Coastal Journeys

There are those drives you take on your commute to work; there are those you take in your sweats to the store for a quick chocolate/soda/junk food run. Maybe even a drive around the country to get away. But then there are those drives you take with 12 other friends in a white suburban to the Oregon Coast -- and those seem to be the best kind. On Sunday, our road trip to Astoria, Oregon was a special occasion. And it was intensely enjoyable, delivered with laughter and love and Jesus. Fort Stevens, wrecked ships, ducks and gooses, running (lots of it), the great majestic ocean, bumper cars, pizza, Dutch Bros., and great, great company, including Brian Reagan himself.

These four endured close quarters the entire way and back.

Motherbear and Jesse.

 

It's cool, but really, not that cool.

This is the Goonies House. 

Brooke, ladies and gentlemen.

A beautiful, foggy, Astoria afternoon.

Astoria Column -- spiral staircase to the top of the tower.

View from the top of the Astoria Column.

The ladies.

Paper airplanes.

The Orthies.

Of course you need Monica's feet in a picture :D

When Brooke was a model.

This was Tim's first experience to the Oregon Coast!

Al.

Janet and Annie in mid air??

Amen.

For Sam

Samuel,

Your sister speaking. Here are the set of photos I promised. I'll probably think of you every time I take pictures from now until I see you again. I am praying for you while you're out there at sea. It's funny how sibling-hood can become such a precious thing when we're so far a part. I am proud to call you my brother. I pray that you are making the best of the isolation being on a ship can bring. I pray that you lean on Almighty Jesus, and that He may be your strength when you are weak. I'm also praying you'll return to Portland, because you always need family around. 

The first set of pictures are from a drive I took to Hood River, Oregon. These are mostly along the Columbia Gorge. I took a few pit stops for you. The second set are from the big snow/ice blizzard that we just had. Our roads were covered in snow, and the leaves on every tree were covered in an inch of ice. Great times driving in a snow blizzard, I tell you. Hopefully you can experience that one of these days. 

Please stay in touch. Although I'm not super great at communicating, you know I love you, Sam. And I pray for you often. 

Love your sister,

Monica