Memorial Day Weekend in Port Townsend

Remember when we used to spend every Memorial Day weekend in Sunland? 

I'm surprised we remember anything at all from those years, we probably fried so many brain cells. Our holiday always revolved around drinking, sunbathing, boating, swimming, endless volleyball and tailgate toss tournaments, and of course dressing up in ridiculously-themed outfits while wandering around the neighborhood looking for the latest and greatest party house.

Yeah... we don't do that anymore.

As much as I'd like to, my 35-year-old self looks back on those years and I shake my head, wondering where the heck we got and maintained all that energy.

Things have really calmed down in the recent past, and this year we decided to spend Memorial Day weekend celebrating my dad's birthday in one of our favorite getaway spots: Port Townsend.

Rather than cram into my parents' trailer at the Point Hudson RV Park, we decided to stay right across the harbor at the Swan Hotel. Our room was super adorable, just a short walk away from the beach or the downtown shops and restaurants. 

Ryder had just gotten a brand new balance bike for his birthday, so he was content to spend as much time as possible trying it out around the campground -- unless he was throwing rocks into the water; his other very favorite pastime. 

Riding on the BIG bike with Daddy.

As for us, we love just bumming around town -- shopping, eating, wandering at the Farmer's Market, exploring Fort Worden, and trying out various local bars and breweries. On this trip, after playing ping pong at a local haunt for a while with my brother and his fiance, we actually ran into a minor celebrity -- Pat Monahan, lead singer of the band Train! Very exciting.

And as an additional bonus, my aunt and uncle actually have a beautiful home on the water right outside of town, where we were able to spend some time with them.

My aunt and uncle's home is built up on a cliff, so you have to take a super steep (kind of scary!) gondola ride to get down to the beach.

Seriously, this kid could throw rocks into the water ALL. DAY. LONG. And I don't think Daddy minds one bit.

This photo doesn't even slightly do the beautiful sunset justice... It was breathtaking!

Even though sometimes I miss our Sunland Shenanigans, we had a super fun weekend, and it was nice to get to celebrate my dad's birthday with him.

Happy Birthday, Dad!