Seattle!

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but for two weeks our lives were consumed with Seattle--first the planning, then the trip (September 15-19) , then the recovery!  Trey was honored with an Acheivement Award at Steritech, and part of that honor was an all expense paid weekend trip to Seattle.  We had an amazing (and exhausting!) time.  We also admittedly spent much of the trip talking about the girls, missing the girls, shopping for the girls...well, you get the idea.

Thursday:  I went to work as usual, but left early so we could make it to the airport to catch our flight.  I left the house in tears, worried about how much I would miss the girls and how long we would be away from them.  I left Reagan a note and a gift to open every day we were gone.  She loved them and it let her know Mommy and Daddy were always thinking about her even though we weren't with her.  Our plane took off from Richmond on time, we had a quick layover in Detroit, and then we were off to Seattle.  That night we stayed in a Springhill Suites and by the time we got to bed we had been awake for 22 hours.

Friday:  Friday morning we were up bright and early due to the three hour time change.  So we decided to head to the hotel, The Fairmont Olympic, to check in.  We were given a beautiful suite!  After getting a quick caffeine fix, we headed off to explore Pike's Place Market.  It was an amazing market and an awesome experience.  That night we enjoyed delicious food and great company at a welcome dinner at the hotel. 

Saturday: After a delicious breakfast with Trey's colleagues at the hotel, we headed to our sailing excursion on the Puget Sound.  We had beautiful views of the city, but it was freezing!  By the end of the trip, every person on board the boat had put on every single layer they had with them.  Thank goodness Steritech had given all of fleeces as a welcome gift the night before!  After sailing, we were treated to an amazing lunch at Elliott's Oyster House.  The crab cakes were absolutely delicious!  We then headed back to the hotel to rest up and get ready for the black tie awards banquet to be held that evening at the hotel.  It was a lovely night. 

Sunday:  While most of Trey's colleagues were heading home, we were lucky enough to have an extra day in Seattle.  Although we were downright exhausted by this point, we had to take advantage of being in the city.  So after another delicious breakfast (Washington apple fritter frenchtoast, anyone?), we headed back to Pike Place Market.  We explored downtown a little bit, relaxed at the hotel, and then headed to visit Chittenden Locks in the Ballard section of Seattle.  Because the public bus ride was rather long, we were able to experience first hand why Seattle was given the title of 6th worst dressed city in the world.  That night we opted out of a fancy dinner and instead enjoyed a sandwich and a beer at the Pike's Place Brewery before calling it a night.

The Original Starbucks

Monday:  Early flight home!  After a very long flight, a quick layover in Cleveland, and then a short flight, we were finally home to see Pumpkin and Peanut.  Reagan and Madilynn LOVED their souvenirs, and we were just so happy to be home with them again.

All in all, we had an amazing and exhausting trip to the Emerald City.  Who knew so much fun could be so much work?

Enjoying Seattle Souvenirs!