Trip to Seattle

As summer was approaching, some of our summer plans changed and so we planned a trip to Seattle on short notice. Since it was spur of the moment, we decided to drive rather than fly. We had not driven to Seattle with the kids and it had been years since Terry and I had driven; we completely forgot how long the drive was. The kids did well and we made the best of the long drive with some stops along the way. On the way down we drove through Idaho and stayed in Spokane overnight. Jaret and Kirra thought it was torture that we drove right past Silverwood and didn't stop to spend any time at the park. The drive down seemed easier than the drive back. Perhaps this was due to coming up through BC and hitting more traffic than we experienced in the US and also all the construction. It made for a long trip. We ended up leaving Seattle later than we hoped on July 5th and were tempted to stay an extra night to take in a third game but decided to get on the road. Due to the long drive with all the traffic and construction, we got as far as Salmon Arm and decided to stay overnight. The kids loved the break from the drive, especially because it meant an evening of swimming at the hotel pool.

Frank Slide

Sparwood to see The World's Largest Truck 

(and an ice cream treat just because)

Columbia River

Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals

July 3, 2017

Trying to catch a ball during batting practice

The kids waiting to meet a ball player or two for autographs

(Mom hoping that Mitch Haniger will saunter over)

Instead - The Mariners' Moose

Jaret opted for a grasshopper while Kirra chose ice cream.

The gentleman behind Jaret was offering grasshoppers.

Jaret & Terry decided to try one. 

Jaret thought it was spicy and didn't really care for it.

Terry enjoyed his cold beer over the grasshopper.

Kirra loved her ice cream and even shared with her brother.

Fireworks After The Game

Of course you don't have to watch them all - I included a lot of videos.

I love fireworks!

Spent the morning of July 4th at the waterfront and Pike's Place Market

(picture taken by Mitch Haniger's Uncle - pretty cool)

Apparently this is my Starbucks name.

Just call me Jim.

Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals

July 4, 2017

We all got in the spirit for July 4th!

What is a baseball game without cotton candy?

But you should have seen how much broccoli she ate at PF Chang's for supper!

Notice the guy photo bombing. 

Nice family from Kansas City originally.

Each of the kids earned $1 for making Moose ears when Moustakas got up to bat. 

Easiest dollar ever made so Jaret really couldn't refuse especially since, in Jaret's words, 

"It is worth more than a Canadian dollar."

An overthrown ball by Segura from third base at the end of an inning, rolled right over toward us. The ball girl noticed but was in front of it and saw that it was rolling right for Terry's glove and since it was the end of the inning, she allowed Terry to scoop it up for the kids. They were so excited over this ball. It was a special July 4th ball that had red and blue stitching. Great keepsake!

"I want to be a ball girl when I grow up!"

And then Kirra got her picture with Taylor (one of the ball girls).

Although the Mariners lost both games, we still had a great time. Ballparks are so kid friendly and it is a fun family experience. The weather was fabulous and we had great seats to enjoy the game from. The first game we were in club seats on the first base line and the second game we were in the first row along the first base line. The kids love everything about baseball games. They love cheering on their team, even if they end up loosing. They love the snacks and treats. They love the seventh inning stretch where we get up and sing, "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." And after the game is over, they love going and chatting with one of the guys that works in the store who tells them all about the game merchandise that can be purchased. They also love taking a pedicab from the stadium to the waterfront so there is a little less walking. So much fun and memories made. 

After the game, supper at PF Chang's and then we headed to the Space Needle. All the tickets were sold out so we walked to Lake Union, which was a further walk than we thought. We saw the fireworks but didn't have as good a view as we did sitting in our seats at the baseball game the night before. The night didn't end well as we walked a different route back toward the Space Needle but took the long way. Then when we got there, the monorail was closed already so we had to walk the long walk back to our hotel. We did a lot of walking that day and were absolutely exhausted. The kids were awesome but reminded us that we should have just gone swimming at the hotel pool after supper.

Just a pit stop along the highway to stretch.

So grateful for another safe and fun trip to Seattle. Next road trip...Saskatchewan. Maybe not as exciting since we won't even get to a Rider game in the new stadium while there (only because they aren't playing while we are there).