Oregon Coast Fun

The second half of our trip was spent at our favorite place, the Oregon Coast.  We love to stay in Gearhart, a quaint coastal town just north of Seaside.  Like we've done before, we rented a condo at Gearhart by the Sea.  We love that we can have the home conveniences of a full kitchen - makes for much healthier eating.  We love that there's just a short walk down the trail to the beach - even though we drive the car down anyway.  We love spending time in the pool & hot tub.  

We love the full ocean view.  

Our time here was relaxing, enjoyable, unstructured,  just perfect.  Grandma came with us and then Aunts:  Jenny, Tricia, & Shauntay came down the next few days.  We spent most of our time on the beach doing all of the things one does at the beach on the Oregon Coast:

Leisurely walks enjoying one another's company 

Watching the waves, looking for boats, watching seagulls

Getting our picture taken

building SANDCASTLES

collecting CLAM shells, empty CRAB shells and other TREASURES for our sandcastles

the crazy ones of the bunch went BOOGIE BOARDING.  

As is normal at the coast, it wasn't close to being any kind of tropical weather, but Aunt Patricia, Shauntay, and Ethan weren't bothered by the freezing cold water one bit

collecting SEASHELLS and SAND DOLLARS

we found so many that we carefully packed a bunch in our suitcases and left some for Aunt Patricia to mail to us.  

Both Ethan and Ellie loved getting to know Aunt Jennifer.  They were constantly by her side and always wanting her to ride with us anywhere we went.

Spending time in SEASIDE

driving the BUMPER CARS!

FLYING a KITE on the Beach

building more SANDCASTLES

taking SELFIES

more walking, hoping for an awesome SUNSET

being CUTE and having more pictures taken

beach FIRE and SMORES!

Kelly was a good sport hanging out with all of us girls, 

he & Ethan were outnumbered

STAYING WARM by the fire

more selfies

brother & sister walk

PRICELESS

just a great picture of Ethan and the early part of a sunset

I just love the Oregon Coast!!  

The sound of OCEAN, the never-ending HORIZON, the BEACH, the cool SAND, the lush GREENery nearby, even the chilled air are a few of my favorite things.  I LOVE spending time with my FAMILY here, it was especially nice to have time with my MOM and SISTERS here.  

I love all of the MEMORIES we have made and continue to make in this lovely place throughout the years.  

Grandma Ramona's Baptism

My mom has been investigating the church and since she knew we would be in town she decided to be baptized at that time.  Kelly was honored to baptize my mom.  It is so amazing the change in Grandma over the last several months.  With all that she has been dealing with and since meeting with and learning from the Missionaries I have seen in her more peace and hope.  The Gospel and knowledge of God's eternal plan for us has made such a remarkable difference in her life.  We are all so happy and excited to have been part of this special day for Grandma Ramona.

Grandma and the Elders who have been teaching her.

Another wonderful thing about this day is that my sister, Aunt Jennifer, came to witness Grandma Ramona's baptism as well.  It was so great to have all three of us sisters together with my mom.  Ethan and Ellie were so excited to meet their Aunt Jenny.  Last time I saw my sister was when I was pregnant with Ethan - over 10 years ago.

After Dad's Commencement Ceremony we took graduation pics of dad as well as some family pictures with the great background we had.

Mom and (3 of 4) Sisters - oldest to youngest.  

Elisabeth's photo time - because she loves it!!

and she's so ADORABLE.

Kelly C. Krohn, MBA

After many long hours and lots of hard work Kelly earned his Masters of Business Administration degree.  He earned it through a small university outside of Portland, Marylhurst University.  Knowing that the graduation and hooding ceremony was in June, we couldn't resist turning this celebration into a fun, family trip to our favorite coastal region.

Our "Master" as dad said he would like to be called now.

On Friday evening we attended the honorary Hooding Ceremony for graduates earning their Masters Degree through the College of Business.  The ceremony was held at the university so it was fun to walk around the small, historic campus. 

I am so proud of this amazing man.     

Proud of their daddy!!

Kelly has always done all that he can to take care of our little family.  He has always made furthering his education a top priority.  He always makes his family the the center of his life.  And he has always found a way to make time for us even among the craziness of a busy, stressful job and also going to school.  What a wonderful example you have been to your children and to me. 

The following morning we attended the Graduation Commencement Ceremony for the entire University.  This ceremony was held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.  Grandma, Tricia, Jenny, & Shauntay were able to join us as well.

It's official!
(well, after the official one arrives in the mail)

Great view of the city skyline