Explore WA: Washington Park

Over 2 years ago Wes, Leighton and I visited Washington Park for a picnic. (see HERE) We said when we were there then that we should come back and camp. Well we invited our missional community to go camping back at Washington Park in Anacortes this past weekend. Because of schedule conflicts only one family from our group (who we literally met last week) joined us. Brave souls. Two other post-college friends came and a "neighbor" family we have become close to also came along. It was low key. No hiking but enjoying nice views, a playground, the beach, chili, s'mores and campfire talk after the kids went to sleep! No I didn't really sleep at all. Sadie started out in the pack-n-play but when she cried out in the middle of the night, I was worried she was cold so I put her in between Wes and I. Sadie side-ways taking over my pillow + Wes pulling the sleeping bag off + an air mattress = No sleep for me. Oh well. It was one night and we had a fun time. Not to mention, the best BBQ sandwich from Dad's Diner on Saturday and Sunday for lunch! We are from the south so we really don't try BBQ pulled pork up here often. The sandwich was so good. It was unbelievable. We choose the Carolina, if you ever stop and need a suggestion. Seriously though, I could probably write an entire blog about this sandwich. So. Good. Lets start with pictures of the sandwich experience….We did spot a bald eagle gathering sticks for a nest while we enjoyed this BBQ

We learned after we killed 2 hours taking ferry to Guemes Island on Sunday morning that Dad's Diner actually has a restaurant in downtown Anacortes. We thought the trailer was all that existed. Either way….worth the wait to get it for the 2nd time in 24 hours.

Leighton on Guemes Island in front of general store enjoying some milk. Basically there is nothing there but a playground and a general store. We took advantage of both. There was a church service happening that I wished we would have known about and planned to attend. 

Pictures exploring the beach with Jamie and Luca Djelosevic and their two boys, Luca (3) and Josh (1) who are almost exactly the same age as the girls. They live close to us in Queen Anne. I met Jamie at a park and we hit it off. We have known them less than a year but they have become good friends! They loved us well by including us in their family's Thanksgiving festivities last year (may remember from HERE)

The views from the highest point in Washington Park were pretty nice too. Leighton climbed trees and looked for ocras.

 The other family who joined us, Andrew and Ashley Titus and their son Owen (1 and 1/2 years old) were new friends. Ashley actually sells Noonday Collection which is something I totally support. Great place to get good looking gifts while helping employ people in countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, India and other countries. Check out their website and if you buy put Ashley Titus name as the ambassador, it will help her out!

Lastly John (a long time friend and now on staff at Hallows with Wes) and Krystal (new friend from NC) joined us as well. They braved camping a night with 3 families with small children. Way to go John and Krystal. 

Sadie keep me busy. I think she fell 50+ times. Thankfully she doesn't have far to fall to the ground. She consumed at least a cup of dirt/sand throughout the day and screamed loud enough to be heard in Seattle around nap time (of course she never napped). She is still the sweetest. Love you Sadie!