Adventures with Harrison, Vol. 2

One of my very favorite parts of being a mother is watching Harrison experience something for the first time. I love seeing familiar places with a new sense of wonder as I see the world through his eyes. Early in the winter, we got to experience two more firsts with Harrison - his first trip to the coast and his first Christmas tree hunting adventure.

One sunny Saturday, we packed our many, many bags to recreate one of our favorite coast trips from the year before, this time with a wee one in tow. We made the obligatory stop at Face Rock Creamery for fancy picnic supplies before driving the remainder of the way to Cape Blanco.

We did the loop hike in reverse so that we could picnic at the start of the hike, but I do think I prefer starting the hike at the beach. I was pretty tired and walking in the sand while wearing a baby was difficult by the end. But we wanted to start with the gentle climb to the top of the bluff where we remembered there were picnic tables overlooking the ocean.

The cranberry honey fromage blanc is the best

The view was outstanding, but even better was the look on Harrison’s face as he marveled at the novel scene around him. Although by the end, he napped in the carrier, he stayed surprisingly awake and content as we walked.

Once we made it down to the beach and after a much needed bottle (for Harrison - we had already finished our “bottle”), we couldn’t wait to put Harrison’s feet in the cool sand. He was fascinated and uncertain at the same time.

Sydney was part of our family adventure, too

Despite the picnic, we had worked up an appetite and decided to take our chances at a new spot, Alloro Wine Bar. I say take our chances because it didn’t exactly have a couple-with-a-baby vibe. It seemed much more of a fancy date night kind of place. Thankfully, the staff at Alloro were lovely and so sweet to Harrison. Plus, we went early before it got too crowded and we risked ruining someone else’s meal. Once the harpist arrived, she played lullabies just for Harrison.

He did so well at his first fancy restaurant

Most importantly, the food was incredible. I definitely recommend the Dungeness crab bisque, which was delicious and beautiful. After we shared a bowl of the bisque, I could not wait to try the wild sea scallops. They were perfectly seared and the roasted vegetables were the ideal accompaniment.

If you are in Bandon, I can’t recommend Alloro enough.

Our next adventure was our yearly tradition of cutting down our own Christmas tree. The only rule is that snow must be involved.

We dressed Harrison in his adorable Carhartts, Keens, and Columbia fleece and made sure he had enough layers to stay warm. He was seriously the cutest.

His dad is also the cutest.

My boys

The day included all the usual Christmas tree hunting things: playing in the snow with friends, snowball fights (Harrison was not a fan), a warm fire, hot beverages, and, most importantly, finding the perfect tree.

I am thankful for our little family and our adventures together. I love experiencing life with our newest and littlest explorer.