Fun Fall Day

Last Saturday we went to Vashon Island.

It was just Jacob Riley and myself. Sydna and Nathan stayed home. It was sprinkling. I brought our rain boots along just in case it began to rain harder.
Leaves were blowing all over the place as we drove through Ruston Way. When the wind blew, a mass amount of leaves would fall off the trees and blow them into the street. It looked so pretty.

We took the ferry from Point Defiance {Tacoma} to Vashon Island. While we waited for it we saw about ten geese flying by. It had been close to two weeks that I hadn't seen any geese. I guess these guys were one of the last ones to fly North. I've noticed lots of geese flying North instead of their usual Southern direction for the winter. That's odd. I was looking online and there was quite a bit of people stating the same thing about geese flying North. Hm, I wonder why that is.

This ferry ride was a bit different from our previous ones. They decided to do a test fire drill. We were told to head to the back of the ferry. The main sliding doors inside the ferry closed. The alarm was going off which was super loud. I had to cover my ears. Ferry personnel were walking all around making sure everything was working as it should. Good thing it didn't last long. They were done with it by the time we got close to Vashon Island.

We visited the Vashon Country Store and Farm. Most country stores tend to be cozy and cute. I sure love them. But before we went inside I spotted a tall pumpkin that caught my eye so I headed towards the garden. I had been looking for a tall pumpkin and happy to have found one that wasn't too large.

I don't remember seeing this train track last time we were here ... Riley loved it!

They sell the cutest crocheted kids beanies. There was one I liked for Riley but it was too small. Darn it! So I took a picture of it and texted it to my sister so she could show my mom and have her make Riley a similar one. I really need to learn how to make beanies since I love how they look on Riley.


After the country store we went to a park. We had packed a lunch. Jacob can make some delicious Italian subs. I had made chocolate covered s'mores the night before and brought those too for dessert. Riley hasn't really been eating all of his food. It appears that he's almost over his cold, he just has that lingering cough every now and then, so I'm not sure if his appetite is still a bit off because of it.

Whenever we're at the park or out walking Riley will always look for a flower {or in this case, a weed ... a pretty weed} to give to me. Isn't that so thoughtful and cute!

Glad that it wasn't raining once we got to the park.

Sometimes it's nice going on outings with just the little guy. It gives Jacob and I the opportunity to talk about important things without reservation. Can't really do that in front of the older kids. And lately, Sydna and Nathan have been very impatient with Riley which both breaks my heart and creates unnecessary stress. When it's just Riley that's with us he usually behaves so well and is a lot more obedient. I sure have my hands full when all three of them are together ... but mostly they do get along and they are nice to him, it's just those once in a while occasions when they don't and the stressful memory lingers which can drain my energy real fast.
{poor picture quality I know. My front facing camera in shaded areas does not take good pictures.}

Quick Island Escape

Last Sunday we went back to Vashon/Maury Island. Sunny summer day. I made sure to bring my umbrella along ... to shield me from the unforgiving sun.

The Seattle ferry system is down two ferrys so any island you wish to visit will be backed up at least an hour ... or longer if you visit on weekends. Even knowing this that didn't stop us from visiting Vashon/Maury Island.

We waited an hour. An active toddler's nightmare is to wait in an non-moving vehicle for an hour so Jacob, me and Riley got out of the car and walked over towards a restaurant that's just across from the boat ramp and ferry terminal. Sydna and Nathan stayed in the car. We walked past the restaurant and we surprisingly came across The Boathouse Marina where one can rent a power boat for three hours or for the entire day. We saw a family of four trying it out for the first time and it seemed like a lot of fun. Although, I know Sydna would be a nervous wreck and would prefer not to be part of this experience. Fine by us. Both Jacob and I thought this would be fun and hope to get to do this at some point.

This ferry is smaller than the one from Seattle to Bainbridge Island but, it was just as cool to ride on.

I really love to step out to the front of the ferry and take in the view and the fresh air. I love love love it! Even in the winter when it's super cold I still go out and fill my lungs with that frigid PNW Winter air. And I cannot begin to tell you how many pictures I have of the same views from all the times we've been on the ferry. There's no way I cannot take pictures ... I just have to. I'm pulled to do it.
We saw several seals out in the Sound. We would see small shiny ball like shapes in the water and as we got closer we noticed they were moving and realized they were seals. We even came across a brown seal that was huge, but huge I tell you. It came around too fast for me to take a picture but it looked like it had gotten a fish because it partly came out of the water and then crashed with a half twirl. It was neat ... even Riley got to see it and said it was "cool".

We went to a different park this time around. We had lunch before letting Riley play in the rocky beach.
I was trying to be sneaky and take a candid picture of Riley but he caught me at the last minute and moved his face away. Still got a cute one though.

And another.
A sweet peanut butter smile.

Scoping out the area. There were several sailboats and people on kayaks.

My daughter. I love her!

Riley kept asking to go by the water so I gave him the ok. Good thing there was a log nearby for me to sit. After spending about half an hour at this beach park we decided we didn't like it as much as the one we had gone to on our first visit. The one with the lighthouse ... so, we packed up our things and promised Riley we were going to a better beach.

Point Robinson lighthouse is on Maury Island. It's just minutes away from where we were. This beach is very serene. We all like it. We just feel a connection here. I got Riley's beach toys out and he played for a while.

Sydna was a few driftwood feet away reading a book and Nathan was sitting close by ... throwing rocks from a good distance trying to make them go in the water.

It's easy to relax here and dose off. I noticed Jacob twitch a time or two and that usually means that he's drifting off into sleep. Although, when I say "you're falling asleep", he always denies it so now what I do once I see him twitch I take a picture of him. Proof that he was indeed asleep. Seeing this picture he argued that he wasn't asleep because there's really no proof that he had his eyes closed since he had his sunglasses on. That's lame. I saw him twitch.I know what I saw. He lost.

These two roughhousing and Riley thinking it was hilarious.

I enjoy driving through piney roads. I'm always searching for cozy homes at the end of long dirt roads.

Waiting for the ferry back to Tacoma. We got Riley out of his carseat and let him sit in the front with us for a while. I was hoping he would be asleep by the time we reached the ferry terminal but no such luck. He was getting into everything and so we stepped out again but not before taking a selfie with momma.

This week {according to my weather app} should be the last week with temperatures in the low 80's. How wonderful. 

Vashon-Maury Island

For the last day of Spring Break we took a ferry ride to Vashon-Maury Island.

One can take a ferry from either end of Vashon Island. There's the North end that you can hop on from W Seattle then there's the South end that you can get on from Tacoma ... that's the one we boarded since it's closer to us.
We paid $30 to drive on the ferry, round trip. They charge by age.

This was our first time to visit Vashon-Maury Island. The ferry ride only took fifteen minutes but even then we like to get off and take in the pretty view. I think ferries are pretty cool and it gives me piece of mind knowing that we're riding across the Puget Sound and not the open ocean which I would probably get anxiety from. Also, knowing that the ferry is not tall or as big as a cruise ship also makes the ride way easier and very enjoyable. I've never been on a cruise before but since I have a bit of fear of the open ocean where no land can be seen, I have a feeling that I would be a nervous wreck. Who knows, but for now I have no interest to go on a cruise.

It was a sunny day and one could see Mt. Rainier clearly but since it's so bright you can hardly see it in this picture. If you really look closely and strain your eyes a little you could make out Mt. Rainier right in the center.

We went up to the top level. The pilot house blocks the wind in this part of the ferry. It felt good taking in the sun in the open air.

We really didn't have a clue what direction to go ... we just drove until we came upon signs.

Then we came upon a very small town called Burton. I saw a church, a few restaurants and a marina. There could have been a store or two but we didn't stop, we just drove right through.

Then we saw signs that said Lighthouse ... so I told Jacob "let's go there". I like taking pictures of lighthouses. Once we reached it we immediately saw two houses and two smaller buildings. One was a barn and the other was once a garage but is now used as a gift shop. It looked like it hasn't been open for some time though. There was also a lot of driftwood. I would have definitely brought some home with me but there was a great big sign saying removal of driftwood prohibited. So I didn't.

There was also quite a bit of clam shells along the shore. Apparently Riley thought they were cool because he began collecting them. He kept telling me, "look at the beautiful seashells". Cute!

We were told that these houses are available for rent. Charming right? It would be nice staying here for a couple of nights. Jacob liked that idea.

I'm hoping this is from a crab that shed its shell and not a crab that dried up during a little stroll out of the water.

Finally spotted the lighthouse.

Just look at their faces. I promise you that we were all in a good mood ... it's just that it was time to eat lunch and these are their starving faces.

This is Point Robinson Lighthouse. Built in 1915. This has got to be the smallest lighthouse I have seen. I'm assuming because it doesn't sit on an ocean cliff but right off the Puget? Don't really know.

It's charming though.

Riley chasing Nathan ... trying to poke him with a stick. Nice, so not safe.

Before boarding the ferry we stopped at Jimmy John's so we could picnic on the island.

Then after we ate lunch I got Riley's beach toys, changed him into shorts and sandals and we headed back to the water so he could play for a while. Jacob was in heaven. I saw his head tilt to the side at one point but he denied falling asleep. Weather was in the low 60's with a very light breeze. It felt great. Not chilly at all just very pleasant.

Riley played in the sand for about thirty minutes. I'm so glad he loves it because when Nathan was a baby/toddler and when we would go to the beach and stood him up he always cried. He didn't want any sand on his hands or feet. It took a couple of visits for him to get used to and learn to enjoy himself at the beach. Riley has loved the beach since he was an infant. He even ate some sand one time.

I know that a rocky "beach" is not ideal but it's just as fun. I'm glad that my kids have experienced the real beach/ocean and that we can vacation back home whenever we can. I do miss the beach terribly, especially the smell and late afternoon walks. Sigh.

After Riley had a good fill of sand fun and Jacob was happy with the vitamin D intake we left the lighthouse area and headed the opposite direction we came from.
Sydna created a Disney station on Pandora. Here they are singing a song from the movie Frozen. Having my two oldest kids come along family outings so willingly makes me very happy.

We drove past some very nice properties.

Like this house below, WOW! I loved it. I LOVED the front porch and all that space around the property ... just awesome! I loved everything about this house.

We then spotted a little country store ... but in reality I needed to use the restroom. My bladder was about to burst.

Got this little guy a few things. Sydna and Nathan got some stones/rocks. Really? What a waste of money.

The lady at the store gave us a Vashon island tourist guide. We were told that if we continued on the road we were on that we would run into downtown Vashon. I looked at the map on the guide and found a park closest to where we were at. We weren't quite ready to leave the island just yet.

I have a problem with children that crowd other peoples personal space. Like when Riley first climbed this structure and sat down on a little bench a kid probably about five years old came up to Riley and started patting his chest and got all up on his face. Even if a child has special needs I believe it is that child's mother/father to keep a close eye on him/her and not to expect people to take it lightly when it's my child getting hit. Good thing Sydna was standing next to Riley and when she saw that happen she told the kid to stop and not do that. And where was that kids mom? I have no idea.

This next picture cracks me up. The way Riley is looking at the camera is super funny.

LOL!

I took a picture of this art piece of the island so you can see what it looks like. The smaller island is Maury Island and its connected to the larger one which is Vashon by a narrow patch of earth.

At around 4:30 pm we headed back to wait for the ferry.
We enjoyed spending the day here. As soon as you drive on the island there's a sense of a laid back feel. Unhurried. There's several fruit, vegetables and plant farms. There's a lavender farm and many trails to explore. You can also spot Orca whales during the fall and winter months feeding on salmon right off the Point Robinson Park {lighthouse} where we spent most of our afternoon at.
Next time we visit I would like to take the ferry from the North side {W Seattle} so we can drive around and check out that area.

Jacob got a good laugh from this next picture. If you've seen the movie Signs with Mel Gibson you'll know what I'm talking about. He said that the way Riley is walking that he looks like the alien that was caught on tape hiding behind a bush/tree at a kids birthday party. Made me laugh.
He was a bit grumpy because he was tired and it was past the time that he usually takes his naps.

He did fall asleep minutes before getting home. We were all a bit worn from spending a good amount of the day out in the sun. I got home and showered. Wanted to wash off the sunblock and lotion I had on and to get cozy on the couch to enjoy a good movie to watch for the evening.

Happy Sunshine!