Anderson Island

Last weekend we were able to get away to Anderson Island. Margaret and Dale rented a place on the Island and invited us to join them Friday and Saturday. We loved every minute of it and it was such a gorgeous place!

Friday we headed down to the Steilacoom right after Nate was done working. The ferry there goes to Anderson Island, which is in the Puget Sound off from Tacoma. We were there extra early since we were worried about getting on with the big gaps between the ferry times. Since there was no one in line yet there was a park right by it and we stopped and played there for about 45 minutes before getting our place in line for the ferry.

We had to wait in line for awhile so Baylor stayed in the car with Dad and loved climbing around the car and waving to puppies as they walked by. Paige and I walked down to the water and looked at some of the boats and some fish in the water. We then ate a quick picnic in the car before getting onto the ferry.

Ferry ride over to Anderson Island. It was such a pretty day and the views were incredible!

Our house for the two days. It was such a perfect setting. It was in its own little bay and the view of the water was so pretty. It had lots of space to explore and we spent most of the time outside enjoying the water and the view. 

Paige and Nate first went out on their own little row boat. It was cute to watch them. Paige definitely has the love of exploring the little things around her from her dad. She enjoys the little things and came home with a bag full of rocks and shells.

Then it was nap time for Baylor. I put her down before heading out for some more exploring and water fun.

There were swings all over the property. One up the hill a bit, one off a fruit tree, and two hanging with a view of the water. 

Then Nate and Paige went out on the row boat again and Paige caught her very first fish. She was pretty excited about it and we all thought it was pretty cool. I went out paddle boarding. I went on my knees for awhile until I got brave enough to stand up. It freaked me out a little being that close to the ocean water and every once in awhile you could see a harbor seal pop up and I didn't want one anywhere close to me while I was standing on a paddle board or I definitely would have ended up in the water. 

That evening after dinner we went on a walk to go see a chimney of an old homestead that used to be there 100 years ago. It was a really pretty hike and very green and lush.

We got back in time for the sunset and some smores  before heading to bed. Baylor slept horribly since she was sharing a room with us and was not used to that. She was in our bed for a long time and we are so not co-sleepers and she was so wiggly and I couldn't sleep with her in our bed and she kept poking Nate's eyes and nose. Three times I thought she was asleep and would go to put her in the pack and play and she would start to cry so it was starting all over again. She finally decided she wanted the space of being in her own bed and we all finally got a little sleep.

 The next day, Christy, Lylia, and Matt came to stay for Saturday and Sunday. We stayed until late on Saturday so it was fun to spend time with them and spend the rest of the day exploring the island. A little after lunch we went to this historic lot with some older building, an old apple press, a small museum from things from the island, and lots of pretty gardens. They have farmer markets there during the summer and it was fun to walk around and explore.

 We found an apple tree there and we got to pick quite a few apples from it and they were so delicious. 

We then went to a lake that is also on the island. Lucky people that live there- lake and ocean water exploring all on one small island. They had this fun public park on the lake that had a sand volleyball area and some fun swimming areas for kids. 

 Then a little more ocean fun and boating before we had to leave for home. 

 Paige caught another fish and I was there to witness that one and it was pretty exciting when that fishing line started to move. 

 Then Nate and I went out on the canoe and went out a little further into the ocean. It was so very peaceful but also makes you realize how small you really are on this Earth.

We caught the ferry back home while the sun was going down and it got dark while we were riding the ferry. It was another incredible view of the water and all the city lights on the coastline.

 It was such a fun little getaway for our family and we are so lucky to live where we do that we get to enjoy such amazing adventures so close to us.