Scott turned 40 this past weekend and in celebration, we headed north to Orcas Island. He likes to celebrate his birthday with weekend get-aways. Two years ago, we headed to Orcas Island for his first visit and when I asked him what he wanted to do this year, he said he wanted to go back. I love Orcas Island and have been going for years so I was happy to make this happen. However, I waited a wee bit too long to make reservations so our idea of a lovely, rural cabin was already booked. I did luck into a great reservation at The Outlook Inn right in Eastsound. We were thrilled to find a place right in town as we were able to walk everywhere. With two children, being able to walk places is so nice as loading everyone up in their carseats can take awhile.
We left at 7:15 a.m. on Friday morning and drove the hour and a half to Anacortes to attempt to catch the 10:40 a.m. ferry to Orcas. We missed that ferry by 5 cars but they were running extra ferries so we caught the extra 1:55 p.m. ferry which was a lot better than the scheduled 3:40 p.m. ferry. This however meant that I had to pump twice in the car while we sat waiting for 4 hours on the ferry dock. The kids were champs! Maggie took a few naps, ate a few times and was easily entertained with squeaky toys. Scott took Molly on a few walks where they searched for dogs (which were all over the dock), visited the cafe for coffees and checked out the water.
Molly got bored partway though and let us know she wasn't happy. Heck, I was bored and not thrilled to be pumping in the car while wedged in the backseat between two car seats. However, we made it though and Molly loved riding on, 'the BIG boat'. We stood on the ferry dock and let the wind whip through our hair. Molly thought that was the coolest thing ever.
Once we made it to the island, we headed to our hotel. I had booked a suite which had a small living room area in addition to a kitchenette and the world's tallest bed. The kitchenette was a lifesaver. I brought some food over with us so we could have lunch in the room along with snacks. I also needed to refrigerate my breast milk so a fridge was essential.
We headed into town in search of dinner and to walk off our stiff energy. I snuck into the local drugstore to buy a 40th balloon for Scott. It was quickly co-oped by Molly. Scott was a-ok with that as he's not one for much attention. After dinner, we headed back to our hotel to settle in for the night. Molly had a rough night. She was not interested in sleeping on the fold-out sofa and yet would not settle when we brought her to our bed. Maggie slept just fine in her pack 'n play until we were all awoken at 2:30 a.m. by Molly screaming like a banshee. I was so worried that our hotel neighbors would freak out on us that I went into panic mode to get Molly back asleep. We eventually got her to sleep but then Maggie was up and ready to play. It took a bit of Mom magic to convince Maggie that we were not going to play at 3 a.m. and to go back to sleep.
When Maggie and I got up at 6 a.m. to eat (her) and pump (me), Molly got up with us but she didn't last long. She collapsed on the sofa next to me and slept until almost 9 a.m. Maggie and I soon followed suit while Scott got up and enjoyed a bit of silence on his 40th birthday.
Once everyone was up, we headed to Cafe Olga for breakfast. I'd heard that their cinnamon rolls were not to be missed. Since they are huge, we got one to share and it was delicious! We then decided to walk around town and head to the Orcas Farmer's Market. The Bite of Orcas was also going on but since we had just eaten, we didn't get to partake in any of the yummy looking treats.
I headed into the Brown Bear Bakery to snag some treats for the afternoon. Molly and Scott waited outside since the line was quite long and the space small. They totally lucked out as a Doggie Parade happened to go by. There were also goats, horses and other such excitement.
After our morning fun we headed back to the hotel room so we could gather our stuff and head out on a drive. I knew the kids were not going to nap in the hotel room so we decided to drive around the island and see if they car napped. Plan B was to head out on a hike at Moran State Park. Luckily for us, they napped! Scott and I ate our lunch while sitting at a turn-off in the park. It was quite lovely to just sit the two of us and quietly eat. Once the kids woke up, we headed to the top of Mt. Constitution.
We stopped at Snow Goose Produce after our ferry ride where I snagged some of the first Washington State Strawberries of the season. I really wanted ice cream but we were on our way to lunch and ice cream doesn't wait for lunch. This just means we'll need to take another trip this summer up there to get some ice cream!
It was a fantastic weekend, full of fun, food and family. I know Scott had the best time celebrating his 40th birthday. In six months, I celebrate mine and then two days later, Maggie celebrates her first birthday. So much celebrating to do!
Once everyone was up, we headed to Cafe Olga for breakfast. I'd heard that their cinnamon rolls were not to be missed. Since they are huge, we got one to share and it was delicious! We then decided to walk around town and head to the Orcas Farmer's Market. The Bite of Orcas was also going on but since we had just eaten, we didn't get to partake in any of the yummy looking treats.
I headed into the Brown Bear Bakery to snag some treats for the afternoon. Molly and Scott waited outside since the line was quite long and the space small. They totally lucked out as a Doggie Parade happened to go by. There were also goats, horses and other such excitement.
After our morning fun we headed back to the hotel room so we could gather our stuff and head out on a drive. I knew the kids were not going to nap in the hotel room so we decided to drive around the island and see if they car napped. Plan B was to head out on a hike at Moran State Park. Luckily for us, they napped! Scott and I ate our lunch while sitting at a turn-off in the park. It was quite lovely to just sit the two of us and quietly eat. Once the kids woke up, we headed to the top of Mt. Constitution.
We then spent the rest of the day hanging out and had a fantastic meal at Mia's Cafe. I had Fried Chicken with Sweet Potato Salad which was a delightful twist on regular potato salad. Luckily for us, Molly slept much better the second night even if it meant that everyone went to bed early. I guess getting more sleep was a better option for me than staying up late, knitting.
Sunday was our last day on the island so we woke up and decided to head back to Brown Bear Bakery for our last treats of the trip. They have some amazing baked goods and a delicious granola that I brought home with us. Afterwards, Scott and Molly took a walk around the grounds at the hotel. They found a cool old barn and had fun exploring.
Molly was super excited to be riding the ferry home. I told her we were riding the "Big Boat" home and she wanted to go right away! Once on the ferry, she told us. she was looking for 'ermaids. She's obsessed with mermaids and princesses right now.
We stopped at Snow Goose Produce after our ferry ride where I snagged some of the first Washington State Strawberries of the season. I really wanted ice cream but we were on our way to lunch and ice cream doesn't wait for lunch. This just means we'll need to take another trip this summer up there to get some ice cream!
It was a fantastic weekend, full of fun, food and family. I know Scott had the best time celebrating his 40th birthday. In six months, I celebrate mine and then two days later, Maggie celebrates her first birthday. So much celebrating to do!
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