Last week, our little family loaded up the van to visit family in the Pacific Northwest. We spent the first few days in Bainbridge Island, Washington. The boys enjoyed playing with their cousins and making memories. Oh what a unique experience for my city kids to enjoy the beach life of Washington state.
After church on Sunday, the men (my husband and his brother-in-law, Brian) went fishing for crabs. The kiddos and I (and my sister-in-law Kendra) enjoyed exploring the islands parks.
When the men returned, it was time to prep and clean the crabs for the crab boil. The kiddos enjoyed and entertained themselves by attempting to keep the crabs in the hoola-hoop while Uncle Brian did his thing.
Who knew that long sticks and five kiddos (four boys and one girl) could have so much fun with this game. Those crabs were feisty little critters. They were fighting with each other and grabbing sticks. It was quite the hoot, hollar, and giggle fest!
I am a midwestern girl at heart… and seafood isn’t my forte. Growing up it wasn’t fresh or readily available. Living on the west coast seafood is fresh and yummy. My poor husband and boys don’t get to enjoy seafood often (because of my dislike of it)… so they ate like KINGS!
I will admit, I tried it and liked it. The crabs were large and filled with delicious meat. My biggest and youngest loved the crab and I think they pretty much devoured a whole crab by themselves!
The following morning we enjoyed exploring the beaches. We were able to walk to the beach. It was a fun-filled morning of finding critters. The boys had a blast.
They found many baby crabs hiding under the rocks. They also got a big kick out of finding clams that would dig under the sand and spit. Oh yes. Skipping and throwing rocks in the water is always a hit with our crew.
I enjoyed the view, sea air, and calming rhythm of the water. When we noticed the tide coming in, we headed back to the house for lunch. Nothing like walking home from the beach and enjoying the great tall trees and country life on the island. Super pretty.
After our snack, we loaded up and headed to the other side of the island for some water activities. The adults enjoyed the sunshine and great conversation. Even my husband got out on the paddleboard and enjoyed the water.
At one point we had four little cousins on a single paddle board checking out jelly fish, critters, and more. We were very conscious of the ferry driving by as when it passed the waves in its wake were large and super fun.
When my husband was done exploring… it was my turn to paddle board. I was a little unsure at first… but I got the hang of it quickly. I enjoyed watching jellyfish swim underneath me, crabs zoom, and fish swim.
I felt so comfortable, that I even attempted to do a handstand on the SUP board. I basically chickened out and ended up doing a yoga like move and a donkey kick instead. Maybe next time I SUP I will get up and do a handstand… but that day (my first SUP experience) was not the day to try it.
We had a great time enjoying Bainbridge Island, Washington with family. Memories were made. Learning experiences were had. Good times and giggles were abundant. Our first two days of our vacation started off great… and we were going to make many more memories along the way!
Nathan the FFK says
My wife is from Poulsbo which is really close to Bainbridge! I will definitely have to SUP the next time I’m up there!
Rachel says
Yes. that is SUPER close! Such a pretty area! 🙂
Ashley says
So cute! I love, love, love seafood. I’m pretty sure I could live off steamed creatures from the sea for the rest of my life. SUP’ing is pretty popular around Arkansas too, and I think I may have to give it a try…
Rachel says
Awesome. Yes, you don’t get fresh crab like this in Arkansas, do you!? I grew up in mid-MO and our ‘sea food’ wasn’t very fresh. 🙂
SUP’ing is popular here in Sacramento too… many people do it on the lakes here. 🙂
Yvonne says
Your trip sounds amazing, looks beautiful and just what your family needed! I loved that the boys got to explore and adventure every day .. I loved that you got to SUP! Can’t wait to go on an SUP adventure together 🙂
Rachel says
Thanks. Yes! I look forward to SUP’ing with you and Christina! 🙂
Ganeeban says
I love doing SUP at Lake Natoma, it helps that there aren’t any waves/currents that would knock me down. It’s definitely a great place to learn and they offer classes 🙂 After I kept reading “jelly fish” all I could think about was get out of that water! haha! Looks like your family vacation was a HIT 🙂
Rachel says
Haha! That was my thought when I would paddle next to a pd of jelly fish. I just told myself “Do NOT fall off!” lol
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Paddle boarding very cool! It’s harder than it looks huh? I’ve not spent any time in that area of the country looks like you had a blast
Rachel says
Thanks. It is really so pretty out there. 🙂 Paddle boarding is super fun… you should try it 🙂
Sheena says
Love it! I spent my younger years in a tiny town in Washington (south of Bainbridge) and miss the summers there!
Rachel says
OH what amazing summer memories you must have! 🙂
jill conyers says
Looks like the perfect vacation to me! I love love seafood. Unfortunately living in Ohio (after living in FL and CA) good seafood options are sadly limited and fresh is out of the question.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
What a fun vacation! I’d love to visit Washington!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I am NOT a lover of sea food. But I do LOVE Washington State! My husband is from Walla Walla and I relish the time we get to spend there. I haven’t been to Bainbridge Island, though.
That SUP board looks FUN but I don’t know if I have the balance to stay UP!
Rachel says
I am in the same boat as you … NOT being a sea food lover. 🙂
Crystal says
I’m dying to try stand up paddle boarding. I’m a little nervous I’m too out of shape and won’t be able to manage!
Rachel says
Try it. Start out on your knees and when you feel comfortable stand up. 🙂
Rebecca Jo says
Paddle boarding is all the rage lately. I’d love to try it but I do good standing on land 🙂
Rachel says
Haha! And even then… sometimes standing on land my skills/balance is iffy! 😉
Cyndi Wright says
How fun! That looks like a blast!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
What a fantastic trip! The crab boil seems like a very unique and fun experience. I would love to do this, I love crab.
Megan @mnmspecial says
Looks like an awesome vacation! Have you SUP here? I’ve seen them having a ton of fun of of Sutter.
Rachel says
No, I haven’t tried SUP here yet. BUT I have girlfriends who do it on Folsom Lake and I SO want to try SOON… it is just finding someone to watch the boys so I can. 🙂
Kecia says
I love seafood! We boil crab legs here every now and then, and they are sooooo good!
Beth says
What a fun game and look at that tiny crab!!
Tonya says
The Pacific Northwest is so beautiful. It sounds like you made amazing memories and that tiny little crab was adorable. I’m like you, I’m not a big fan seafood. I’m not sure if I’d muster up the courage to try crab again or not. I remember eating crab cakes as a child and thinking it was the worst thing ever.
Kimberly Grabinski says
I have never had crab, but I am interested to try it one day.
Angela S says
I have never seen such a game! This seriously looks like the best family vacation. I have only been to Seattle and need to make it back out this way to explore Bainbridge Island.
Kerri says
Your pictures show that you must have had a great time exploring at the beach!
Naomi says
It looks like your family had a great time at the beach! I’ve never been to Washington, but I remember taking my kids to the beach in California for the first time. Such a magical experience!
GiGi Eats says
Catching and eating my own seafood!! SO rewarding – however I would probably be STARVING by the time I got to eat my catch because.. It would take me a million years to catch it! LOL!
Jen - Life With Levi says
Oh, I so miss living by the beach! My kids would love to experience a crab boil and play with them, too!
Crystal says
Looks like a really nice, relaxing time enjoying nature.
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says
Seattle is so beautiful, I can’t wait to go back one day. Paddle boarding is my most fave water sport {is it a sport}? My first time was on the ocean in Maui and the hugest sea turtle was swimming under me. I have not tried a lake yet, but hope to soon:) What a great family vacay Rachael
Kat B. says
It looks like you all had a fabulous time! I love crab but I don’t know if I could eat one that I saw running around. Your pictures are beautiful!
Kerri O says
Gorgeous pics! I’ve never been to Washington state, but this makes me want to go.
Lisa says
This place looks awesome!
Shell Feis says
Not gonna lie, the crabs would freak me out- both alive and as dinner! I’m glad you tried & liked it though, you’re braver than me!