giving thanks in seattle

Our first Thanksgiving as a married couple was spent in Shoreline, Washington (North Seattle) with Kent's family. We debated staying in California, but we both wanted to get out of town for a few days. Kent's sister, Paige, and her husband, Eric, graciously opened up their home to all of us. Kent's brother, Matt, and his wife, Laura, came up as did Kent's mom and dad. It was great getting to know my new in-laws better. They're all wonderful and I love my new nieces and nephews. We actually have 51 nieces and nephews when you combine our two families. Love the little people.

Here's what we did:

We went downtown on Wednesday and it was great. Here we are in front of the needle. Can you go to Seattle and not take a picture with that structure in the background?

Lunch break. Kent, Sommer and bunny-ear making, Ridge.

The Pacific Science Center was awesome. I liked the Butterfly room (felt like I was in a tropical jungle in freezing Seattle) and the human size checkers board. Kent won, but it was still fun.

Pike's Place. Fun, crowded market famous for its fish. I actually bought something there-a pressed flower pendant. I'm such a sucker at outdoor/farmers' markets.

Ridge (blue shirt) got baptized on Thanksgiving. We were so happy to be there. Aren't those kids adorable? I married into the right family. Good genes.

Ella and Sommer. Such cuties.

Cannon. He was so fun to play with. He has a great imagination.

Soccer Kent with Laine.

I was amazed at Kent's foot skills. He popped that ball high in the air with one little flick!

Our trip on the high seas to get a Christmas tree with Paige and family. We took a ferry over to Kingston to pick out the tree. Quite an adventure. The wind stole my scarf soon after this picture was taken. 

Luke, Shanon, Kent, Ron and Eric being blown by the wind.

Kent at the Christmas tree farm.

We took turns jumping over this irrigation canal. Of course one of the kids managed to fall in, but it was worth it.

We didn't get a tree, but we got lots of ideas for what we want.

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving and are grateful for our many friends and family. Thank you, Paige and Eric, for letting us visit. Hopefully, we'll return to Seattle soon.