Seattle–Vancouver & A Thank You Gift

To celebrate our 15 year anniversary, I met up with my husband in Seattle after he was done with a business trip.  It’s been such a whirlwind since then, that I haven’t had a chance to share some pics from our trip and also a little thank you gift I gave my neighbor and in-laws for watching the kids.

I was in awe of nature’s beauty everywhere I turned.  This is right outside our hotel in Woodinville, Washington.  I love Woodinville!!  It’s a beautiful and charming little town outside of Seattle.

Too many photos to share, so this is just a little highlight.  This tree was huge as you can tell by Kevin’s little head peeking out.

We did some wine tasting where I was greeted by my peacock friend.

And call me weird, but this tree reminded me of a woman giving birth, knees up.  I know my friend Kris is saying, “you are weird, Kim.”  Yes, I know I am.

On the road to Vancouver.  The mountains were breathtaking.

On the way, we stopped off at Deception Pass.  Went across the bridge by car…

…and by foot.  Well, halfway by foot anyway.

This is my “take the picture quick so I can get off this bridge onto solid ground!”  look.

 

And in Vancouver, we went to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is 230 feet high and a “450 foot span across the raging waters of the Capilano Canyon” in North Vancouver.  I added the “raging waters” line for a little drama.  That’s how it was worded on our “bragging rights” certificates.  And yes, I’m going to brag about walking across that bridge because it scared the business out of me!!

And this is my “What the ‘h’ did you get me into?!” look.

Ummmm, seriously…..????!!  Shouldn’t this be closed when it’s raining?

But I did it.  And the bridge bounces and sways by the way.  You know, like the ones on play structures at the park.  I kept wondering if the bridge broke, could I grab on like you see in the movies or cartoons?

And I didn’t look down or back.  Straight ahead.  Focus, focus, focus.

Kevin took this shot, however.  The camera hand off was quite comical.  I had a huge fear we were going to drop it down into the abyss below.

Then we got across to see maple leaves as big as my foot.

And everything beautiful, it seriously almost brought me to tears how beautiful it all was.  What can I say, I’m a sap!

We went across smaller bridges way up there from tree to tree too.  Not as scary.

You see those people perched out as if floating in the trees…that’s what we did next.

That’s Kevin peering over the edge.  This is completely suspended out in the middle of nowhere away from the cliff.

This is my “Please, just take the picture, quick!  I’m freaking out over here!” look.  Not a good look for me.

Then I turned around to see this guy on the other side of the “cliff walk bridge” thingy.

ME:  “What are you doing???!!!” 

GUY:  “Oh, just fixing a light.”

ME:  “Please come back over now.”  (in my head I was thinking, please don’t fall, I can’t look – yes, he was hooked on, but still.)

This was my favorite day, which goes to prove getting out of your comfort zone can be a good thing every now and then.  On that same day, we went to the Granville Farmer’s Market.  LOVE!  LOVE! LOVE!

They had the cutest little shop just for these handmade brooms.  They were too cool as far as brooms go.  Some had quirky handles that gave the brooms some added charm and beauty.

And because every good blogger must use the word “smitten” at least once…I must say, I was quite smitten with them.

When we got back to Seattle, we went to a place called Matt’s at the Market for dinner.  If you ever go to Seattle, I’d definitely recommend it.  YUM!

Good times, my friends, good times.

As a little thanks to my neighbor and in-laws for watching the kids, I gave them each a nest.  This is why I wished I bought more from that shop I mentioned in this post.  Luckily, I found some at Pottery Barn because I was stuck on the idea to give them a nest with a note that said, “thanks for letting the kids “nest” with you.”  I just love to cheese it up.

 

Cute little guy, isn’t he?  And did you know in some cultures, a nest in your Christmas tree is good luck?  Double duty…a little thanks and a little luck.  Sounds good to me.  As soon as we get our tree up, that’s where my nest is going.