Little Home in the City: Day at the Coast

Due to an intense craving for clam chowder- let me specify, not just clam chowder. No, in fact it was a sourdough breadbowl filled to the very brim with clam chowder that I was specifically craving. Therefore my knight in shining armor loaded us all up into the trusty white steed of a 4Runner and we headed off to the coast!
Once we were on our way we began to have serious doubts about the worthwhile-ness of the trip since Eileigh spent most of the trip screaming for various (known and unknown) reasons. But we made it, a little harried and definitely ready for some fresh ocean air. We've taken Eileigh to the coast a couple of times but she had always been too young to be able to enjoy the experience. This time we were delighted to find her thoroughly fascinated and enjoying all aspects of our great Oregon coast. She loved the sand in her toes, picking up rocks and shells (and other unidentifiable objects) and felt the water a couple times before she realized the cold temperature. After that she always picked up her feet and wouldn't stand up until we were back on the sand. One of my favorite moments was when she stood looking at the ocean and just said "Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah" in a really loud voice. She also hammed it up by reaching her arms out toward the ocean like she was stretching for it- hard to describe, but it's such an Eileigh thing.
We finished off our evening at Mo's (where Mike went in ahead to ascertain that yes, Virginia, they do have a sourdough breadbowl swimming in clam chowder). He's so tolerant- I'm so blessed!! :) Eileigh enjoyed applesauce and mac'n'cheese, the occasional crayon, and generally trying to get other diners' attention. Mike and I shared clam strips (which *blush* I have to say I took care of most of that), I got my breadbowl and chowder and Mike had halibut fish'n'chips which he graciously allowed me a bite of... only to find almost an entire piece vanished before either of us realized it. There was a bite left but he generously declined- more out of astonishment at my intake than out of his satiety, I suspect. Or maybe he feared he'd lose a finger if he tried to take it back, I'm not sure...
The sun was warm on our backs as we headed back to the car for the return trip. Eileigh was much improved from the earlier drive and we had a decent ride home. Definitely worth the trip. All in all, a very good day.