A Retreat to Whidbey

As I mentioned (I believe) in my last post, that we decided to head out of town while we were showing our house for the weekend. We decided to head to Whidbey Island. Pearson and I had been with Johanna pre-kids and we decided it would be a fun place to explore again with kids. We rented a home close to Freeland that had spectacular views off the back deck. We were also able to spot lots of eagles and hummingbirds. The one negative was that Whit figured out how to climb out of the pack and play, which allowed for a very LONG and drawn out bed time and no napping. Regardless, it was wonderful to get away from all the stresses of the house stuff and focus on the kids for the weekend.  

Day 1 - We took the ferry from Mukilteo to Bainbridge. Then we hit up the grocery store for some basic supplies and then headed to the house, where we just hung out and relaxed. We also took a hike to the local beach. 

Whitaker pretty excited about the view and the rental. 

Mae also thinking that it was a good place to relax. 

In the yard, Mae enjoyed jumping from one circle stone to the next. 

I got a chance to lay back and put my feet up. 

Mae enjoying a plum. 

There was private beach access close to our house on a trail.  The trail was more like a hike and I was cursing that I had wore sparkly sandals on it. 

We finally got to the beach. Although, it was rocky and a little difficult to walk on it was nice being out in the fresh air. 

Balancing on all the rocks. 

Enjoying the balancing act. 

Our house had tons of bald eagles flying around it, here Pearson is pointing one out to Whit. 

The eagle. 

Mae showing me her shell. 

She really wanted me to get a picture of it. 

Whitaker enjoying putting his feet up. 

Mae helping husk the corn for dinner. 

And Whit attempting to help. 

This was after trying to put them to bed for over an hour.  He was so proud of himself. 

Ditka even enjoyed being on vacation.

Day 2 - The kids woke up at a ridiculously early hour and we started the morning by heading to Double Bluff beach. We were there for a few hours then took a driving tour around Langley while Whit slept (read no sleeping in the pack and play). We then enjoyed some down time back at the house and headed to Coupeville for a trip to the playground, a dinner out to get some Penn Cove mussels, and a walk on the Pier (no pictures of that)

And since I didn't bring any toys the kids watched quite a few hours of TV in the morning. 

Scooting to get to the beach. 

It was pretty windy on the beach in the morning and here is Whit's cold face. 

Mae decided to huddle in the make shift shelter under a towel or sat on my lap on the beach for most of the morning. 

Pearson and Whit exploring the beach. You can see Seattle in the background. 

Mae finally left the safety of the towel and decided to collect some sea shells. 

Whit preferred exploring the water and the beach. 

Mae counting her shells from the beach. 

View from our deck that night. 

Day 3 - It was time to pack up and head home but we decided we would explore more of the Island and not get home till around dinnertime. We hit up Deception Pass State Park. It was a beautiful park, the weather was perfect, and the kids had the most unbelievable time for 3 hours there. We even got to see a sea lion. Pretty cool. 

Group shot of us before leaving. 

Picnic at the beach. 

Whit enjoying climbing. 

My beach boy. 

Mae LOVED climbing up this rock and sitting on this bench near the top. She declared it was her castle and she was the Princess. 

She didn't wear shoes the entire time and I don't know how her feet was able to handle it. When I asked her she said,  "I have magic feet." 

On her thrown. 

Sharing her throne with Whit. 

And letting me sit on it. 

Playing on the beach. 

Then Mae climbed all over this drift wood. Again with no shoes. 

I couldn't resist this shot with her cute underwear showing. 

There were more bald eagles and Pearson was fascinated. 

I made rock towers and tried to get the kids to participate. This wasn't as much fun for them. 

Beach bum. 

Princess Mae.