Seattle

We recently returned from a West Coast trip that included time in Washington, Alaska, British Columbia, and Oregon. This will be the first of several posts from our vacation.

We were in Seattle for less than 24 hours, but that was enough time to check out the terrific playground at Seattle Center.

Seattle Center's main attraction may be the Space Needle, but our family got much more enjoyment out of the cool slides...

...and giant fountain.

 At pools, we're always reminding the kids to walk, not run. Here, they could run as much as they wanted.

 And splash.

Sadly, not without consequences. They discovered that sopping wet clothes are not so comfortable for a cool and shady Seattle evening.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the Pike's Place Market. We sampled a variety of summer fruits and even got to see some fish throwing. (I assume that tradition has its roots in genuine efficiency, but now it seems to be just a tourist attraction that results in a mangled fish no one will ever buy.)

In addition to tasty food and good coffee, there was a giant piggy bank for making donations to a local foundation. Equally good for climbing and riding.

After the market, it was on to our cruise ship.

The kids briefly checked out the views of the departing city, were pretty interested in the other boats, and then moved on to the better entertainment of exploring and clambering.

Goodbye, Seattle!