The kids have been watching The Goonies on TV a lot lately and began asking all kinds of questions about it. Luckily, we live just a little over an hour away from where it was filmed, so we decided to surprise them with a daytrip to Astoria yesterday. Since the movie was made almost 25 years ago, things a have changed a little bit. However, it still has the same charm that has been attracting Hollywood filmakers for years. Kindergarten Cop, Short Circuit, Free Willy, Come See the Paradise, and even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III to name a few. There's just something really lovely about this coastal town. It is the northernmost city in Oregon and the oldest settlement west of the Rockies.We took the kids there when N was still a toddler and K was just a baby, so you can imagine how much they remember of that trip. Anyhow, we drove straight up into the hills to see the historic tower, otherwise known as the Astoria Column. It stands at 125 feet tall and overlooks the Columbia River. We decided to climb the 164 steps of the spiral staircase all the way to the top. The kids and hubby had a ball of 
course, but I was pretty much glued to the wall. To keep a promise to DH, I looked over the railing for the kids' benefit, but then it was back to the sidewall. I couldn't believe how fearless they all were. I just don't handle heights very well. It's like my whole body becomes frozen and my nerves cause me to shake. The view was beautiful though, I will admit. After we finished our descent back down the stairs (that was the fun part!), we briefly checked out the gift shop.
course, but I was pretty much glued to the wall. To keep a promise to DH, I looked over the railing for the kids' benefit, but then it was back to the sidewall. I couldn't believe how fearless they all were. I just don't handle heights very well. It's like my whole body becomes frozen and my nerves cause me to shake. The view was beautiful though, I will admit. After we finished our descent back down the stairs (that was the fun part!), we briefly checked out the gift shop.Next, we drove around Astoria a little to show the kids the area. We crossed over the bridge and they got a kick out of how close we were to the water. We drove back down through Seaside and grabbed some lunch at Girtle's Seafood and Steakhouse. Then we walked around the downtown shops for a bit before going back home. We let our dog do her business and then headed back out to do some back-to-school shoe shopping for the kids. There was a big sale going on at Famous Footwear, so we had to take advantage of it. Overall, it was a fabulous way to spend the day. These family trips don't get to happen as often as we like so I always cherish the time we get to have together.
Checking out the area
View from atop the Astoria Column (it was a cloudy day)
Another breathtaking view
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