Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Seattle family fun!


Last weekend we escaped to Seattle and it was just the family refresh that we needed.  The last six weeks have been rough to say the least.  After losing my mother in law and then our family dog, I just have not been able to snap out of my sadness.  Eric and I knew we needed to get away and we knew exactly where we needed to go.  Seattle is so nostalgic for us, around every corner I see baby Sloany and Eric and I becoming parents.  It's our happy place, filled with happy memories, our favorite restaurants, and good friends!

People always ask me where to stay in Seattle.  Our favorites are the Grand Hyatt on Pine, the Westin (they have an indoor pool, great for kiddos!), and Motif Seattle (very central location, a bit closer to the stadiums if you're in town for a game!).

As we drove into downtown Seattle is started down pouring (thank you for the wonderful welcome Seattle!). After checking into our hotel, we jetted off to University Village because they have great shopping, a toy store, and a covered play area.  We let the girls play for awhile on the covered play structure, ate cupcakes, and then the girls had a blast playing and coloring at Land of Nod.  We met some friends for dinner at one of our favorite pizza places, Ballard Pizza Company.  We met at the Frelard location which I love because they have a little kids play area.  Plus the pizza is amazing (so is the rosè, but I didn't get to participate in the wine drinking this time).  We loved seeing my friends Michelle and Sara (and Sara's darling family!).

We spent the rest of our weekend eating, playing, and sightseeing!  A few favorites worth mentioning... our favorite breakfast spot is Caffè Lieto (locals call it Biscuit Bitch), but apparently it's become quite the tourist attraction!  The line was down the street so we went right to Bacco (it's right by the Public Market).  They have a great breakfast menu and their fresh squeezed juices are so delicious.  We walked down to the Public Market and stuck gum on the famous gum wall (the girls loved this!!).  Note: if you're really wanting to shop at the Market, don't go on a Saturday morning-it's too crowded!  But if you're just sightseeing and walking through, it's worth the crowds.  If you're looking for more shopping, walk up and down Pike and Pine and you'll find it!  Pacific Place mall (on Pine) has lots of great stores too!

If you make your way down to the Pioneer Square district (our old neighborhood, very close to the stadiums), make sure you check out Magic Mouse Toys.  It's just an old toy store that is jam packed with goodies.  Your kiddos will think it's Disneyland, there is so much to look at!  And if you're in Pioneer Square, make a quick pit stop in E. Smith Mercantile.  Grab a bottle of lavender bitters and mix them into some champagne or a vodka lemonade.  You can thank me later :).

Another super fun neighborhood is Capitol Hill.  We love lunching at Vios Cafe (another super kid friendly restaurant with a little play area).  Another must stop is Hello Robin, their cookie ice cream sandwiches are AMAZING!!  My best friend actually used to live across the street from Hello Robin and walking down 19th brought back so many wonderful memories!  Just Lauren and I, with our first babies in front-packs busy exploring the city.

If you go past Capitol Hill and make your way into Madison Park, go all the way down Madison St.  and to Lake Washington (if it's a nice day!).  There's a great little beach and the best park in Seattle.  We spent all afternoon there with the girls, it's so fun!  We love stopping at Cactus restaurant for happy hour (great Mexican food!).

A few other places we love (and are super kid friendly) are Green Lake and the Woodland Park Zoo.  If you're in the city during the week, try to catch story time at the Central Public Library (the building is amazing!).  And if you have the chance to see a game, do it!  We have been to so many Mariner games and it never gets old!  Check out this website if you're looking for more Seattle tourist attractions!

I hope these recommendations help next time you're in Seattle!  It's a wonderful city and we love visiting so much!  I spent most of our weekend trying to convince Eric into moving us back, but I don't think I'm going to get my way anytime soon ;).

Xo

Marisa

And as always, a photo dump of my sweet ladies :)


















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