Our family vacation was way overdue, years overdue! My two oldest live far away from me now. My youngest is a Jr in high school. I was overly excited not only because of the amazing adventure ahead of us but equally spending precious time with my kids.  now that my kids are older, this was probably our last trip as a party of 5.....very bittersweet! My thoughts on the west coast.....I am ready to move!!! I fell in love with Oregon!  I have seen Seattle, and in this trip visited the Redwood National Park, but by far loved Oregon. We went from mountains to redwoods to multiple beaches in a matter of days and every spot was amazing. I was in awe with each beautiful place and was sad to leave. I brought home bags of shells, rocks, driftwood and beautiful memories.