T.G.I.F!

Even though it is technically Friday, that "F" actually stands for fall! Ellie and I spent the better part of our morning at the park, enjoying overcast skies and temps in the upper 70s. Here's hoping fall is here to stay!

Ellie's First Babysitter (aka -- Date Night!)

After several months during which we have either been out of town or too busy on the weekends, Brian and I decided enough was enough and scheduled ourselves for a much-needed date night. Previously, we've only ever left Ellie in the care of my parents when they've been in town or with our friends when we've been on vacation with them. That's one tough part of living far away from my parents who would normally jump at the chance to watch Ellie -- all those date nights can really add up when you're paying a sitter! Even so, Brian and I both agree how important it is to get out as just a couple.

Luckily, I got a recommendation for an excellent sitter from a friend. We especially wanted to find one for a wedding we're attending at the end of next month and wanted to get Ellie used to her before then, so what better excuse than a date night! I saw Shannon (our sitter) in action at my friend's house when I was there for a girl's get together and she was watching their kids. She's a college student at the U of A and I was very impressed with how professional, yet friendly, she was when I called her. She happened to be free this past Saturday, so we booked her to watch Ellie while we went out for a dinner date.

Shannon came over about 45 minutes before Ellie's bedtime, and Ellie took to her right away by immediately asking her to read a book. When it came time for Brian and I to leave, I asked Ellie for a kiss and she shook her head! Honestly, I find it much easier that way instead of her clinging to us begging us not to go. I got one kiss out of her before Brian and I headed out the door. We drove up to Loews Ventana Canyon resort and enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Flying V Bar and Grill. Afterwards we walked around the resort grounds enjoying music from that evening's band. It felt so nice to have some alone time between us, where our conversations aren't constantly interrupted with disciplining and diaper changes. I think I speak for both of us when I say we feel much more refreshed as a couple -- well worth every penny!

When we got back home, Shannon gave us a great report. Ellie had picked up her toys and settled into bed without so much as a peep. She did wake up once, but it turns out she had thrown her duck and blanket out of the crib. She went right back to sleep as soon as she had them back. All in all, a very easy night for Shannon -- and I'm so glad we've found a sitter that Ellie already loves! It left Brian and I wondering why we hadn't done this sooner, but I can say we're already looking forward to our next date night!

Sunny Seattle

That sounds like an oxymoron, right? Our stay in Seattle capped off a great summer of traveling and we were fortunate enough to have wonderful warm, sunny weather while we were there. We've also been incredibly fortunate that we've been able to take as many trips as we have this summer. Brian has had a lot of "use or lose" time that needed to be, well, used and in years past, what little vacation time I built up at various jobs would be spent visiting family during the holidays. As much as we enjoy seeing our families, it has been wonderful traveling and making memories with our own little family over the last several months.

Brian found a great apartment rental in the heart of downtown Seattle, making this the first trip we've ever taken where we walked everywhere! I think it was the longest either of us has gone without stepping foot into a car, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Not having to deal with the stress of a rental car, driving in an unfamiliar downtown area, parking and traffic made this one of the most enjoyable, stress-free getaways we've ever had. We strapped Ellie in the BOB every morning and by the day's end, we had walked an average of six to eight miles. We packed in a great deal of sightseeing in just six days without feeling worn out or like we were over-extending ourselves.

We did have a list of places we had to see. The Space Needle was a must... and only a 15-20 minute walk away!

(Taking a snack break on the observation deck... it appears Ellie wasn't all that impressed with the views.)

A souvenir picture was included with our admission to the Space Needle. We couldn't help but laugh when it showed up in Brian's email. If you can't tell, we're both trying to get Ellie to smile -- which apparently worked out real well.

After taking in the views from the top of the Space Needle, we went next door to the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Dale Chihuly is a world-famous glass sculptor, with exhibits all over the world. What I didn't realize is that he's originally from Tacoma, just south of Seattle. The garden and glass exhibit was breathtaking and one of my personal highlights from the trip.

Similarly to the Space Needle, we received a souvenir picture from our visit to the Chihuly exhibit. Ellie's going to hate me someday for posting this family photo, so I'll just tell her she was obviously overwhelmed by the beauty of Chihuly's artwork.

Upon seeing the above picture, the girl taking the photos asked if Brian and I wanted a picture as a couple and we gladly obliged.

Also on the agenda: Pike Place Market! The apartment we stayed in was only two blocks away and we went there no less than once a day.

Booth upon booth of gorgeous flowers, all at insanely inexpensive prices!

I finally made up my mind on this bouquet to take home. Can you believe this beautiful bunch was only five dollars?!?

Also a must-see: the Pike Fish Market -- a.k.a. the fish throwers!

Who really know how to attract a crowd!

Post Alley and its popular "Gum Wall."

I had to make a contribution.

We also made it a point to find some fun places just for Ellie and the Seattle Children's Museum fit the bill.

The Pacific Science Center was also fun, but most of the exhibits were geared towards an older age group than Ellie's, although she found the butterfly house interesting.

We spent one of our mornings riding the ferry to and walking around Bainbridge Island.

There wasn't a whole lot to see or do on the island, although it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle for a few hours.

We briefly explored the Seattle Library -- a very cool looking building from the outside...

... and inside!

We walked,

and walked,

and walked! The majority of the time Ellie was relatively content to sit in the BOB.

There were plenty of times, however, when Ellie used her new favorite three words: "down," "walk" and "please" (or "pease"). We let her walk as often as we could, when the sidewalks weren't too crowded since she only rarely will hold our hands. I couldn't stop saying to Brian how good it felt to walk everywhere. I think it had something to do with "these shoes," the phrase I used multiple times a day to describe the BEST walking shoes I've ever worn.

I'm officially old since they're Clarks, but I'm so glad I bought them (the day before we left for this trip!). I wore them every day in Seattle and I haven't stopped singing their praises, even though I had to put them in the closet when we got back home since it's way too hot to wear them here (sniff). Maybe in another couple of months.Thank goodness we walked everywhere because not only did we see the sights, but we also had some great food, and a lot of it! Our first meal in town was on the recommendation of one of Brian's co-workers -- Ivar's walk-up fish bar! We ordered the fish n'chips and were not disappointed!

Don't let that face fool you. Ellie ate her fair share. :) I'm pretty sure I overloaded on mercury because we had fish just about every day. Ivar's was a favorite, but I had the best Dungeness crab chowder from Pike Pub and Brewery. It was so good I went back the next day to get another bowl.

We happened upon one of Seattle's popular food trucks for lunch one day downtown: Skillet Street Food. Their food was ah-mazing -- fresh and locally sourced. You know it's going to be good when you have to wait in line to get it!

I assure you, the wait was worth it.

We shared a cup of roasted golden beet soup (yum!). Brian had the veggie burger with bleu-brie cheese and mushrooms while I had the classic burger topped with arugula and (gasp) BACON JAM. It was heavenly. The fries were nothing short of life-changing. It was my favorite meal.

We also enjoyed authentic Chinese pot stickers in Seattle's Chinatown, pastries on Bainbridge Island,

and coffee every.single.morning from some great local coffee shops.

Being so close to Pike Place Market also meant stopping there for fresh berries to snack on.

I also ogled the produce on a daily basis.

Ellie was a champ and slept great for the entire week, taking three-hour naps every day. I'll never tire of her post-nap bed head.

However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and we had to bid farewell to Seattle. Ellie behaved well on both flights back, but I could tell she was glad to be back home.

All of our traveling this summer has been fun, but it feels good to know we'll be sticking around home for a while!