Fort Worden Part 3 - Our officer's quarters

Leading away from our house into the wilds of the Fort is a path that speaks of adventure.
We didn't always need to leave our humble abode to find adventure. I do not believe our children stayed still very long this holiday time. They had each other to keep their imaginations rich.

Our home for three nights is just in the background. I can't seem to help posting these photos in backwards.

Again the antics of these two little ones constantly amaze me. It is not easy being the mom and not being needed for 4 days. As long as they were fed and sung to sleep my kids kept themselves pretty busy.

These two existed in their own little world.

This stairwell alone was the source of amazing adventures.

And what about the little hide outs? I cannot stress enough how kid friendly this space was. The little ones found more than one secret hideout.

Friends reunited. I wonder how their friendship will unfold. They slip into their little world so effortlessly. It humbles me.

Oh how I love to just sit and watch my kids. Okay, photograph too when they let me....

Our festive abode.

Fort Worden Part 2 - Discovery

Here are images of our two days of exploring the old batteries and hidey-holes of Fort Worden. Now, I am a pacifist by nature, but I cannot deny the excitement of exploring the old tunnels and hallways of this wartime structure that never came close to actually seeing any real battle.
Fort Worden was barely used in its whole history and now acts as a meeting place for various groups and individuals looking for a getaway. Port Townsend has quite the artistic community and has actively used the Fort for workshops and other such creative ventures.

My dear friend hiking in very stylish yet ill-equiped footwear.

The two other mamas on this adventure.

Little one desperate to go to those same places where the big kids venture to.

My little one on her very excellent carriage.

For the kids this place was the perfect adventure with underground bunkers and tunnels to explore. They all did so great with walking in the darkness with just their headlamps to guide them.

Of course, geo-caching was amongst the activities of the day.

I cannot help to try to capture this one's serious face of scepticism in my picture taking.

My eldest was very concerned that I would not end up stepping in this hole.

And up she goes with no fear. Me, I am trying to allow the tether strings to be stretched on this adventure.

My little one before she is strapped in to her harness for the morning shift.

New Years with friends and family

We rented a house in Fort Worden for New Years with two other couples with children. The turn of the century officer's home was the perfect place to gather with 6 kids amongst us. The layout was very child friendly and the kids literally did not stop moving for 4 days.

We started the children's party at 8pm, with noise makers, funky glasses, crackers and those blowy things.

My child as seen through funky glasses.

Oh, my these two break my heart.

Too much noise for this little one.

Once the little ones were off to bed we began our own antics. I know it is only a game, but way too much silliness happened that I am sure we shall be reminded of for years to come.

**note our festive handmade New Year's bunting banner made by a most talented friend.

On our way to a New Years Retreat.

Waiting in line for our ferry.

My child made a new friend almost instantly on this short crossing to Port Townsend. I marvel at her sense of confidence.

We planned an adventure over New Years. I do not think we have actually stayed home to mark the New Year yet with our little family. Well, maybe one year in the last 5. I need these little getaways. The best part is finding the most amazing places to visit that are so close to home.

My husband went on a beer tour of the Pacific Northwest this past fall and came through Port Townsend. It is a lovely little old town that retains its Victorian character.