Celebrating in Seattle

For Steve's birthday this year, we decided that instead of any major physical gift (since A: Steve is the most impossible person in the world to shop for, and B: when asked, there is never anything he wants), we would have a fun family day in Seattle. We decided to leave Evan with a friend since - let's face it - doing touristy-type things is just a whole lot easier without a baby in tow!

First, we headed to the Pacific Science Center. Travis has become very excited about dinosaurs lately, and he also recently did a unit at preschool on butterflies and new life. And at the PSC, they have both a dinosaur AND butterfly exhibit, so this was perfect! Jayna was especially into the water toys at the kids area. She would have stayed there all day if we had let her! But she actually did really well with the rest of the museum.

The dinosaur exhibit! Jayna was pretty freaked at first (I love the bottom picture of her hiding and clinging to Steve). Travis made us tell him the name of every dinosaur there. He loved it.
My favorite part of the museum was definitely the butterflies. The were so beautiful and varied, and they were everywhere!

A mirror at PSC that made us all laugh :) After four or so hours at the PSC, we decided to go up the Space Needle! None of us had ever been, so it was pretty cool for all of us. I only wish that it had been a clearer day for a view of Mt. Rainier. Still gorgeous, though. So after several hours at the PSC, walking to the Space Needle, and hour there, then walking back to our van, the kids were pooped. I'm actually amazed at how well Jayna in particular did, considering she had no nap. About two minutes after we got in the car, they were both out.

They didn't get to sleep long, because by this point, we were starving. We ended the day at Bucca di Beppa's, a great Italian restaurant where they serve you family-style and have great food. Can you tell Travis and Steve are tired of the camera at this point?

All in all, it was such a great day! With little kids and major outings, well, you win some and you lose some. But this day couldn't have been better - a definite win!