A New Year's Holiday

We just got back from our post-Christmas holiday. Can you guess where we went?

Two hints: It's the birthplace of Starbucks and there are one (if not two or three) of these coffee shops on practically every corner.

Seattle!

We debated going away for Christmas this year, but decided we'd prefer to wake up at home on Christmas morning and still have a vacation to get us through the post-holiday blues.

We arrived on New Years Eve, braved the market for some fresh provisions to get us through the evening, and settled into the house we rented on Elliot Bay in the Magnolia area of Seattle. We spent the evening in front of a warm fire. Dinner was marvelous, as was the company. We assembled a puzzle together and were all tucked in bed well before the new year came in. We had bold plans to view the fireworks at the Space Needle, but decided not to brave the rain. All in all, one of the best New Years Eves I've ever had.

There was plenty of seafood to be eaten.

And places to explore.

Yummy cupcakes were devoured, on several occasions actually.

Walls were climbed. My arms still ache.

The views from our deck were magnificent, especially when it was sunny.

Creamy clam chowders were gobbled.

And pretty shells were discovered on a late night trek on the beach at low tide.

It was such a great holiday, especially after a hectic fall and the usual Christmas hustle & bustle. Lots of laughs and quality family time.

Now it's back to our regular routine (boo). Oh well, all good things must come to an end.