Greetings from Central Washington and a happy Friday to all!
One of the things about the location independent lifestyle that I am most grateful for is the ability to travel at a moment’s notice–without shirking work responsibilities. During this return to Washington, as with all others, seeing family has been a big priority, and last weekend my mom and I took off across the Cascades en route to Anacortes, a small coastal town located on Puget Sound an hour or so north of Seattle.
Our mission was a meet-and-greet with my cousin’s growing family; he and his wife have just welcomed baby number two, and I hadn’t seen baby number one since she was practically fresh out of the hospital. My oldest brother also happens to live nearby in a town called Mount Vernon, so stopping at his place was on the agenda as well.
Much of my mom’s family was there but a few others who’d been planning to join were thwarted by thick traffic coming from Seattle. Still, with my aunt, uncle, cousin and his little family, my mom and my brother in attendance, it was a wonderful little get-together.
I got to go for a spin in my brother’s Porsche (a relic from 1980, white with a brown leather interior), show off my new lens to my photography buff uncle, and get a good upper body workout while holding little Benjamin, the biggest 7-month-old I’ve ever laid eyes on–he’s already wearing clothes made for 24-month-olds! Little Alex, the older sister who of course had no idea who I was or that we had ever met, became a fast friend. The kind of friend who repeats every two-word phrase you say, without fail.
We stayed for the night at a gorgeous motel nearby, the Ship Harbor Inn. The rooms overlook the Sound, each one offering a stunning view of adjacent islands and ferry docks. The next day, we joined my aunt and uncle for breakfast before exploring historic downtown Anacortes.
On the way home to Peshastin, with a bit of arm twisting, I convinced my mom to stop by the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon, despite the horrendous traffic. This festival takes place each year during the whole month of April, and we happened to be there at just the right time–the fields were in full bloom! I figured it was too good an opportunity to pass up, and one I might not get again for who knows how many years. Full post coming soon!
The week since has been all work and no play for me, as I’m prepping feverishly for next week’s travels, but I hope you enjoy the photos from my fun, family-filled weekend!
Have a wonderful weekend!
