Seattle

Oh Seattle!  How we love our summer visits there.  We almost didn't make it this year.  With Scott out of town and not able to join us, I wasn't sure I was up for a flight or road trip by myself with two three year olds.  But, Uncle Steven and Papa and Grandma to the rescue, and we were on our way!  First stop, on our journey, the Middle of Nowhere, literally.

Ella had to take a bathroom break not long after getting on the road so we stopped at this little lone gas station in between Tremonton and the junction to Boise.  The kids were surprised to find to Alpalcas waiting to welcome them.  Cole and Ella were excited to feed them - Cade, ya, not so much.

Much to my surprise and delight, the trip over went pretty well.  We had a little difficult in Dairy Queen at the end when we tried to fee them dinner, but other than that, they did great.  Since Papa and Grandma were not able to celebrate the kids birthdays with us, we did another celebration with them.  I was anxious to see if Cole would have another meltdown when we started to sing happy birthday and sure enough, he did.  You can see him trying to crawl over the table.  I don't know what it is about that song but he does not like it!

We were finally able to get him to calm down enough to blow out the candles and open presents.  Hooray for Chuggington Trains!

Ella also got in on the birthday action with some new earrings for her pierced ears and a new game for her Nintendo DS.

One of our regular trips to their favorite park.  

And a visit to Seattle would not be the same without a pilgrimage to Remlinger Farms.

Try as we might, we could not convince Cole to go on any rides but the train and the canoes.

We lucked out and came on a day when Eric Ode was performing in the theatre.  He is by far our favorite.  The boys loved it when he brought out the crocodile.  Cole and Ella went right up when he called the kids to come on stage.  It took a bit of coaxing but Cade finally joined them.  He wasn't about to sing or do actions though.  He was content to stand next to Ella.  This was a big step for him though since he still does not like to be up in front of people performing.

With views like this, it's easy to see why we love it here so much!

Mom and Dad treated us to an adult night out and it was amazing.  We were able to visit the Pier, Pike's Market and do the Underground Tour.  I am bummed I left my camera in the car for that one.  I'll have to blog about it if we go again.  It's a really great historical tour where you can see the original ground level of Seattle.  On our way to dinner, we passed some of the most interesting characters (girls) we have ever seen. They looked like they just walked out of a Skittles commercial.  Again, should have taken a photo.  I think they were proud of the extended looks and craned necks they got from us!

Here we are getting ready to eat deliciousness at Salty's.  The two pics below are the views we had of the city from our table.  It was amazing!!!  I think we all rolled out of there, filled to the brim.

Feeling a tad bit guilty for having all the fun the night before, we took the kids into the city the next day to go to the top of the Space Needle.  My poor Cole!  He was not happy when we stepped into the elevator.  He hates them!  But apparently if he can see out, it's not so bad.  As soon as we moved into the part with glass, he was fine.  Good thing because it was a bit of a ride and a full crowd.

We loved walking around the top and looking through the telescopes.

And eating ice cream!

Ella getting her face painted.

And last, but not least, our smore night by the fire pit.  

As always, Seattle and Papa and Grandma are one of the biggest highlights of our summer!