Bandon and The Redwoods

 The Smith Reunion took us to Bandon, Oregon this year.  We weren't too thrilled with the amount of driving we had ahead of us, but the time spent there and in the Redwoods made it all worth it.

 We made a pitstop on the way to Bandon in Burns, OR.  We decided to just get cozy and only reserve one room.  The kids would be FINE on the floor.  Well, this was a first...tile floors.  Needless to say, it was a tad cold and hard for a sleeping surface.  It made for a good laugh.

 Mallory and Molly checking out the view from the balcony of our condo.

 Grandpa used to work at Bandon Crossings so it was a fun opportunity to see where he lived and spend some time on the course he loves.  Libbie seems to have uncovered a talent in golf.  Grandpa helped her perfect her swing.

 All the kids spent lots and lots of time on the driving range.  They loved it.

 Tyce

 Jaren

 All the Oyler/Cardon kids lined up with Grandpa coaching them along. He even got me to swing a club which is quite a feat.  I even hit the ball which is quite a miracle.

 A walk on the VERY windy beach. Claire and Annie.

 Mols and Mals

 Aunt Cherie always prepares a stellar BINGO game.  It's the highlight of the reunion for my kids.

 On the 4th of July, Hannah and I took the kids to the parade while Jake and Nathan golfed.  It was a funny parade indeed. Lots of jeeps and trucks and they even passed out cheese curds.

 After the parade we decided to check out the local bakery Grandpa frequented for a giant cinnamon roll.  Tasty.

 A very disappointing lighthouse (gift shop). But hey, we did it.

 It was fun to walk along the beach to catch some fireworks. Very cold, but fun.

 On our way down the coast toward the Redwoods, we decided to check out another lighthouse.  More windy than I think I've ever experienced.  And yet another disappointment.  It was THE one day of the week they were closed so we didn't get a closeup. These are the experiences memories are made of however.

Don't blow over the edge children!

 After quite a long drive, we stopped for some fresh fish and chips.  The wait was long, but the food was good.

 We couldn't pass by Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox and not get a photo.

 During our time in the Redwoods, we stayed at Elk Meadow Cabins.  It was a fun spot and there really were lots of Elk all around. Such a beautiful area.  I'm so glad we got to experience this!

 Mia posed with every, single fence/bridge we encountered.  And there were a lot of fence/bridges :)

 Look Mom! A heart leaf!

 These trees are just so big! Amazing!  I'm still in shock about the whole thing.  The peace and serenity in the woods is really something else.  Like nothing I've ever experienced before.

 Corkscrew tree.

 Our navigators.

 Deep in thought.

 Quick walk on the beach before bed. Tyce and June.

 Fern Canyon was such a treat. Lots of fun climbing through trees and the streams and enchanting scenery.

 Standing inside a tree, burned from the inside out.

 A windy, cold lunch at the beach.  Thankfully, the sun would finally make an appearance.  It made for such a lovely afternoon.

 They found some crazy, fish-like things and enjoyed torturing them for sometime.

 Happy to see the sun shining.

 After the beach we got cleaned up and ate burgers for dinner back at the house.

 One final galavant through the forest.  Mallory enjoyed the banana slugs.

 Our whole group holding hands around the tree.  We didn't quite have enough people to complete the circle.

 A rare photo of me and my sis Hannah. I'm so happy we got to experience this with one another.  Such a fun time with these guys.

 The drive home was quite painful.  This was the insanity inside our van during a 30-minute canyon delay.  It seemed like we ended up behind every trailer, semi, or slow vehicle that was on the road that day.  We were so happy to finally make it home.