Seattle

My family had been planning a getaway to Seattle since this past summer. Despite rough driving conditions and lots of snow, all of us state-side family members made it and we had a great time!

On  Thanksgiving Day, we took the kids and cousin Adam to the Aquarium.

 Then caught a ferry to our "beach house"

 The girls help uncle Jeff with some rolls

 (Sadie's really helpful in the kitchen, too)

 Once again on the Ferry. It was a highlight- some even saw seals swimming (where the week before people saw whales).

 Joseph got a kick out of watching some kids feed these seagulls crackers.

He found one and held his hand up in the air, waiting for a seagull to come feast. Jim even tried helping him out by adding an extra 7 feet.

They did this for several minutes

 discouraged, Joseph finally took to eating his own snack.

 Once in Seattle, we enjoyed the business of Pike's Market. (Which, BTW, is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Who knew kids could run through the place, climb all over the tables and act as sellers there.) What a difference a day makes- this place was CRAZY on Friday!

 The kids thought this gum wall was great.

 And added their own art to it.

 Don't worry- Granmama came to the rescue with anti-bacterial soap...

James made his gum into a "J". He's pointing at it with his tongue (right under my "here" sign).

 Again, Jov with the birds- and this cute, cute old lady who was worried about these little birds because she hadn't been to that corner in several days.

 All tuckered out by the end of a busy day- but no rest for the wearing in Seattle this trip. We were off to the Children's museum.

 So many fun, hands on activities here- we highly recommend it. (Feel free to skip the Bugs IMAX movie. A Bug's Life was much more entertaining...)

Aunt Kristin and Aunt Jenesse get in on the water fun.

 This was James' favorite thing- you create your own ball drop thing. I've actually got some of this foam in my garage. Any ideas on how to create this????

 Lizzy shows uncle Jeff where she broke her left arm.

 Proof we were in Seattle.

 How could I not get a shot of this man? Have you ever seen such a Santa? My dad pointed out he was at the Space Needle, therefore necessitating a space santa suit (?)

 Seneca, I took this shot for you as we drove by- we missed you France Kemptons!!!

 A total of 8 seals congregated here each morning.

 Uncle Rob, Daddy and the girls went down to the water to see them closer.

 Thanks to Granmama and aunt Kristin, there were plenty of crafts and activities for the kids to do.

 We eventually got to making our Thanksgiving dinner.

 Don't let his face fool you- this little Jack Jack loves food!!!

 In the end, there is always $$financial$$settling up to do. Jeff and Dad spent a *little* time creating an excel spread sheet that will now be used for many future family gatherings. It's pretty impressive!

 Yup, we all had a happy, happy time!!!