A Graduation, An Antique Store & Oregon Memories

While we were in Oregon, we had the opportunity to celebrate another graduate—Mackenzie.

We started the day with a little trip into Florence. We didn’t have a lot of time, but we wanted to enjoy a few moments there before heading to the graduation party. We stopped for lunch at Moe’s and, of course, couldn’t leave Florence without getting some salt water taffy from BJ’s.

After lunch, we headed back and met Greg’s parents at the graduation party near Coos Bay.

The party was held in a beautiful location right along the water. The views were wonderful, although the Oregon coast reminded us it was still the Oregon coast—the wind definitely made an appearance. Thankfully, the inside of the building was warm and comfortable, and LaRee and I found ourselves gravitating toward the fire more than once.

The food was amazing, with so many delicious things to choose from. It was fun visiting with family, celebrating Mackenzie, and enjoying another milestone together.

There is something really special about watching these kids grow up. It seems like just yesterday Mackenzie was a little girl running around. She was always such a sweet kid—quieter than some of the others, very girly, and someone who loved crafts, baking, and helping whenever she could.

Now she is graduating high school and getting ready for her next adventure.

She will be playing volleyball at a community college in Washington, and I couldn’t be more excited for her. It will be fun to see where this next chapter takes her and watch her continue to grow.

After the graduation party, we made one more stop in Coos Bay to visit Aunt Jan, Greg’s dad’s sister. She works downtown at an antique store, and we arrived just as she was closing for the day.

Instead of rushing us out, she locked up the store and let us explore on our own. It was such a fun little unexpected adventure. Of course, we found a few treasures that we couldn’t leave behind.

My favorite find was a woodpecker toothpick holder. It might seem like a random antique to some people, but I immediately knew it would have a place in our cabin someday. I love finding little pieces with a story behind them, and I can’t wait to see it sitting in our future kitchen.

When we finally made it back to the house, the guys decided to head out fishing again, and Jaelee went along with them. LaRee and I stayed behind and enjoyed a quieter evening.

Then, as if Oregon hadn’t already given us enough beautiful moments, a group of deer wandered by the house.

Thankfully, I had my camera nearby with my long lens already attached. I was able to quietly capture a few pictures of them before they moved on.

BJ is their initials so we had to get a picture by the sign in the window.