Seein' Seattle

We are here and lovin' Seattle. Yes, as its reputation precedes it, it's kind of rainy. But you know what? It had been rainy at home also so why not experience a new place in my least favorite kind of weather. 50s/60s and rain. Mmmm.

First of all the trip itself (which I was most dreading) was not too bad at all. I had set my expectations very low so really it had to be better than I was imagining. Madelyn was excellent despite the lack of DVD watching time (due to lack of the player's charge---whoops!) Abigail was (as expected) scared to be next to the window and not easily entertained for the 6 or so hours total we were in the air. But we did it and it is over. Until we go home again.

But since we landed it has been wonderful. The sights are just amazing. Oh so Grey's Anatomy (I already have dozens of photos of the ferry boats crossing Puget Sound!) Our friends even have a view of the Olympic mountains from their living room. Breathtaking.

We have been taking it easy (relatively). We have already visited some of the top must-sees. The fact that we have been on East coast time has helped. Yesterday we were up, out the door, had consumed the greatest crumpets (and seen the tasty treats in the works), nibbled our way through the Pikes Place Market (and saw some fish throwing!!!) and went up 520 feet in the Space Needle. All before lunch.

Our friends took us to the coolest playground. But I have to say for the lucky residents here it's just their neighborhood playground. But the view is the stuff of postcards. It was hard to remember to watch the children on the playground when there was such an amazing backdrop.

Today we were up early and off to Mount Rainier. We stopped along the way at a wildlife conservation center where we got quick a close up view of bison, moose, mountain goats, elk.....and those are just some of the wildlife that was roaming free on our tour. The bears, wolves, bobcats, cougars and more were protected, shall I say. Thank goodness.

On to Mount Rainier where the weather was predictably unpredictable. One moment we were in scary, thick fog over a bridge and the next we were on a clear, snow-lined roadway. Yikes. The girls has fallen asleep as we entered the park so when they woke up they were quite confused about the winter wonderland.

But we have been learning a lot, relaxing some and having an amazing time visiting with our friends. Oh and my camera.....already needs to be re-charged. I've been taking a few photos along the way.

There is obviously SO much more. But it is already almost midnight which my body may or may not still think is 3 a.m.