Anacortes!

for daron's 27 birthday, i surprised him with a trip to anacortes, washington. well, i tried to surprise him. a rookie mistake ruined the surprise. but luckily, i booked our flights before daron's logical brain could talk us both out of it ;) the day after his birthday we were off! anacortes is absolutely beautiful. daron's grandparents retired here and it is quintessential childhood for daron and his sisters. it was really important to us that we saw this house before it possibly gets sold. it had been almost 7 years since daron had been and it was a first for me! and carter of course. 

before we got to anacortes, we took a little detour to see seattle. i still smile when i think about this city. we strolled around taking in the beautiful fall and ocean view. i loved seeing fall leaves next to the ocean. i'm used to colorful leaves next to the mountains, but next to the ocean was a special treat. we went into pike place market and saw the famous "catch the fish" and picked out fresh produce for our meal that night.

seattle does not mess around with their seafood! there were whole clams for sale and the most giant crabs i have ever seen. i had to say hello to them every time we walked by. aren't they just begging for a wave?

we also had to make a stop at the famous "gum wall." it really grossed me out but in an odd way, it was really pretty. i mean, how can something that colorful not be!? right, right!?

gimme, gimme, gimme!!^^

from seattle, it is a 2 hour drive to reach anacortes which is on fidalgo island. the first day we took a walk around the neighborhood and explored the nearest beach. the town is homey and quaint. you have no choice but to fall in love with it's charming sail boats and cozy feel. 

a storm rolled in - so we bailed sooner than we planned. fortunately, mexican food was our next stop which i am always down for. we took our seats and carter started his usual shenanigans - wearing a jack-o-lantern grin on his face while waiting for the newest customers to walk in. he smiled and waved to every. single. one.

just patiently waiting... ^

this is the view from the grandparent's balcony. it never got old.

and the biggest hit for carter the entire time. the couch with too many stuffed animals to fit. this kid is loves your classic teddy bear.

later that evening, we ventured over to an island next to us and looked for seashells. 

mom, are you sure this is a beach?? ^^ it's so cold!

the next day we drove about a half hour to a charming city called La Conner. It was in this city that i discovered this phrase for the very first time-

i have never connected more with 5 words. those words will be in our kitchen one day. 

after we had a scrumptious lunch, 

we walked around, explored the shops 

- like this beautiful lighting store - 

that tongue ^ it's making an appearance all too often these days!

i tried to show carter that walking is fuuuunnn! 

meet edgar from the little mermaid, sweetest dog in the world! i don't know how long i'll be able to resist getting a dog. 

After La Conner, we took a drive and stumbled upon Snee-oosh beach. This place was, by far, one of the most peaceful places we have ever been. Daron and I could have stayed here forever. And thanks to the rocks, Carter could have too ;)

how he looks at him...^ makes me melt

that night we made our way back to the house where we ate dinner in. we did this every single night and we loved it. eating out every meal makes me feel like a walking rollie pollie wrapped in bacon. having the liberty to eat out when you want but then make a meal in if we wanted provided great freedom. we loved eating dinner in while watching the sun go down and taking in the night version of the view. those sparkling ligths next to those clouds... i love! i love!

next stop, friday harbor!