Having Fun in Seaside

Grace's cute toes covered by sands

We had the great chance of recently visiting Seaside, Oregon on September 19th until 22nd. It was the first time for Grace, our daughter to see and touch the Pacific Ocean and actually the main purpose of this trip was for our little gal to see the ocean. Eventhough we live near The Commencement Bay in Tacoma where the peninsula surrounded by the water from Pacific Ocean, but the beaches such as Owen Beach and Titlow Beach and the waterfront are not sandy beach and of course a 'bay' is different than 'big ocean'.
As usual like many road trips we had before since we have Grace, preparation is very important when you bring a toddler, her clothes, milk,juice,snack on the go, pilow neck, some animal stuffs, favorite lovey doll, diapers, potty chair...etc. I have to admitt, I'm such a terrible packer (I forgot to bring comb and brush when we went to Mexico),  I wrote 2 page note every details that I need to bring, even I made note what we wear since day one, that way, I can be a bit relax, just follow the note. Having Grace in our life really change me. I really try to be more organized, yet simple.

Seaside actually is just 3 hours driving from Tacoma, but my husband and I like to arrange carefully where we gonna stop to eat, once Grace waking up from nap, we need to keep talking to her, explain to her where we at now, even sing a song, that way she won't get bored before we stop to have some meals and walk her a little bit, and continue again.
My first impression when I see the city of Seaside was the roads which as narrow as the roads in Kuta, Bali, bunches of big hotels and small hotels, rental houses along the beach or along the river, because infront of the beach are hotels and behind the hotels is 'Necanicum River', so there are two options when you want to spend at the hotels or rental houses get the room with overlooking the sea or the river.

The Downtown is full of restaurants and cafes and souvenir shops, one of the famous family restaurant is 'Pig'N Pancake' which from its name, is no doubt is like a kingdom of pancakes and provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, and when you order the menu, just like any other American restaurant always in a big plate and big portion, probably that's why obesity is always big issue in America. (..too bad I didn't take a picture of the one that I ordered, Grace was in the 'need attention' mode).

Since my husband is a big fan of ocean, and was so eager to show the ocean to his daughter, so what we did most in there was go to the beach and enjoy the cool breeze off the water  again and again. The first day when we're there, the big wind really blew out but we're lucky, the next days were pretty nice and warm. The day 2 that I was finally kicking into relaxation mode although when you bring a toddler on vacation it's just freaking difficult to admit that you're completely relax. But one of the greatest gift that we can give to our kids is a great experience, little tiny toes got wet, catching the waves and the sands stuck into her tiny toenails, her eyes kept starring to the ocean...thank you Lord.