Keeping up with the Keipers: Cape Lookout State Park Family Camping Trip

August 2, 2011
DAY ONE:
The truck was packed the night before we left. After a few last minute tasks, we were off!
I love this picture of Caleb

We were only an hour into the drive when Caleb was hit with a case of motion sickness mixed with over excitement. It wasn't very easy to change him and get everything cleaned up on the side of a two-lane highway with large trucks going by. I have to admit, it wasn't necessarily the way I would have like to stretch my legs, but it worked. After a few minutes we were back on the road!

Our next stop was the rest stop just before the Astoria Bridge. Caleb and Bethany loved the fact that we were finally at the ocean.

Caleb and Bethany enjoying the view of the Astoria Bridge

Unfortunately, we still had quite a drive until we got to our final destination...Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon. After a few unexpected stops for all the forgotten items, we arrived at our campsite and immediately set up camp. We were surprised at how close to the ocean we were...just over the bushes behind the tent was the beach.

Caleb and Bethany showing our completed site

We couldn't close the day without going to the beach...and what better time than just before sunset!
Caleb and Bethany looking out from the top of the beach access path

Bethany looking out toward the ocean

Caleb and Bethany

Caleb

It didn't quite work, but Bethany enjoyed trying to make 'sand angels'.

Bethany

Caleb and Bethany drew in the sand all the way back to the path.

Caleb, Bethany and Dad climbing back up the path to the campsite

Our next task was to try and get the fire going...
Caleb and Bethany helping get the firewood out and ready to go

The air was so still and our site so protective, that there was no flow to allow the fire to breathe. Brian even tried starting it on top of the grate with no success. It wasn't very easy to explain to Caleb and Bethany that we wouldn't be able to roast marshmallows...something they were counting down to all day, but we had no choice. After promising extra stories and a final look at the ocean from the top of our campsite, fire-pit path it was time for bed!
Caleb making sure the ocean was still there, but not too close.

August 3, 2011 
DAY TWO:
The forecast was for nothing but sun and record high temperatures, how often do you get to enjoy 80 degree weather on the ocean? We got ready and immediately went down to the beach. Immediately I was very thankful we had put Caleb and Bethany in life jackets...they took off running for the waves!
Caleb and Bethany

Bethany enjoyed the waves...

...until the waves started to get a little bigger!

Caleb, on the other hand, was in heaven!! He had a blast jumping over the waves, running from the waves and into the waves. He sat and loved the feel of the waves washing over him and enjoyed watching how his feet sink in the sand with the tide. His excitement was very contagious!!

Here is a small taste of Caleb's excitement...

Caleb

We all had some fun digging in the sand and building a sand city...
Caleb and Dad

Bethany and Dad

We decided to explore the beach and amazingly, there was a little inlet of water that was wave free, and Bethany was able to enjoy the water with everyone else!

Caleb and Bethany

Caleb and Dad

Bethany

Our little piece of calm water...

We had left all of our stuff down the beach. Thank you, Brian for trekking all the way there and back with everything while Caleb, Bethany and I continued to enjoy the water.
Brian and all our stuff (a backpack, four buckets and shovels, two beach balls and two kites)

Bethany and Dad immediately started attempting to fly the kites. Unfortunately, the lack of a breeze continued while on the beach and the only way to get the kites up into the air was to run...
Bethany and Dad

Caleb didn't seem interested in flying his kite. Instead, he stayed with the water!

The foggy mist coming in on shore...

After a few fun hours in the sun, we decided it was time to find something to do inside...what better place to visit when in Tillamook, Oregon than the Tillamook Cheese Factory!
Caleb and Bethany driving the baby loaf truck

Bethany and Caleb

Bethany really enjoyed pretending to be a cow!

Mom

Caleb and Bethany watching cheese being made. I was amazed how long this held their attention!

We couldn't leave without testing the ice cream...Brian tried the Peaches and Cream, Caleb and Bethany both tried Bubble Gum, and I stuck with my favorite, Mint Chocolate Chip.
Caleb

Bethany

We looked at the boat outside the factory before leaving, but it didn't hold Caleb's attention like the motorcycles did!
Caleb admiring the motorcycles

We were all tired out and Caleb convinced Dad to carry him back to the car...not an easy task!!
Caleb and Dad

Driving back to camp gave Caleb a little more energy and he decided he wanted to spend some more time down at the water. Bethany lasted only a few minutes before it was very evident that a nap was in her near future. Thank you, Daddy for allowing me time with Caleb down at the water while Bethany and you rested at camp.
Caleb and Dad

After Dad and Bethany went back to camp, Caleb and I jumped waves until there were too many little jellyfish floating in on the tide with the seaweed. Instead Caleb decided to be a seaweed monster...

After some convincing, Caleb and I returned back to camp and amazingly, we were able to start the fire for dinner and s'mores!
Bethany, Caleb and Dad: "Fire!"

Caleb and Bethany

Along with her fear of the waves and the dogs throughout the campground, it soon became evident that Bethany was also scared of the crackle the fire makes while burning.

Day two definitely made up for the disappointments faced on our first day of our camping trip! Next...story time and a full night of sleep!!

August 4, 2011
DAY THREE:
The plan: eating breakfast...packing...driving!
Caleb