Seattle Vacation Part I

In an effort to feel like Drake's start of Kindergarten hasn't taken away all of our "schedule freedom", we booked a trip in June to take advantage of Drake's October fall break. I'm discovering that not everyone is so fortunate to have a fall break as I think October is a great time to travel. We were able to find some great fares to Seattle and stayed with Marshall's sister and husband so free lodging as well. And Marshall's parents came over from the "east side" so we had a mini-family reunion as well. What a treat!!!

Of course, our travel ended up coinciding with an abnormal fall storm that brought 2 feet of snow to Denver. With that knowledge, we decided to try and fly stand by on Wednesday morning and take an extra day of vacation. Luckily, we had no trouble getting seats on that flight and made it out on Wednesday morning. We didn't do much on Wednesday - except relax, nap, and enjoy the fact that we did make it to Seattle.

Thursday morning was a bit rainy so we ventured out with our umbrellas to the doughnut shop down the hill. Marshall's sister and brother-in-law live in West Seattle in a great neighborhood - and with a view of the water (I enjoyed just sitting in their front room enjoying the view with a cup of coffee).



Trip for Doughnuts


When Marshall's parents arrived with the van (and car seats), we ventured over to the Seattle Center for our visit to the Space Needle and the Children's Museum. It was a great day and just enough activity for the boys. We ate lunch in the food court right above the Children's Museum - it was perfect. We then ventured back home for some naps, relaxing, and then out to dinner at Elliot Bay Brewpub in West Seattle. It was the perfect place to enjoy some beers, dinner, and baseball.




Space Needle




At the top of the Space Needle


Friday brought another outing to Seattle. We took the water taxi from West Seattle to the Seattle water front. The last day of the season for the taxi was Oct 31st, so we were fortunate to be able to ride the taxi. The boys enjoyed the ride on the boat and Marshall and I enjoyed the views of the Seattle skyline during the short trip. We then toured the famous Pike Place Market - the boys were not impressed (so we got them doughnuts) and Marshall and I were able to check things out for a bit - and get Marshall some of his Market Spice Tea.



Water Taxi Ride

After checking out the market, we headed back down to the water front and met our brother-in-law at the aquarium. The boys loved the tide pools (and touching the starfish and other creatures), the diver "show", and the river otters. What a great activity for the boys. We then rode the taxi back to West Seattle and took the scenic drive back along Alki Beach. It's so great to have locals to be our "tour guides".



At the Aquarium - Right on the Waterfront

We enjoyed some drinks when Michelle got home from work and the boys "helped" Uncle Jim with the firewood. A nice dinner in and family time wrapped up Friday night.



Friday Night Dinner