Seattle

I love Seattle. The word itself makes me happy. It makes me think of mountains and lakes and everything green. Bridges and winding roads. Christmas trees even in July. It makes me think of crisp, fresh air. Big leather chairs. Garlic-infused tenderloin and blue-cheese-bacon potatoes. Ice cream with Becca's homemade hot fudge. Scurrying rabbits in the backyard and sleeping dogs in the kitchen. Vanilla soap. Nate's Letterman jacket and Little League trophies. It makes me think of good friends, happy kids, and loving grandparents. Seattle makes me think of family. And even though it's not where I grew up, Seattle makes me think of home.

We just took a (last-minute) family trip to Seattle. It was impossible to get seats together on the plane. But never fear. Nothing can keep these kids from each other (or the DVD player). As soon as the seat belt sign was off, these four were all crammed together in two seats.
And except when Eliza was sleeping, (I LOVE Nate wearing Eliza's play necklace) or when Brig was being naughty and had to sit somewhere else, or when the captain ordered otherwise, they pretty much stayed smooshed in the same seat for the entire flight. Nice.
The rest of the trip was wonderful and way too short. One week is never enough time for Seattle. We miss it - and everyone - already.

Here are a few of our favorite parts:

Brigham's Favorite Part:
Riding the carousel in downtown Seattle with Grandpa Bill. Telling Jokes. Talking to a real police officer. Playing with the G.I Joe artillery and fighter planes in the toy room. Acquiring lots of "cute little things" (from the closet clean-out pile). And wearing a "squishy" coat every day.



Isaac's Favorite Part:
Building with Daddy's enormous childhood collection of Legos. Riding on the elevator. Exploring and hiding in Grandma Kathy's many closets. Chasing (and getting chased by) Hugo ("Stratego") the dog. Stair sliding (How we've missed carpet all these years!). And playing video games.




Clayton's Favorite Part:
Riding the subway train downtown. Going to see "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" with Grandpa Bill and getting his own popcorn. Playing in the backyard despite the cold. Winning at Super Mario Kart every time. Talking to Tico, the bird.




Eliza's Favorite Part:
Decorating and un-decorating the Christmas tree. Sliding, climbing, and escaping up and down the stairs. Watching the "shishy" in Becca's fish tank. Playing in Daddy's childhood collection of stuffed animals. Sitting with Grandma Kathy. And being carried around by everyone.





My Favorite Part:
Being with family. Having hot chocolate with Christine. Eating Becca's delicious cooking (and stealing her pictures). Seeing spectacular mountains once again. Happy kids. Staying up late talking.


Nate's Favorite Part:
Seeing his family. Going through all his old stuff and reminiscing. Watching football with his dad. Becca's white-chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Playing with the kids. Being at home.

We miss you, beautiful Seattle. . .

and everyone there.

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