Orcas Island mini break

So the only vacation that our family had planned for the entire summer was a 2 day stay on Orcas Island.  Last year we spent nearly a month out of the state of Washington for various weddings and family gatherings.  But we happen to live in a location where people COME to vacation.  So this year we are enjoying everything the Northwest has to offer-- here!  There is no need to go or stay anyplace else.  But Orcas Island is truly special, so we went up there in mid-June, to officially usher in our summer.

The day we were supposed to leave happened to be one of the great low-tide days of the whole year, so before we left for the ferry, we stopped at Alki beach to take in the starfish, crabs, and sea anemones.

It was beautiful and sunny-- a perfect way to start vacation.  What I love about Alki beach is the smell.  I know that low tide is not always the most ideal aromatic, but it smells like ocean!  And I love living near the coast.

I had to do a selfie on the rocky craigs!

Benjamin is at such a wonderful, endearing curious stage.  He wants to explore and touch everything-- especially if it is creepy crawly stuff.  I love seeing the world through his eyes.

And just in the last couple of months, Anna and Benjamin have started jelling as siblings. They can laugh and play together.  Benjamin worships Anna and wants to be near her always, doing what she does, and she loves having his adoration.

 On the way up the ferry terminal, we had to stop by Cafe Rio.  Best food.  And up until a few months ago, I had to travel to Utah to get my fix.  I have eaten at Cafe Rio so many times with friends and family.  It is nostalgia on a plate that happens to be freaking delicious!

 Is there anything cuter than a Benjamin boy asleep in his car sleep?  I challenge you to find anything more calming than watching this kid sleep and snore softly.

 We got to the ferry terminal just minutes after its most recent departure (to my utter dismay), so we had 3 hours to wait until the next one ("this trip is ruined!").  After taking a walk and singing a made up song to myself about being cheerful, I finally came to the obvious conclusion that we were on vacation, whether it was on a beach at the ferry terminal or a beach on orcas island.

 water is water and sand is sand and blue skies are beautiful no matter where you are.  Richard is better at realizing that than I am.  It takes me some time to adjust

i think riding the ferry is just as much part of the adventure as staying on the island.  The kids loved it!

 This was the cabin we stayed in.  2 bedroom, 2 bath, and with a hot tub on deck!  Oh yeah.

and a television in the living room.  I had forgotten what it was like to watch a movie on a real t.v.

 of course, the first thing you have to do in any new place is jump on the bed. Its a tradition.  Benjamin and Anna had their own room, complete with bunk bed.  Anna claimed the top of course.

Benjamin gave the place his seal of approval as well.

 WE found some bunny visitors in the first half hour we were there.  They were our companions the entire time we stayed there.  we would see them in the morning and at night just outside on the lawn.

 In the two days we stayed there, we went hot tubbing 4 times-- once in the morning and once at night. WE didn't mind at all that it was kind of rainy during our trip.  With such a nice cabin, we had most fun just staying in and enjoying being together.

 Our place even provided a light breakfast for us.  When we got there, the fridge was stocked with milk, orange juice, eggs, bananas, and granola.  Everything tastes better on vacation, especially when you are not the one making it.

  Benjamin christened our cabin by jumping for the first time with both feet off the ground-- a major milestone for him.

 Our second day on Orcas Island we went into the Eastsound area to enjoy the low tide.  At low tide, you can access Indian Island, which is normally completely surrounded by water.

We found hundreds of star fish.  Even after an hour of finding groups of starfish like this one, Benjamin would still point and say "Star fish, I found a starfish!" as if it were something completely new and brilliant.

This is my panorama of the view from the top of Indian Island.

 crabbies!

 Reading to Benjamin

 At the top of Mount Constitution.  Probably the most scenic area I have ever been to.  360 degrees of the San Juan Islands.  On a clear day it is breathtaking.

 You can see all the way to Vancouver Island and Bellingham and a dozen other islands.

 Richard is really happy here.  He normally doesn't take selfies, but this was a special occasion.

 The ferry ride back to real life.  Anna is giving her Pringles duck impresion-- A Rose family tradition since 2010.

A happy family.  It was just a couple of days, but we packed a lot of smiles, laughing, exploring, good food and hand holding into those days.