Tulip Festival '12

Located north of King and Snohomish counties in Skagit County, the Tulip Festival is a must see for all ages! It runs during the month of April and there are all sorts of events going on during that time. The first year we went we just drove around the fields and parked on the side of the road then got out to take pictures. Doing this is free (unless you park in someone's private pay lot), but not very convenient. There is almost no parking on the side of the road so it's hit and miss to see the tulips for 'free'. This was our third year attending and we stumbled upon Tulip Town. Parking was abundant (and free), then it was $5 for adults and free for children to enter. They had acres of tulips of multiple colors to view.... BINGO! They also had vendors selling various tulip related items, a small cafe and tractor rides (for a fee). The day we went it was not raining but the pathways were still pretty muddy. It was difficult to walk in some parts because of puddles and slippery mud, which would make bringing a stroller nearly impossible, so come prepared! If you and/or your kids have rain boots, wear them! I wish we had some and will definitely have them next year. This is also one of the few places (that we know of) with somewhere to go potty BUT it's inside the gate (after paying the entrance fee) and they only have port-a-potties. Not a big deal to most, but some kids are very picky at certain ages so this is good to know before hand! :)

WARNING: picture overload! BUT with tulips this pretty and kids so cute-- who could blame me?

She didn't get the memo but DON'T pick the tulips!!!

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Almost done blooming for the season!

Tulips as tall as my 3-year old-- WOW!!

Mukilteo Beach

It was a nice sunny day on Friday April 13, 2012 so we decided to head to the beach. It was a bit windy so even though we had the windows down in the car, it was cold enough for a sweatshirt since it's so close to the water. I was going to put the link to this park but I'm having a hard time finding it. I think this is it but the information listed is so vague, so I'm not totally sure. I guess this is a good example of why we are on this mission! If you follow the signs to the Mukilteo Ferry, turn left at the end of the road, then left again to enter the parking lot. There is a very good amount of parking. We love coming to this beach to search for crabs. I know you can find them easily in the summer so we were hoping to spot a few but I guess April is too soon because we didn't see any. The beach is very rocky, after a recent remodel it's easier to walk on but it's definitely not barefoot material. They have a large grassy area, BBQs and fire pits, covered picnic tables, large playground-- including swings, and restrooms. The large grassy area is perfect for flying a kite. I saw dogs there so I am assuming they are allowed but probably only on a leash.

Waterfront playground

Look at those white legs. Summertime needs to hurry up!

Getting the rocks out of his shoes