Orcas Island

I am so far behind in blogging about our summer!!! And the fact that it has felt like fall for the last week or two hasn't helped motivate me to get caught up. Blogging about summer right now feels kind of like watching Christmas movies in July.

One of the highlights of our summer was a trip to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands with Kolby's mom and Rex, and his brother and four nephews. They were amazing and DROVE the 13 hours from Utah to then drive some more to go camping with us.

It started with a ferry ride:

And then the fun began:

We camped in Moran State Park on Cascade Lake, which had a 3 mile trail around it. While Kolby and I were out on a trail run we discovered this fantastic tree overhanging the lake. And we decided we should probably use it, since it had gone and grown itself so perfectly and all.

Amelia deliberated for a lifetime, but never did decide to take the leap.
This was our secret swimming spot near our campground. Perfect for late night swims, launching the kayak, and jumping in the lake after a run.
Firebenders

So Amelia does not need to know that I'm including these photos. She's still mad at me for taking this series of pictures.

I was just taking the photos because the lighting was so nice and she looked so cute eyeing the marshmallow.But then it fell on her face.

Which started out funny for all.
That's about when the crying started. I got in double trouble because I was laughing "at" her and also taking pictures of the marshmallow bomb. The fact that these pictures are evidence that she originally thought it was funny still doesn't buy me any slack.

I had my birthday while we were there--which was intentional. In February when I was booking the trip, I decided this would be the perfect birthday present, and it was.

On my birthday Kolby and I went into East Sound, the main little town on Orcas, and Amelia came with us. We found a great little beachside restaurant with patio dining and ordered a big bucket of mussels and garlic bread.
And when we got back to camp Madeline and I went for a sunset ride.

It was a lovely way to turn 35 years old. (Ouch).

A couple of sweet pics of my girls:

And one of my guy. He doesn't get the 70's summer filter. Because I'm lazy. And we already have a whole box of photos of him with the original 70's summer filter:

The last morning we all headed into East Sound for breakfast. The kids played on the beach catching tiny crabs and critters in the tide pools while we soaked up our last morning of island life and I plotted how to move there.

This picture makes me laugh out loud every time I see it. That's Kolby looking so proud behind Pam and Rex.
It was such a relaxing and beautiful place to visit, and we had a great time hanging out with the cousins. I'm already plotting how and when to get back there!