Fort Worden

Last post in the family reunion series, I promise. This is for posterity sake anyway so I guess it doesn't matter if you enjoy it. The house we rented was actually an old Army barrack on the grounds of Fort Worden. Fort Worden, along with the heavy batteries of Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, once guarded nautical entrance to Puget Sound. These posts, established in the late 1890s, became the first line of a fortification system designed to prevent a hostile fleet from reaching such targets as the Bremerton Naval Yard and the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett. Construction began in 1897 and continued in one form or another until the fort was closed in 1953. The property was purchased as a state park in 1955. Fort Worden is named after Rear Admiral John L. Worden. Here are some pictures from our afternoon of exploring the old bunkers that look out over the Strait of Juan De Fuca.

Here is the forest side of the bunkers and the kids all marching in a row, except Jack of course.

Jack needed a little boost up the ladder.

Once inside the bunkers it is pretty neat. You can't see much unless you bring a flashlight. This picture was lit up by the flash on my camera.

I turned the flash off for this one. You can see the exit in the distance.

Addie and her cousin peeking out through the slit in an observation tower.

This is where one of the big guns were located. You can see the scale of the guns by comparing the base to my Mom on the platform.

Papa droppin knowledge.

This is on top of the bunkers looking out over the strait of Juan De Fuca. you can see Whidbey Island, WA directly across and then faintly in the distance part of the San Juan Islands (also part of Washington). Victoria, B.C. is out of the picture to the left.

That's it. The next post will not be family reunion related. You made it through. Nice job.

Kickball and Randomness

In part three of the Wolfley Family Reunion blog series we find ourselves playing kickball. There are some other random pics as well so enjoy (or not).

See if you can kick this curve ball kid.

This is Davis's idea of playing the field.Sidnee's version of playing the field is only slightly better. At least she is upright. After the game the kids all clamored up on this old anchor for a pic. We used to play on this anchor all the time when we were kids (25 years ago). Point Wilson Lighthouse. Addie and her friend Sebastian.Lucas working on his sea legs.Chetzemoka Park is where we played as kids and has this awesome tire swing. You can load a bunch of kids in it, push it around in a huge circle five feet off the ground, and watch the madness. I'm sure the park neighbors were glad when we finally left the park.Private Lucas catching a few Zs in the shade.Diet Coke and Mentos. Need I say more?

Kiddie Boot Camp

In part two of the Wolfley Family Reunion blog series we find ourselves looking in on Kiddie Boot Camp. Uncle James and Aunt Tiana did a fabulous job creating a fun, yet challenging, course to whip the kids into shape. Here are a few of the pics.

A little dissension in the ranks.

Addison displaying her half rabbit mutant genes in the sack race portion of the obstacle course.
Kennedy ripped through the course posting one of the best times out of all the grand kids.

Jackson looks a little apprehensive about this whole deal but he got through it and had fun.

I'm not sure who taught Jack to go through the ropes course like this but he looks darn cute.

Davis doing his Heisman pose.

Luke and Sidnee did a lot of this. And by "this" I mean standing around looking cute.

Wolfley Family Reunion

We had a great family reunion last week. Unfortunately not everyone was in attendance. Chad just graduated from boot camp and Kelly was visiting him. We had our own little army assembled in Port Townsend, Washington. General Ammie and Papa planned a busy and fun filled 3 days which included a memory lane scavenger hunt, a treat at elevated ice cream shop, story time with Ammie, bike rides, picnics, kick ball, playing on the beach, hiking, exploring the old army barracks, talent show, treasure hunt, ping pong, fussball, lots of snacks and good food. We really had a wonderful time. Here are just a few of the pictures.

This is the whole crew except General Ammie who was taking the pictures.

Sail boats and seagulls

The dining hall where we ate some great food.

Cute baby Lucas. 13 months old.
All 14 grand kids standing at attention by order of General Ammie.
I don't have the time to spend tonight posting but there are lots of pictures to post so I am sure there will be more to come!