5. Spring Break!
I always start off Spring Break with the best of intentions. My goal is to do something fun everyday, spend all the money, vacation in all the places. And then we do one fun thing and reality sets in. I have work to do dammit. Money doesn’t grow on trees!
We did squeeze in one fun staycation though. Last year my sister and I took our families to Lake Cushman (as seen here):
And since it’s such an affordable vacation, we decided to team up and find a place to stay for a couple of nights this year too. I found a beautiful cabin near Coupeville on Whidbey Island, about two hours and a short ferry ride from Seattle and just like that our Coupeville staycation began!
We couldn’t have picked a prettier weekend, the weather was gorgeous. I love exploring new corners of our state and this little city was like stepping back in time. The homes had that old school charm, tons of acreage and farmland and everything seemed to be overlooking the Puget Sound. I guess that’s how islands work…water everywhere.
We took the kids to Fort Casey State Park and they were on cloud nine. There is a huge bunker built into the hillside that had a labyrinth of doors and ladders for them to explore. The view was amazing, the lighthouse was gorgeous and a bald eagle circled above. If I didn’t live in fear that one of the kids was going to go toppling over the edge of a bunker, it would have been very dreamy!
We stayed in Coupeville and faced away from the setting sun, but were presented with some very lovely sunrises in the morning!
My attempt to find a place to watch the sunset led us to an open field without a view of a sunset, but with plenty of dandelions…so…almost a pay off? Maybe?
We stayed a total of two nights and between the two families spent less than $100 each night. Now that’s how you vacation! This is not a sponsored post, but I’ve mentioned before how much I love sites like Homeaway.com for being game changers when it comes to how our family vacations.
If you’re in the Pacific Northwest (or planning a visit) and are interested in a waterfront escape, you can find the listing we booked here! We had to get a little creative with sleeping arrangements, but the homeowner had prepared us for that. I highly recommend!
I’ll put together a video that recaps the fun we had on that pretty island, but in the meantime I think it’s safe to say this Spring Break has been a success. Granted, the last couple of days at home our excursions included Baskin Robbins ice cream and the dollar store. What can I say? We’ve done our one fun thing, they’ve worn me out.
kelley says
Staycations are the best, I think all your dreams came true–it looks like everyone had a blast. It was fun following your daily adventures on instagram. What a great place to stay.
Mama Kat says
I always have to hold myself back from oversaturating Instagram when we do stuff like that. Not everyone wants to see every angle of the beach you’re walking on Kat. ;) But I’m glad YOU do!!
Christy says
Beautiful! I hope to get to that side of the country some day.
Mama Kat says
Yes you do!!
Kimberly says
That looks so lovely! We honestly don’t have anything like that that is nearby. We would have to drive and drive and drive and it would cost us a fortune. you’re very lucky to have a place like that near! And score on the discounts and being able to split with family. We like to go without family because ummm…well…going without family is better for our sanity :)
Mama Kat says
Do you have mountains? I would totally do a love mountain cabin!
Morgan says
Looks like such a fun and beautiful staycation! I love Whidbey Island!
Mama Kat says
I can’t believe this was my first time visiting Whidbey Island. It was such an easy hop over! Crazy how much of my own state I’ve never met before.
carol says
What a fun vacation! I love the Pacific Northwest. Anything water, lighthouse, few people… I’m in! Guess we better put this into some of our vacation plans. Thanks for the idea and love the pictures.
Mama Kat says
I agree…just give me some water and some wide open spaces and I’m in heaven. :)
Beverly Nickerson says
Cool idea! I’d like to someday find a nice place to stay that’s sort of halfway for me and my sisters to meet up at like you did.
Mama Kat says
My girlfriends and I do a weekend away in the summer (no kids). It might be my favorite weekend away ever. :)
Gigi says
Oh that looks like it was so much fun!!
Mama Kat says
It was a blast! :)
May says
Your photos always remind me that it is time I visit the Pacific Northwest! Love the blue of that water.