Seattle: Our Home Away from Home

This year, our Spring Break started w/ a little family jaunt up to Seattle

to visit one beloved Uncle Andy and Auntie Meme.

After counting down the days, I hopped on a flight w/ the kids, while Ben flew solo...

Wait, what?!?  How did that happen? ;)

But it didn't matter, as the kids have officially past the 

"I'd almost rather pull off my fingernails than travel with the kids" stage.

In fact, they were so adequately armed w/ their entertainment bags, 

this momma was left with no choice but to pick up a book to make sure she had something to do.

Awww, such a beautiful thing. :)

Now one of our favorite things to do w/ Uncle Andy and Auntie Meme is to take some sort of adventure in the Seattle area.

This trip's destination?

Seattle Aquarium and Pike's Place Market

Starting it off right with obligatory group shots. ;)

Ben acting like he's sitting in a chair while Gwen decided it's funny to not smile in pics.

Kennedy and Ty are officially my favorite family members. ;)

We apparently have some sort of fascination with the octopus.

Can you guess which one is the real one?

And why the Garate kids love their Auntie Meme so? ;)

Then it was time to take the "look like you're kissing the fish" photos.

Attempt #1

 Attempt #2

It was clear that Auntie Meme has had some experience in this dept. ;)

My absolute favorite shot of the day. ♥

Taking in the beautiful sky and water lines...

and some of the local trash, I mean art. ;)

Why walk, when you can run... or carry a child? ;)

********************

But our favorite part of any trip is the fact that we can have fun doing the simplest of things. 

Like making the kids walk 1 1/2 miles up hill to pick up a movie/wii game from the nearest redbox, 

and then 1 1/2 miles back.

But in our defense it was downhill and they got a McD's chocolate dipped cone for their efforts ;).

Or taking pictures with nail polish. ;)

Or as "Twins".

 Or playing independently. ;)

And no trip would ever be complete without a little visit with our friends in Auntie Meme's class.

Ty and Tristan coloring eggs.

Kennedy and her pal, Maryam.

And Gwen doing, what Gwen likes best.

Helping "little kids".

But quite possibly our favorite activity of the weekend, was playing

DOMINION.

Trust me, you'll love it.

And if you ever come to visit, don't be surprised if we ask you to play. ;)

Thank you Uncle Andy and Auntie Meme for another great trip!

♥♥♥