Surprise Christmas Trip Tradition… Seattle!

Four years ago when I asked our oldest daughter what she wanted for Christmas she replied back “All I want is to ride on an airplane!” I laughed at first thinking what an impossible request that was. Then that night I checked flights to see if I could find a cheap one somewhere.  I ended up finding $75 round trip tickets from Long Beach to San Francisco.  That Christmas morning in 2009, Santa brought a few toys and then when it was time to open gifts from mom and dad there was a small model airplane, some new clothes and a duffle bag. It had a note saying to pack bags because we were leaving in a few hours to take a plane to San Francisco. We loved making memories and enjoying time together.  Since then, this has become a tradition and every year we look forward to planning a surprise Christmas trip for the girls.  It’s nice to simplify all the junk and just be together.  

This Christmas 2013

This year the girls ran into our bedroom on Christmas morning and the first thing they said was not “What did Santa bring?” but instead “Where are we going on our trip today?”  They came outside to find this:

We were going to Seattle! Some of our dear friends moved there over the summer and with frequent flyer miles (some years we just stay close and drive to our destination) it seemed like a perfect trip to visit them and explore the city!

We hit up some of the touristy spots but also ventured out and did some really amazing things.  One of our favorites was taking a ferry over to Whidbey Island.  This was a magical day.

If you ever find yourself in Seattle here is a list of our favorites…

~ Beecher’s handmade cheese for the homemade Mac and Cheese

~ Seattle Ferris Wheel 

~ Pike Street Fish Throwing & also The Gum wall

~ Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream

~ The Space Needle

~ Volunteer Park (climb the water tower)

~ Volunteer Park Cafe (grab the fresh, homemade cookies!)

~ The troll under the Fremont bridge

~ Din Tai Fung (get the dumplings!)

~ Dahlia Bakery (the coconut cream pie!!!)

~ Evolution cafe (starbucks new cafe that has amazing healthy food, juices and smoothies)

~ University Village and Bellevue Square for shopping

~ Tutta Bella neapolitan pizzeria

~Christopher’s on Whidbey Island

~Honey Bear Candy shop on Whidbey (if the owner is there, make her play their theme song and dance.  It’s kind of amazing!)
~ The Walrus and the Carpenter restaurant
~ Ballard Avenue
~ Paseo (known for the best cuban sandwiches in America)

We were blown away with how much there is to do in this beautiful city and how many amazing food spots there are! 

One of our favorite things was bundling up and having it feel like winter. Although it was nice to come home to 80 degrees there is something that makes the holidays more special when it’s cold.  And although it’s warm here in California right now I’m gearing up for some long winter days in January and February and probably even into March.  One of the great things about after the holidays is having lots of the winter apparel go on sale!  And ironic that most of these items are from Nordstrom who is headquarted in Seattle! Here are some of my winter wear must haves:

I really wish I’d had some of these gems when I was in Seatlle.  Some really fun things to keep you warm and still look great!

9. Peplum double breasted wool peacoat (comes in black too)

Have a great monday!

XOXO

SUMMER