Port Townsend

Our second camping trip this year took us north to Port Townsend staying at Fort Worden State Park.  This was a very pleasant and relaxing getaway.  Fort Worden is close to town and sightseeing options, has a wonderful beach and was quiet at all the right moments.

We enjoyed lots of beach time.  Brooke wasn't too sure about the sand and it took a lot of coaxing to get her from our arms to sitting on the blanket in the sand.  Eventually, she was throwing rocks in the water like sissy.

One of the fun things to do in Port Townsend is the Farmer's Market.  This was serious business for all the locals.  It appeared everyone wanted to arrive early before all the goods disappeared.  All the fruits and veggies looked delicious and we found this adorable headband for Morgan.

People watching is always fun in a new town.

If we even stop for one moment Brooke wanted OUT of the stroller. 

But I must say the highlight of this camping trip was Morgan loosing her VERY FIRST TOOTH!

As you can see from the picture her adult tooth is already there.  It came in behind her baby tooth about a month earlier.  Since it wasn't pushing the baby tooth out, the most likely option would have been having the dentist full the tooth.  I was very relieved when this little baby tooth decided to come out on its own.  Mostly because I wanted her to experience loosing her first tooth.  Okay, really I wanted to experience it.

We did have two other memorable experiences on this trip.  One I won't mention, I've paid my dues and the matter is done and over.  The other was more of a grandma/granddaughter memory.  While I enjoyed some girl time away with Krista, apparently a squirrel decided we had some delicious treats in our tent trailer.  Yes, a squirrel.  Morgan was the one who walked in on this adorable little creature nibbling on her cookies.  She flew out as fast as lightening yelling for Grandma.  Grandma's quick thinking had Morgan hold the door open while she scared the critter out.  Brooke was relaxing her stroller enjoying the show.

I think one of my favorite parts about this trip was being so close to the water.  When I think of camping, I imagine being somewhere deep in the woods (with conveniences of course).  I didn't even think about a locating closer to the Sound.  Even though our campsite was a short drive to the beach, it was definitely easy to get to.  I could sit in the beach with my toes in the sand, and watching all the passersby all day long and be totally at peace.  We enjoyed the company of our family, the girls laughed, played and went to bed exhausted every day. I'd say once again, this was a successful camping trip, squirrel and all.

4th of July Camping

Camping is a very new activity for me.  I remember going camping once or twice as a kid, but it wasn't a regular thing for us.  On the other hand, Casey's family has gone camping for as long as he can remember.  My mother-in-law tells me stories about when she was a child and her and her siblings camped in tents with no bottoms on the tents.  That's just plan crazy!  I must say Grandma Alberta is an amazing woman and she created great memories for her kids.  That's what it's all about, right?  Creating great memories for our kids to pass on to their kids.

I love these pictures, we are doing crazy faces for for the camera. Trying to get everyone in sync is a little challenging sometimes.

I am learning to enjoy camping and watching my girls play.  I love the family time spent together.



In between all the rest and relaxing of course there is playtime.  After all, we do have two small kids, resting isn't really an option.

Thank you Grandma Bert for the gigantic marshmallows!

The girls came home with dirty toes, rosy cheeks and all the energy wiped out of them.  It was a successful camping trip. 

Our next trip is soon so stay tuned for more camping adventures.

Hoppy Birthday

My husband has recently taken up the hobby of home beer brewing.  While trying to plan a special getaway for his 40th Birthday, I came across the Bend Brew Bus.  This was the perfect opportunity to incorporate his new found hobby and a weekend away. 


Touring breweries would be way more fun with friends, right?

Our first stop was the Bendistillery This wasn't part of the tour, but since we were childless why not check out everything.  The coffee vodka was by far my favorite - so delicious!



Next back to the hotel to meet up with our tour guide.  Our first stop was the Boneyard Beer The history behind the name of their brewery is because every piece of the brewery was previously someone else's junk.  It was great to see the little guy doing such an amazing job.  My favorite beer was the Femme Fatale, sadly this is a seasonal beer.  They even have a Girl Beer!  It's slightly rose tinted with a few champagne bubbles.

Next on to the big guys - Deschutes Brewery  This is pretty much a full scale operation in my book.  They started out with their little public house in downtown Bend (which is still there).  They are now a full scale operation shipping to almost all 50 states. 

Since it was Casey's birthday, they had a special hat to wear

Sorry the picture is a little dark, I wasn't camera ready when they presented his hat to him.  He was a great sport.  It wasn't until later, after seeing the pictures, he said he didn't realize how big the hat actually was.  Hee Hee.

Ever see fresh hops??  I must say this is an acquired smell.  I am impressed by the delicate texture of these little gems and the power they control.

I won't try to explain what each of these do, it was a lot of information.  I did catch that these containers are all one piece.  They were built, shipped to Bend and the brewery was built around them.  Yes, they go several feet below the floor.  I'm going to say 20 feet, but I could be making that up.


The final stop on our tour was to the McMenamin's St. Francis School This was a great tour because they gave us a lot of the history behind the building.  If you every go to McMenamin's, take a look around at all the amazing artwork. 

Here's a picture of their brewery

Here's a picture of they're cooler.  Wish I would have captured a picture of all their kegs of beer, there were A LOT.

I will definitely return to McMenamin's and sit back to enjoy all the decor.

I must say, this was a great weekend.  We had some relaxing adult time, tried lots of new things.  we all decided we need to make a return trip when the weather is warmer.  Stay tuned for future adventures to Bend.

Happy Birthday Casey!!!