off to see the wizard

This past week, we were able to spend some lovely time in the Emerald City visiting with my dad and brother. Good food, good times, boxes upon boxes of old family photos, and lots of traffic. Lots of driving around and thinking "hey, that house looks like it would be perfect for us!"

The girls had fun eating new things (oysters!) and were completely fascinated by the boats. We spent almost a whole day at Ballard Locks, watching the boats go in and out, up and down. We also watched the salmon try and make it up the fish ladder below the locks. Best of all, Ava got a lesson in baseball when we watched the Mariners kick the Yankees butts and see Safeco Field AND Qwest Field ("Dat's where dey play FOOTBALL Mama!!!"). Well, OK, maybe that was best for my baseball loving heart. But really...planes taking off left and right, a ferry to Bainbridge Island, and Shirley Temples until they couldn't drink anymore...the girls were in heaven!

Playing at the beach:

Ballard Locks:

On the ferry to Bainbridge:

No pictures, please!

Waiting...

Safeco drive by:

Chocolate does a baby good:

Attacking the body of a crab:

Half a crab down, more to go:

Sipping a Shirley Temple in a fancy restaurant:

First raw oyster (and she LOVED it!):

Em's first oyster (she's daddy's girl...not so much love for the oysters):

Seattle, we can't wait to spend more time with you soon! Dad and Josh, as always, it was a fun time :)