Sweethearts in Seattle

Hello to our five Doyle dames from sunny Seattle!  We miss you and love you but are having a great time and have decided to stay an extra week.  Ha!  Did Grandma's head hit the floor when she read that?
So, the last time we were in Seattle, we stayed downtown.  This time we're on the water.  Our hotel room has two walls of windows and a wrap around balcony that we haven't used much because it's cold.  The hotel pool is half inside and half outside the building.  The hot tub is hot.  We do have pay-per-view so, you guys would love it here.
The Texas Tech mens' basketball team is staying at our hotel as well and we ran into a couple of the guys in the elevator this morning.  Of course, your Dad chatted them up about their game and their team.  They were excited to hear that we were from Houston and would be cheering for them--or maybe they were excited that they had reached their floor and could stop making small talk with Daddy--we're not sure.
Last night, after Daddy picked me up at the airport and dropped my bag off at the hotel, we grabbed a quick dinner of fish and chips and typically Seattlian microbrews and then took in some culture at the Seattle Art Museum's Picasso exhibit.  I'll tell you more about that when we get home and I show you the book of art cards we bought.  You can give me your opinion on the master.
This morning, Daddy surprised me with the news that we were signed up for a 5K.  I scowled at him but put on my running gear and we drove to Seward Park where an organization called "Girls on the Run" was holding their end-of-the-year 5K.  The whole park was full of girls and their dads, girls and their moms and girls and their coaches.  Everyone wore the number one.  There were no clocks or recorded times.  It was truly a fun participation event.  And, despite the fact that I have not been running regularly lately, your dear mama ran the whole way and finished the last quarter mile with a kick.  Poor Daddy.  No one cheered for him.  It was "go, girls, go" all the way.  When we crossed the finish line and saw all of the happy girls, so proud of themselves, I teared up a little thinking of you five.  I am so incredibly proud of you.  How did I get lucky enough to be your Mommy?

Check out the balloon arch on the left.  We ran through it to start.  

Pink and green--so girly! 

 Five fingers for my five girls!

(Yes, Madeleine those are your Power Puff Girl gloves. Thank you for leaving them in my coat pocket!)

The scenery was absolutely beautiful.

This afternoon, we walked around Pike Place Market, a famous Seattle attraction.  It's a fish market, farmers' market, flower market and more.  There are all kinds of interesting things to buy.  Again, something all of you would love--except maybe Ella who would be stuck in the stroller so we wouldn't lose her in the huge crowds.  Ella--don't worry, we would let you out to sit on the famous pig.  Very fun!

Here--a few of the things we saw: 

 The very first Starbucks

 Lots of flower stands.  The flowers were dried and were arranged beautifully.

 Something you might not want to buy

 Something you definitely wouldn't want to buy

 Daddy with a giant Christmas tree with lights but no ornaments

  A crab feast to be

 The famous Pike Place Fish Market

We saw them throw around the crabs and fish.

Me and the famous Pike Place Pig--very friendly

And something rarely seen by anyone at Casa Doyle...

Yes, girls, your dad did drink a Coke.

I know...what next?  A dog? :)

OK, MAMSE--that's all for now.  The adventure continues.  Be good to G and G Doyle--foot rubs and breakfast in bed maybe?  Besos from both of us.  More tomorrow!!