our last day, I hope to never forget jumping waves with Tanner and a few of my nephews while I looked back to find our boys digging in the sand. A very happy moment. Thanks Oregon. Can't wait to go back.

"Look Down"...Marseille

Nat & Laetitia invited to show us around Marseille until we had to catch our train later that afternoon. Madame Lavie packed us some sandwiches and we were off. A short 30 minute car ride away. It was a hot day but with the coastal breeze it felt great.

Ferry's used to go out to the Chateau d'if (yep the one from the Count of Monte Cristo); we only got to view it from the coast. You also may already know but Marseille is where the story of Les Mis begins with Valjean (hence the title "look down")...yep we walked through the old port.

Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille has the best view of the entire city. As you can tell.

(Nativity scene within the cathedral)

Cathédrale de la Major is neat with it's stripes.

Since we only had a few hours we had to go from one place to the next rather quickly. It was nice to drive along the coast with the windows down. Marseille wasn't originally in our plans so it was a nice surprise to visit it with some locals.

p.s. I hated seeing the graffiti all over these cathedrals. 

This happened in not just Marseille but almost every other city we visited. Booo.