Our Quick Seattle Weekend

We had the best time this weekend! Brandon's been working out of town so much that we really needed a little vacation to just get away. I wanted to sightsee in Seattle as it's in our backyard and I didn't want to move from here, and never stay in Seattle.

Brandon picked out our hotel, and he did so good! We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Seattle right off Pine Street. We both had a brain fart and he originally booked a double room, which we somehow forgot meant it was two beds, not two rooms. So on our way up there, Brandon had to call and sort that all out and we decided on a suite. I am so glad we got the suite! It was 800 square feet (twice as large as our last apartment!) Everything was absolutely beautiful and we had three large windows that had city view as well as a bay view. Unfortunately, there is another building that blocks where the sun sets so we didn't get that. The suite was large enough to stick Waverly in the entry way and not be bothered by us if we wanted to watch television. The sitting area had its own television separate from the sleeping area. The bathroom was beautiful with marble tiles and a separate bathroom. The robe was so soft, and the slippers were super soft too! I didn't want to leave! I could have spent the entire weekend in the hotel (okay, just kidding but seriously it was really nice!).

We went to the Woodland Park Zoo, and it was a warmer day so we didn't get to see as many animals as wanted to. We got to see the hippos, giraffes (which were several which was really nice), lemurs, and many many others. Mason seemed most infatuated with the fishes! We didn't make it to the aquarium this trip, but we will definitely go there the next time around.

The penguins were fun to watch. A couple swam around and put on a little show for us.

He wasn't as excited to sit on this hippo, but hey, it's a picture opportunity!

Mason and Waverly also got to ride on the Seattle monorail for the first time! The monorail was really close to our hotel (another plus for our hotel!).

We went to the Pacific Science Center, and made a complete day of it. The Pacific Science Center is actually what prompted us to take this trip. Since Mason loves dinosaurs, Brandon kept telling me that we should take Mason here. Brandon remembered his experience as a little kid and going to the science center so he wanted that experience for Mason. Since the dinosaurs move, Mason was a tad bit scared at first, but he eventually warmed up to them!

There was a cute tot area and we let Waverly free to explore! Usually she gets stuck in our arms or the stroller, so I was super glad that she could get out and walk around and play.

The science center had this relaxation game that Brandon and I played and then Mason and Brandon played. It was really cute. Basically, the more relaxed you can get, the further the ball moves away from you. Once it gets over to your partner, you win. One tip is to not breathe! LOL.

Lil Mama was totally knocked out! We grabbed some lunch at the Armory. I loved the wide array of food selections. 

Afterwards we walked to a park that was really cool. It was quite warm that day and Mason was feeling a bit under the weather so he didn't join in the fun, but isn't the playground amazing? Since having kids, I've been so much more aware of playgrounds and which ones I want to take my kids too. This is definitely a really neat one! It's right in the Seattle Center which is really convenient.

After lunch we went back to the science center where Mason got more time with the dinosaurs!

We went to a part of the exhibits that we completely missed.

Finally, it was time for the Terracotta exhibit which was awesome! It was really cool to learn more about the warriors and the Qin dynasty.

Both nights that we were there, we got dim sum at Din Tai Fung. They are famous for their soup dumplings. We got to try the soup dumplings, fried rice (Mason and Waverly loved this), noodles with braised beef, bok choy, and a couple of other dishes. So good!

I took a bath one night there. It was so nice! The robe and slippers the hotel provided were so comfy!

Before we came back home, Brandon dropped me off so I could get us some doughnuts. Seriously, we've been waiting on these doughnuts for the past 7 or 8 years. The last time we visited Seattle to sightsee, we were too late for the doughnuts so this time we finally got it! And I sampled the best peach there. I didn't end up getting some which I still regret. Maybe in another 7 or 8 years? LOL

Mason enjoying his doughnut on our way home. 

What a fun trip we had! I'm so glad we got this trip in before the end of the year. Traveling with our kids is hard, and everything takes just a tad longer, but it's so worth it!

Kaolee

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tacoma, washington

This past weekend, we went up to Tacoma for Brandon's bike ride for cancer. I had contemplated going with him, and was still making up my mind up until the last minute. We had family in town, and a wedding, and it would have simply been easier to just stay home, but Brandon had been out of town a couple of days beforehand, so the thought of running around with Mason for a few more days did not sound very alluring. Not to mention that the temperature around here has been in the 90s! And that is not very fun for a pregnant woman. 

So when Brandon landed, I called him and told him that we are packing our stuff, and coming with him. And I sure am glad that we did since we had a lot of fun. Since his ride was an 85-miler or 100-miler (he ended up doing the 85-miler), I knew it was going to take all day on Saturday so I knew we needed an activity for Mason. I was hesitant being 8 months pregnant and all, and it's hard for me to catch Mason once he runs off, but I had heard great things about Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. 

So off we went! And I'm so glad that we did! He loved the aquarium and all the fishes. He would see the larger fishes, and just kept yelling "Big Fish" and then he heard some of the kids saying shark, and he started saying "Shark." And he would just squeal and scream at the fishes. It was so so so fun to experience it through his eyes, and I finally realize why all these other parents are here with their screaming kids. Seeing your kids get excited is so so so worth it! He would walk off by himself from station to station. He wouldn't always go up to the glass to touch it since he was a little scared, and I don't think he fully comprehend that they were behind glass. It was just the cutest thing in the whole wide world. I finally had to wrangle him away so he could have some food before he got too hangry, but I'm sure he would have not minded walking around for another hour or so looking at all the fishes. 

When Mason and I were driving to the zoo & aquarium, we took Ruston Way, and I was driving right beside the water, and saw all these cool restaurants. There was a trail right there beside the water, and there were lots of walkers and runners. There were nice shade around so I knew that we had to come back. 

Apparently, Mason was super terrified of the boardwalk. He was very careful not to walk on the cracks, and then he just was wanting Brandon to hold him. It was funny to see how scared he was. I guess the cracks probably look super big to him, and he probably thought he would have fell right through them. Silly boy!

The weather was warm, but with the breeze from the water, it was spectacular. I just love the water, and the calmness on that day. There were benches along the way, and gosh, how I wished I lived near there. I would come out and walk it everyday. 

He loved climbing on these neat shells. He is such a boy sometimes! I'm excited to see how our little girl will do, and whether she is going to be like her brother.

One of Mason's favorite things to do whenever he is close to water is to throw rocks in the water. He was walking around, trying to find all the rocks that he could so he could toss it in. 

And of course, Daddy gets to carry him back to the car. Did I mention I left the stroller at home? We had to pack Brandon's bike and so although I saw it as we headed out, I figure we would manage. And we did. Although it would be nice to get an umbrella stroller since I left ours with my brother in Wisconsin last summer. 

Anyways, this is our last weekend away from home before the baby. The next several weekends will be preparing for baby, and resting. Thanks for reading!

Kaolee

Wisconsin Dells

On one of our days out in Wisconsin, we made it out to the Wisconsin Dells. The weather wasn't as warm as we liked it to be, but it was an off day for my brother, so off we went. I had only heard about the Dells, oh the Dells. So I was excited to finally see what it's all about!

We got a great deal on tickets to Mt. Olympus, which is a super rad water park & resort. The clouds came & went. We so loved loved it!

Kaolee

I am not a big fan of roller coasters or rides such as this, but I wanted to capture a picture of it! Even the kid's version of this scares me. Haha!

Despite the cooler temperatures, Mason enjoyed being in the water, and splashing around. Good thing since we have swim lessons coming up soon for him!

This was such a nice area for smaller kids and babies. There was plenty of room for him to have fun in.

My brother took him down a baby slide. So cute!

My sweet brother took him on some little rides. 

The upside down White House! 

We walked around the Strip where the streets were filled to the brim with t-shirt stores. Mason slept for most of the walk, but it was nice to be all touristy.

Milwaukee Beaches

I have flown into and out of Milwaukee, but that has been the extent of my previous time there. This time around, our situations were that we had some time to spend there. Oh, the houses! Absolutely breathtaking. When I go again, I want to walk down the sidewalk and just admire these houses. Big, beautiful, and full of character! And each one is just as beautiful as the last! Across from these houses was the beach! And it stretched, and stretched!

The day was beautiful, and everyone was out enjoying the weather. There were people laying out, playing volleyball, biking, walking, people watching. It was perfection.

Here's to hoping you have a perfect weekend!

Kaolee

Bay Beach Amusement Park

We went to Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, and it is the absolute perfect spot for kids. There were rides that Mason was able to get on as well. My favorite part is that there is no admission charge, and you pay for what you choose to ride. The ride tickets are 25 cents!!! And most rides take 1 to 2 tickets. Isn't that just spectacular? I so wish we had one of those here in Vancouver!

On Mason's first ride, I was a little nervous about him flopping around (there is belts). I asked a couple if it was okay for Mason to ride beside their son. Mason did such a good job, and his expressions and joy was completely priceless!

He sat still on this ride, and kept glancing at the little girl to see what she was doing. He rung the bell once after seeing her do it. Oh man, he is just way too cute!

Unfortunately, we got rained out before we could try all the other rides :( We so need one of these here!!!

Kaolee