Our Little House by the Ocean

The Oregon Coast is a very special place to my family. Not only is this where my parents spent their honeymoon, but our family has been making the little trek there for over 20 YEARS! It is fun to see the traditions that stand the trials of time, and collect new ones each and every year. We stay in a condo near Lincoln City and New Port called the Inn at Otter Crest, but to little Madison Wiberg it was always the "little house by the ocean."

It is my family's happy place.

I missed out on the past couple of years...growing up and getting married will do that to you. And my dream is to be able to bring my husband (in case you haven't been following he is still working in Texas, and they were moved into hotels so I had to leave him behind to get us moved into our new place...after a little trip to the coast of course). But someday his summer job and our schooling will line up just right to allow us to experience this special place together.

The one good thing about Kirby not being there was that we had room from Aunt Myndie to come with us! I don't know how we used to fit all of my mom's family, but it has been done!

I have been to several tropical beaches, beaches where it feels like you are swimming in bath water it is so warm, beaches where you just walk around in a swimsuit and soak up the sun until you need to cool off and play in the waves...and this is not that kind of vacation.

Here we wear jackets, can't feel our feet after a little bit of wading in the water, and curling up in a blanket on the balcony with a cup of hot chocolate is the perfect evening get away. And to me, there is nothing more peaceful and comforting than a week on the Oregon Coast in our Little House by the Ocean.

 

A Blast from the Past 

Before I show you the pics from this year let's embrace the awkward phases of my childhood at the coast. I got tired of digging through all the pictures we had...but you get the idea.

 This is Dad and Mandy on the loft in the condo.

 And this is Dad dangling me from the loft in the condo.

 And this, my friends, is my favorite sweatshirt of all time.

And this is the rope swing in our forest.

 And the famous picture.

 And now the awkward phases begin...

We still take time to get our favorite ice-cream cones every time we go.

 PS: This is my mom and my aunt, Myndie, that came with us this year!

 My dad will always be the pro though...

In case you were starting to think we never took Bailey...she just wasn't born or was too teeny weeny until now! Look at that cutie.

Newport

Now to the Present.

Newport...oh how I love you and your stinky chum buckets. 

One of my favorite stops on our long list of Oregon Coast Must-dos. 

From the dock overlooking the howling sea-lions, the fishers going about their daily business, the fresh fish and chips, and the adorable shops lining the streets. 

Thank you once again for keeping us constantly entertained.

This young chap is my good friend Terry. He sits here and draws the most amazing scenes with nothing but a black and red pen on rocks that he finds on the coast. I am a regular customer of his, and he never disappoints!

Salt water taffy is a must...I am just so proud of myself for making it this long without stealing one of the candies I picked out for Kirby!

Jessica decided to pose with each of the pirates we ran into...and there were quite a lot.
When you order popcorn shrimp, and they catch the little guys in their backyard, you know it will be good.

 Our beach

I view this staircase, and this beach as ours. The only access to it is from our condo, so we never have to worry about a large crowd keeping us company. This is the first beach I ever stepped on, the first beach I collected sea-shells on, and the beach that made me fall in love with the ocean.

It has everything you could ever need for an ocean adventure...complete with access into the Devils Punch Bowl at low tide.

So the next two pictures are from the inside of the punch bowl...

 

And this is it from above!

So we have kind of adopted another beach over the past couple of visits. Just a quick walk from the condo, past it's little duck pond, and through my forrest (yes I am taking ownership of the forest as well) and you will find Moe's, the only place I eat clam chowder and the first restaurant I remember eating at, and the staircase down to the new addition to our beach.

We LOVE it at this beach. It has such a different feel than it's neighboring beach and we love to get the different vibes. Plus my sisters love the surfers ;) 

Oh and of course the sand castles, sometimes it is my dad building by himself and us being impressed (as you probably saw above), sometimes it is the girls, but this year Mom bought some fancy tools and a how-to book so we tried some new techniques...and Bailey built her own next door.

Lincoln City

One of our favorite of the fancier restaurants is Kyllo's in Lincoln City, which means that it is close to the Outlets (a back to school shopping tradition) and my mom's favorite beach. So it's a must stop.

Oh and the wall...this year I tried to write something special for Kirby...but I over estimated my height and had some trouble getting my head in those arrows...but you get the point.

Depot Bay 

Something we always look forward to about the coast is the sighting of our good friends, the local whales. They always like to put on a good show for us. We watch them from our balcony, from the beach, from restaurants, and of course the wall at Depot Bay. This guy in the picture below was even closer to us than he was to the whale watching boat! I have some pretty awesome videos of him showing off for us, but I thought I would spare you the lengthy videos.

Our newest tradition - The Christmas Cottage - was instantly a hit with the whole family. Plus the fact that I bought us some new stockings, in August, at the coast, will make Christmas even more special.

 

And of course a stop at our favorite bakery for pizza and some sweet treats.

This tradition goes back as far as I can remember...this little ice-cream shop better know how special it is! (Recognize this from the old pictures?)

And the classic picture somehow always happens too..

 The Last Night

On our last day we made sure to go out with a bang...breakfast at the wildflower cafe, a trip to 4 different beaches, our favorite gift shop on the edge of a cliff, and a fire on a foggy beach.

 

Family Frisbee

Oh and a Bigfoot sighting...

And another Bigfoot sighting...

And a Shout out to my Boo!

Kirby is still working his booty off day in and day out. I cannot express how much I appreciate his hard work and the constant sacrifices he makes. I really am the luckiest girl alive!

I miss this blue eyed boy so much...the only way I have stayed sane is through constant snap chats, and phone calls...plus I may or may not be sleeping with a piles of pillow on his side of the bed.

So here's to you bun, thank you for all you do...I'm all about you!

Also...he packed up our apartment and squeezed it into our little car by himself...to go live out of a hotel with some of the other guys.

What a man!

Hopefully next year I will be able to include him in our Condo post ;)

Thanks always,

Madison Muir

A Texan Goodbye

Goodbyes are hard, that's one simple truth that most people can agree on. It is hard to say goodbye to a city that has shown us a new side of life and kept us guessing around every corner. These past few months in Austin have definitely been a journey. One that we will never forget. We have loved exploring, learning, and growing together. So, thanks to Austin for all the tasty eats, surprisingly beautiful nature, hidden gems, and variety of personalities that you have shared with us. 

Plus look at how beautiful and sunny it is here! And check out my hunk of a husband...ow ow!

 

Well there is seriously still SO much that we wanted to experience while living here. But plans change and that is life...so we found ourselves trying to do everything we wanted to do...in one night! It was quite the adventure and definitely a success. (And if you are wondering why we had the sudden change in plans, just keep scrolling!)

Austin is home to the best nightlife, food trucks, Mexican restaurants, and (get this) the largest bat colony in North America!The underneath of one bridge in the middle of downtown is home to up to 1.6 million bats! Is that insane or what! At night you can stand along the side and watch as all the bats wake up and come soaring out right in front of you! It is incredible and something you cannot experience anywhere else.

Last night was "Batfest," a celebration all about the bats. The bridge was blocked off and crowded with crazies dressed as bats, booths of all sorts, all the best food trucks, and of course live music.

So, trying to fit everything in in one night: we hung out with some bats, got one of the "food truck must eats" for an appetizer, walked the streets of downtown, ate the best tacos, and got trapped in a Blue October concert. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to the city and my dearest husband...so stay weird Austin, it was fun while it lasted!

Oh and I must mention Torchy's, that is it and that is all. Simply darn good.

There are thousands of bats behind us...just try to pretend you can see them.

 

Those are fries covered in a bunch of stuff including Korean beef something or other, everything we read said we had to try them...so of course we had to.

My first bite of Mexican street corn...so yum.

So anyhoo...back to goodbyes and the reason for the quick change of plans...

The hardest goodbye is always to my sweetheart. Whether it is for one night or a weekend, I always feel a little empty inside being parted from my husband...So this morning was extremely hard for me for many reasons. I just said goodbye to my boo for the longest period of time we have ever had to face, call me a baby, but it is already killing me.

Kirby has decided to "extend" which means that he will be out here working for the first two weeks of September. When we were first discussing this idea I was like nope not gonna happen. 

Him staying meant me: being away from him for three whole weeks, finding a way back to Rexburg alone, missing a chance to visit Kirby's mission with him, giving up our road-trip/camping plans for the drive home, painting the interior of the house we are moving into, moving all of our stuff from storage into the house, unpacking it all, getting settled, buying our school books, and being completely done and ready to face my last semester of college ALL ALONE until he shows up literally 2 days before school starts. 

You can see why I said no way right? 

Well, somehow that is precisely what we have signed ourselves up for.

Kirby, the responsible, hard-working husband that he is could not pass up the chance to make more money for us...you see he gets paid more up front on the sales he will get during those two weeks, and he is determined to reach his goal. So how could I force him to give up that noble quest to better our lives just to make my life for the next few weeks a little less stressful? I couldn't. 

But things started to look a little better...

Ever since I was little, my family would make a trip to the Oregon coast and stay at a condo on the beach at the end of the summer. This condo is such a symbol of some of my favorite memories as a child that I have longed for the chance to take Kirby there...but this summer job keeps him tied up too tight, and I have not yet had the opportunity to share this special place with him. 

Anyways, my parents found out that Kirby would be staying, and they offered to fly me to Oregon where I can spend the week with them and then my dad would drive me to Rexburg and help with all the painting and moving. 

It seemed like the perfect plan, with only two major flaws... A) flying is number one biggest fear, like I haven't been able to sleep and have been making myself sick just in anticipation of the flight to come...I don't know how someone who hates flying so much has been roped into making so many flights every year! and B) I hate being away from Kirby for one night...three weeks is going to be a major test of my sanity.

But it made the most sense. This way I wouldn't have to drive across the country alone, I have the chance to go to my favorite vacation spot with my family, and I will have my dad there to help me with all the craziness that awaits at home.

So our time together was shortened considerably, and we did our best to fit in the best spots in Austin before the plane took me away.

Just this morning I kissed my sweetheart goodbye as I entered the airport. Waving good bye to my soulmate as I turned to face my biggest fear made it really hard for me to remember to try and be a big girl about all of this.
 

Texan Summer: Month 4

Since my last Texan Summer update a lot has happened, so much in fact that I have already shared a lot of it in previous posts! For reminders...first we made a trip to San Antonio, Kirby had a birthday, and then we made another trip to San Antonio. 

But what else has happened? Let me show you!

My sister in law Kim had a birthday! Yay! We were able to go to see The Giver in a theater where we were treated like royalty. Our chairs were luxurious recliners, we were given a blanket, free popcorn, and menus from which we ordered some incredibly tasty food... Mom, if you are reading this, I think you would love this place! We kicked back, relaxed, were waited on and left feeling like queens and kings. Happy birthday Kim!

We went to Top Golf...again, but this time with friends! A majority of the office was there, including Allie and Treagan, so obviously we had a blast!
And apparently my smile went crooked for the night...

Kirby and I have always enjoyed Sunday walks. They're the perfect Sabbath activity and gives us a chance to soak in and reflect on the beauty that surrounds us.

Stay tuned for the last of our Texan Lovin'!

Another San Antonio Get Away

Well hello everyone! My cutie husband and I just got back from almost a week spent in San Antonio again and what a ride it was.

Honestly, overall the pattern of our days were the same, Kirby out working and me trying to keep busy with the fellow wives (experiencing some quality girl time was a plus). But then night rolls around, and we sure do our best to have fun with the time that we have and man did we cram a lot in this time around...
 

So to make this story short, after a couple yummy dinners, movie nights with our friends, personal ice-cream pints in bed, and lots of Harry Potter audio books, it was the weekend! We rode on a train, floated on a boat, had lots of fancy cheese, and experienced some Chinese, Mexican, and true Texan culture, all within 24 hours. 

Want some details? Keep scrolling ;)

We went on a fun little train ride at the zoo...and I'll bet you can't tell who was more excited to ride the "Zoo Express?" We chugged along through a jungle, over the river, and straight into the Chinese Tea Garden.

Chinese Tea Garden

I was truly blown away by the magnificence of it all, everything that was around us took my breath away. 

"peace" from my favorite boys.

So about the picture above...we may not look anything alike but here is a surprising fact you may not know about these unlikely sisters: We grew up in the same stake in Spokane, Washington, and then married into the same family. Small world am I right?

Anyways, talk about beautiful scenery and architecture! It was worth all the sweat, I can assure you.

The Alamo

We also took the time to brush up on our Texan history at the Alamo. I can at least say that I know what it is now...so three cheers for this history buff! But seriously, how cool is it that I can now say I have been to the Alamo? Pretty dang cool.

 

Riverwalk 

Everyone is always talking about the Riverwalk...it's one thing my dad said we had to do while we were down here. I was all like ok cool let's go walk by the river in this muggy Texas heat just so we can say we did it. But this little lame head of mine fell in love with the entire experience! It was beautiful.
 

Picture this: the Riverwalk is one story beneath the streets of downtown San Antonio, it is lined with shops, restaurants, hotels, and more - all full of character. And when I say lined I mean that there is a sidewalk on each side of the river that is only a few feet wide (and full of people), with the river right up to one edge (and no railing along most of the river) and then the face of the buildings right up to the other side.  Huge trees reach out over the top creating arches of green, and cobblestone bridges lead one way and then the next with twinkling lights in every direction.
 

We walked a short distance then decided we'd get the most out of our trip if we did the whole "tourist" thing right and hopped on one of the little tour boats...dang good decision.

We were just loving life, floating down the river and sinking in all the history and beauty that surrounded us.

A few things I wish: that I knew how to take pictures in the dark, that I had a nice camera to do that with, and that you could see the picturesque scene that exists behind us.

Mexican Bakery

Before saying good bye we stopped by this Mexican Bakery...I am a fan of all things sweet and delicious...but I think I will be sticking to my French Bakeries. Kirb was in heaven though, and I was digging the decorations.

Headed Home

From here we jumped into the car, gassed up at Buc-ee's (of course) and witnessed some excitement on the road. We are used to traffic being diverted off the highway here, there are so many huge accidents, but this time we were stopped for another reason.

We ended up having to take the side road immediately along the highway, and with all four lanes worth of cars on this tiny road traffic was moving super slow, so we were able to watch the commotion.

We passed by an overpass where a few cops were walking back and forth with their flashlights searching the road, then drove a little farther when we saw vans with CRIME SCENE painted on the sides, several more cops intently searching with flashlights, and a firetruck with a ladder hanging off the side of the road holding cops as they climbed into the water below.

So that was kind of exciting, but I am hoping nothing too terrible happened. I'll keep you updated ;)

Anyways we are happy to be home and excited to get as much out of our lovely Austin in the few short weeks we have left!

Birthday Boy

My birthday boy is the cutest, most giving, caring, and understanding boy out there. 

 I don't know how I was lucky enough to be able to have the chance to always and forever be the one celebrating all future birthdays by his side.

What is more worth celebrating than the fact that your one true love has been given a life on this Earth? Well the answer is nothing.

July 22nd is one day worth celebrating to it's fullest extent!

I am a firm believer in breakfast in bed, especially on birthdays...so naturally that is where the festivities began.

Kirby is normally better at this, he can sneak out of bed and bang around as much as he wants without fear of waking me up, creating the perfect breakfast and the perfect surprise. When it is my turn to be the one doing the surprising the situation is a little trickier...(One of these days you should hear the story of our first Valentine's Day, major breakfast in bed failure on my part). Kirb is a very light sleeper, so on the off chance that I do manage to even wake up before him the odds of me sneaking out without waking him are very slim...but if he does wake up he is always good at pretending to be asleep, or at least staying in bed. So at least the "in bed" part is always safe, even if it isn't such a surprise.

This year, the choice meal was a no brainer...when you live in Texas you get a Texas-sized Doughnut for your birthday breakfast. Case closed.  

After literally slicing pieces of the doughnut off and eating it like a cake we donned our swimsuits and headed down to the pool for some birthday-uncle/nephew-pool-playtime (because who doesn't like wearing a swimsuit after eating a huge doughnut?) Then just like any other day it was time to send him off to the meeting while I quickly prepared his favorite dish for lunch.

Lunch always seems to be the shortest half hour that ever existed, let me tell you! But it came and went full of happy scarfing and rushed kisses as he ran out the door.

(I must admit one thing...whenever uncle Kirby is around he is definitely first choice over me...whenever Kirby would try to hand Lincoln off to me all he would say is "no no no no no no..." shaking his head the whole time until Kirby took him back.)

Kirby got plenty of birthday kisses from our two favorite boys...and a beautiful birthday picture from Dominic.

 

But the real "party" wasn't until late at night, after work, and after presents...

...and by party I mean we went to Top Golf.

I am not a golfer...like all I can say is that I have been mini-golfing several times, and had maybe hit a few balls when I was like 10, so I was a little weary about going to this foreign place. I wasn't sure what to expect but I knew that Kirby had been waiting for a chance to go and I figured I would try to be the fun wife and plan something he was sure to enjoy on his birthday (big of me, I know).

The funny thing is that I can honestly say I had just as much fun as he did. Seriously though.

It was not at all what I had expected, way fancier, but more laid back than I had pictured, and definitely way more fun.

Plus I had no idea I married a pro ;)

And I didn't know to expect this either but they served us yummy food in our comfy little booth...a sure way to our hearts. 

We were smitten. 

And are definitely going back.

I am thankful for yet another year spent with this birthday boy and look forward to all future birthdays we get to spend together! Each day with him is a blessing, and I owe so much of who I am today to July 22nd and the life of this wonderful man.

Happy Birthday my Kirby Lee Muir, I am all about you.

Mini-cation

This past weekend was a wonderful step away from our monotonous routines.

The office we are with this summer has been split into two, half of us here in Austin, and the other half in San Antonio.

For the past week or so guys have been traveling back and forth between the two areas to sell. My Kirby was sent to San Antonio Tuesday of last week...we spent one night apart and decided it wasn't any fun. I was way too cold in bed without my snuggle buddy, and he was feeling sluggish from the lack of fresh food and increase in fast food. Plus let's be real, we missed each other.

So the next night he caught a late night ride home, only to leave early in the morning to be back up there for another day's work. We quickly realized this situation wasn't going to work, and it would be best for him to stay. 

That same day a dear friend who is with the San Antonio half of the office invited me to stay with them for the weekend (which quickly added up to a bit longer). 

What a blessing. 

I packed (possibly over-packed) for Kirby and myself, and started the bumpy little journey from one Texan city to the next.

The husbands of course were still busy busy bees but we managed to have the most incredible time. Within those 5 nights we ate some of the yummiest meals (homemade by our gracious host as well as some fine dining out!), went to 6 Flags (both of our first times and we loved it), explored a little of the shopping scene, and enjoyed our great company through treats galore, movie nights (video games for the boys) and everything else that comes with having friends around.

It was definitely hard to leave when Monday morning rolled around, but we returned refreshed and ready to step back into routine!

A big thanks to Alison and Treagan for making our stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We look forward to more time spent between here and there!