Fun with friends

As I had mentioned in one of my previous posts, we had some friends come to spend the weekend with us. Michael, being the sweet, thoughtful, unselfish man that he is, offered to watch all six kids for us so that Crystal and I could go out on the town. We had no idea where we were going to go or what we would do, but we jumped at the chance. We did end up taking her baby Dillon with us. We decided that a Michael with hair still attached to his scalp, and sane, is a good thing. We hopped in the car and drove with no destination in mind. We had no curfew and no obligations. It was the most wonderful, indescribable feeling ever!

We drove out towards the coast with the intent to stop wherever we dang well pleased. And we did. We stopped at a few small gift shops and touristy places. While in one of these shops, we decided it would be fun to see some lighthouses. We drove to the nearest one only to find that they were closed until March 20-something. We still got some neat pics. Then we drove even further down the coast to Coos Bay. It's such a charming little coastal town with great shops and restaurants. We decided to eat at a delicious Italian food restaurant. I know what you're thinking, because Michael thought the same thing. Italian food?!? On the coast?!? Well, neither one of us likes seafood. So there. After dinner, we made our way back inland and stopped at Dairy Queen for a delicious blizzard. All in all, I would say this was one of my favorite trips! Thanks, Babe for making it possible! (Michael appreciated that I appreciated him.) ;)

The only stipulation Michael gave me was that if we went out to the coast, he wanted some fresh oysters. Of course! Anything for the man, who, at that moment was probably locked up in a straight jacket and being hauled away mumbling incoherently. While driving away from the dock where we purchased they oysters, I almost hit a stop sign. True story. It jumped up out of nowhere. That and the grey steel color of the post blended in with it's surroundings. Someone ought to complain. Whatever. So, I'm driving, trying to recouperate from the near-miss and I see this little guy, hippity hopping along. Guess he must have had a run in with a seal or trap or something. Cute little nubby.

Trying on some genuine sea captain caps at a local tourist shop. I almost bought some for the kids. Then I noticed the $69.97 price tag. Maybe next time.

A view of the ocean as seen from the ground level of the Umpqua River Lighthouse.

This is the jaw bone of a Grey Whale. I know. A bit mossy. And not to mention, HUGE!

Apparently you can also whale watch from this very spot. I guess their migration period is just beginning, or was just ending. Or something like that. There was a calendar of sorts there describing the best times to see whales. I forgot the dates, but I think now is a good time.

Yes, this was a fun trip. Good times. Good times.