A Spontaneous Monday.

Last Monday marked the most spontaneous we've ever been since we've had children!  Never before had we planned a trip leaving the very next morning at 4:30am! But we were feeling brave, adventurous and determined to beat the traffic and reach Seattle by 8am.  The main reason for the roadtrip was to receive Husband's passport one-day, but as the cards fell, he didn't end up needing it to travel the next day, so we slowed down and enjoyed the afternoon in the city. 

there was some of the most beautiful sites.

and of course,

Pike's Place Market--

One of the very reasons you should visit Seattle, if you haven't already.

Are you a seafood lover like we are?

Pike's is heaven in the form of seafood.

I finally got to see the fish throwing, too.

It's when you point out your (order) and the seaman tosses your fish at least 10 feet to the guys working behind the counter to be wrapped up.  While watching, I wondered to myself, how many of those large, slippery guys have made a crash landing?

It wasn't long into our visit before we had to steer clear--

Husband wanted it all!

The most delicious, plentiful vegetable stocks.

But this stand stole the show!

Pappardelle's noodle stand was by far the most exciting stand we came across.

After five minutes of browsing and sampling chocolate dessert noodles,

we purchased some Whole Wheat Lemon Chive Spaghetti,

Trumpet Blend Spiral Pasta and Basil Tangerine Pasta.

Recipes came with each order of noodles, too.  The Lemon Chive Spaghetti was a perfect side dish for the King Crab Legs that we splurged on!

Here, the kids are taking a break from our walk

and enjoying a cheesecake truffle from The Confectional.

Husband and I tucked away a Bailey's Chocolate Chunk mini cheesecake for the road.

mmm-mmm.

Then we hit the road for some Seattle sight-seeing.

Love a city in Spring bloom.

...and houses in the Queen Anne neighborhood.

One of them was listed for around $1,700,000.00

At least they make for amazing neighborhood drives!

By this time, the kids were tuckered, so we waved goodbye to the city nestled near the harbor, and headed south to return ourselves back to the county.

We hadn't anticipated such a last-minute, enjoyable day,

but it was so great that we promised to be more spontaneous more often!

Have you had any recent spontaneous fun?

Dear Seattle

Plain and simple--

You are lovely. 

Even your rainy tendencies aren't enough to put a damper on the 

umbrella clad, coffee lovers who fill your streets.

Even the out of towners want to feel your rain.

Did you know that even in the fog and the mist that fill these late fall days,

your energy inspires and renews?

I could walk your streets with nowhere in particular to attend

for hours on end--with an umbrella, of course.

I love the way your streets collide with the Puget Sound.
If there was ever a harbor on the edge of a city that took one's breath away,
it is yours.

Give a thanks to your fishermen,

for their abundant catch is jaw-dropping,

and for the florists who introduced the cabbage flower bouquets.

I'd like to personally thank the man who owns the mini-cheesecake shop
and tell him how divine his pumpkin cheesecake. 
I'd like to order one up for each day left in November!
Please tell the European bakeries whose aroma stopped me in my tracks,
to keep baking up that french goodness! 
Next time I visit, I'm yours!

Your antique shop was exquisite (minus the woman who walked the aisles with her arms crossed and her straight-faced glances, making me feel like a juvenile delinquent), 

but you buttered me up with your kind-talking, laid-back baristas and many a warm cup of joe.

Thank you, thank you, for becoming the coffee-capital!  Oh, how we love your brew!

You don't disappoint in the shopping department, either.

Were you hoping to melt hearts when you positioned Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie side by side?
Thank you for this dynamic duo, and their aesthetic, dreamy goodness!

Seattle, you've been good.  Real good.
You've sent me home refreshed and excited,
even about the rain.
Thank you.
I can't wait to walk your weathered streets again.

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p.s. Heather, you were as fabulous as ever!  Thanks for letting me crash at your place,

 and for all the entertainment!  You are dear to me. xo