Thanksgiving Weekend in Seattle

To tell you the truth, I kind of hate that my sister lives in Seattle.

{Oh didn't you know? I'm serving a Wednesday special of Extra Bratty this morning.}

See, for the past three years, we've both been in the Bay Area and it's been grand having her so close – stealing her away on weekends for mani/pedis, inviting myself over for a kitty fix here and there, raiding her refrigerator. All the important stuff. Then, she and her husband AND THE CATS up and moved to Seattle (how dare they!), and SF became a little less fun. Poo.

But then for the Thanksgiving long weekend, I trekked north because they said that's the only way I can have mashed potatoes and a dad to help carry Black Friday shopping bags. So I went and I was immediately faced with this stunning view of the Space Needle right from my sister's bed, and just like that... I understood Seattle's appeal. Cherry on top was beautiful sunny weather the entire time I was in town. What's that about rain I hear?

I was delighted by the brisk wind, as I bundled up in a sweater and a coat and a blanket scarf. I'm a warm weather dweller and have always wanted to sample a chilly holiday season. I have to say – the window decorations downtown and the Christmas tree atop the Space Needle and Santa's Cabin certainly do seem a bit more festive when there's a bite in the air.

For the most part, we laid low. A casual stroll through Gasworks Park to sigh at the pretty skyline, a pitstop at the beach where my mom chased us around, snapping away with her iPad. An afternoon spent peeling potatoes and slicing bacon for the stuffing, Christmas tunes playing merrily in the background. Those were my only two jobs. Peeling potatoes. Slicing bacon. Took me an entire afternoon. Shut up, I can hear you tsk tsk-ing me. 

We spent Friday morning wandering downtown, bypassing the parade and darting into stores here and there to check out the sales. Before too long, it was onwards towards Pike Place Market and by my insistence – a quick peek at the original Starbucks, a personal pilgrimage, let's call it.

The buttery scent of Prioshky, Piroshky next door wafted on over, and I quickly abandoned my post at Starbucks and joined my dad and sister in the long line, hemming and hawing over the selection. After finally picking out a few treats, we all found a cafe in which to sit down and enjoy them [unfortunately the famous chowder place had way too long a queue for these impatient and hungry kids to handle]. Man, these piroshkies were somethin' else. Pillowy pastries encasing beef and onion, potatoes and mushroom, and smoked salmon... plus a pumpkin cinnamon roll as an encore... goodbye world. 

Although I wasn't able to grab a cuppa at the oldest Starbucks in the world, I was able to spend some time at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room, the company's newest endeavor: supposedly the "Willy Wonka" of coffee experiences. All I have to say is... they had coffee on tap!! Made for one happy latte lover.

What else, what else. I took a few naps. I bribed two handsome kitty cats with treats for snuggles. I checked out charming University Village. We watched a lot of movies, both from the comfort of the couch and in the theater. We conquered the seafood buffet to end all seafood buffets – get this... they had not only like fifty different kinds of sushi, but also a popcorn machine, a cotton candy machine, a chocolate fountain, and servers on hand for ice cream and crepes. WHAT. 

We took many walks and admired the Space Needle from up close and far away. I drank a lot of coffee and feasted on mini apple cider donuts at the Ballard Farmers Market. Mom cooked, Dad cooked, brother-in-law cooked. I peeled some dang potatoes, okay. And snuck in bites of pumpkin pie whenever possible.

His brother was too big a butthead to sit still for a glamour shot. Can you say UNRELATED TO ME. Kidding, of course. We obviously are as genetically similar as can be. 

Ah, and! We celebrated my mama's birthday early with slices of cake carefully chosen at the corner bakery for breakfast. Her actual birthday is TODAY woohoo yay whoop whoop sooooo

Happy Birthday, mama! I love the heck outta you.

Wish I was back in Seattle with the whole fam again, enjoying this #nofilter (literally) view:

If only.

But alas, all good things come to an end as they say.  

I'm 75% sure I flew over Mt. Rainier but am too lazy to check, so hopefully I'm not too far off base.
My first visit to Seattle was so lovely that I'm already planning a trip back in February, and am dragging my friends along as well. Tell me where to go (eat) and what to see (in between meals)!