So, we got cabin fever after the bad weather a week or two ago and decided to spend a few days away from home. Jeff and I booked a hotel room in Seaside, and with no babysitter we took the kids along. Jeff says we will never take the kids again. Ariana stayed up till past midnight each night crying and yelling in her crib. It was horrific.
It was a nice stay and a great hotel (Best Western) except for some drunk creeps that were in the hot tub making disturbing comments...they got kicked out later, thank goodness. The staff were extremely courteous.
The days were mostly enjoyable though, if a little tired and cranky. We went to the small aquarium there. I did not feel that it was worth the price to get in, but feeling the seals there was fun. Ariana liked to plead to go feed them again whenever nap or bed time rolled around. We had a wonderful room for a nice price because of the time of year, and Jeff even cooked me a dinner in the small kitchenette.
I want to put in a plug for a wonderful place we ate at on the second day. We drove up to Astoria and hiked the Astro tower to fly planes off the top. Then we ate at the best restaraunt ever...Charlie's Chowder and Coffee, or something like that. I had a Wild Salmon salad...it was the best salad I have ever had in my life and it made me remember why salad is one of my favorite foods. I talked Jeff into going back the next day and we ate there again, still delicious.
I must add that our first meal was rather lacking. If you are ever in the area, go to Charlie's on 101 near the large pet store. I would not go back to the burger joint in Seaside that has an Elvis theme... we thought it would be a lot like Jamie's here in Corvallis but the burger was about as thin as a piece of cardboard and yet they still managed to leave parts of it uncooked. The fixings for the burger were okay, but it just left me wishing for something better rather than enjoying my meal. The fries sucked too, and I threw away 3/4 of a chocolate milkshake (unheard of!). But yeah, Charlie's was wonderful. I can't say enough good about it. Go there. (Jeff says their clam chowder is better than Mo's!)
We just had Christmas celebrations today with Jeff's family and mine. It was one of the best Christmas' either Jeff or I have ever had. We are so grateful that our family were willing to come to our house and let us host (and stay late :> ). Thank you all for the thoughtful presents as well!
January 4 will be the start of school for me, January 11th for Jeff. We will be working hard to get ready for another round, but we also have a few holiday plans left in store. We are hoping to go up to the snow with anyone who will go with us! The trip will be geared towards the kids since they can't stay out in the snow as long. We also plan on having our friends over for a breakfast of biscuits before we head out.
I hope everyone is having wonderful holidays and plans for a happy new year!
