My family and I flew to Seattle, WA to attend my cousin’s wedding. It was the kids’ first time in a plane (excluding flights when they were infants). I almost had a nervous breakdown on the plane, I must say.
Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit. However, it was a a very stressful flight for me. Despite the fact that I had my mom, my dad, and my two adult brothers to help me, the kids were still a handful. They are four and two years old, and they did not behave on the plane. The flight going there was fraught with tension. They kept yelling, they were fighting with each other, they were giddy, and they did NOT nap. Mind you, they have been awake since 6:30 am (eastern time), and we didn’t land in Seattle until 3 pm! So they were awake the entire time. Overall, they acted their age. My son was pretty ok; he drew, he watched some tv, he played with his toys. My daughter kept yelling “I want to get out!” and was clingy. I couldn’t even go to the bathroom. I was just on edge the whole time because I just wanted them to sit and be quiet –which is really not what 4 & 2-year olds do! I mean, who was I thinking I could read a book and listen to my iPod? As if! My main concern was to keep them from annoying other people –but apparently this did not work since the lady in front of my son asked to be moved! Like she’s never heard 2 kids scream and play before…hahah…
The flight back was much, much better. They napped for at least a good hour, and they were more prepared and bit more behaved. I was able to relax a bit and actually watch a movie! I was able to breathe…*Sigh*
I am seriously scared about the flight to the Philippines this coming December. They will both be slightly older, so I am hoping they’ll be less giddy. But let’s face it, it is an extremely long flight. I can barely stand it myself, let alone travel with these 2 kiddos! I just have to think of the big picture and the fun we will have once we land there, right??!
But on to the good stuff… Seattle was pretty as usual. The only time it rained was the day of my cousin’s wedding (which was, of course, an outdoor wedding).

the bride & groom
Nonetheless, we all had a great time. The wedding was held at The Orting Manor – such a lovely, rustic place. It was really too bad that it poured; otherwise we would have explored it more! I know the kids had fun; Lil C was the flowergirl but she already got mud all over her shoes (not to mention my clothes!) before the ceremony even started! She also would not pose AT ALL with the wedding party. So I’m not even sure she’s in any pictures!

Lil C getting ready to run amuck in the rain...

Our family and the beautiful bride's family
It was a reunion for most of us cousins and we all went to for beers and made our own “after-party.” The funny thing was that we got lost for a good 20 minutes looking for this bar that was next to our hotel all along! But let me just say, this bar was tucked in the middle of a trucking yard! We also sent in my cousin and my brother to check out the bar before the rest of us would get out of the van!
We also did a day trip to Vancouver. Vancouver was beautiful. It was super-clean and the people were all nice. We drove around, saw Stanley Park, drove by Chinatown, and then explored Capilano Bridge & Nature Park.

Capilano Bridge - Park entrance
You have to check out this bridge if you’re ever inVancouver. It’s awesome! The views are breathtaking and walking across the bridge is an adventure. The kids totally loved it. They got to run around, explore tree houses, and play in a beautiful nature preserve. If you’re a fan of Twilight and all that jazz, I think you’d get a kick out of the trees and the scenery.

A view of Capilano Bridge
On the way back, we stopped by a McDonalds and let me just say, I was impressed. I would have never thought I’d be impressed by a McDonalds, but I was! It was almost spa-like in its design! I guess I’m used to my busted-ass McDonald’s right here by my work.
At the very end of our trip, we stayed at the Sheraton in the heart of downtown Seattle. I pretty much stayed in since it was drizzling the whole day, the kids didn’t have strollers, and it was hard to do any sightseeing. My mom went and did a whole tour though. I did manage to visit Pike Place for a bit. By then, my camera was dead, so I could only take pics with my phone. I couldn’t leave Seattle without visiting the Starbucks mothership, of course! The Starbucks prices in Seattle was definitely much, much cheaper than over here in the East Coast, or even in California! What a great incentive for me to move there! Even my parents are contemplating retiring there as they really liked it. We’ll see. I also love the food there. Perfect for a foodie like me.
My aunt also runs a daycare in Seattle –she keeps insisting I ship the kids over for the summer each year! I’m all for it! Hahahha….well, I can probably part with them for 2 weeks, not 2 months! But the hubs has yet to say yes….
But I will definitely visit Seattle again.