Ballard Getaway and a Valentine's Day Surprise: Hamilton & Wild Ginger!

James and I spent last weekend in the Ballard, following the recommendations of a foodie blogger, Emerald Palate. It was an enjoyable way to frame a weekend of great little activities. We ate at Mr. Gyros for lunch (top 100 favorites on Yelp), strolled around the Ballard Locks and checked out the Thomas Dambo's Troll, "Frankie Feetsplinter" Troll at the Nordic Heritage Museum. After popping into a few thrift stores, we had cocktails at Percy's & Co which had an apothecary-chic vibe. We then checked into the Ballard Inn which is right in the heart of the action of Ballard. We had a delicious dinner at Sabine, a Mediterranean restaurant, and got to sit at their fire table (a big plus on a chilly February day). We stayed up late for a Taylor Swift cover band, "13 til Midnight" show at the Tractor and popped into King's to see what the young people are up to these days. The next morning, we went swimming at the Olympic Athletic Club and brunch at Stoneburner. We also got to meander through the Sunday morning Ballard Farmer's Market. What a fun weekend!

Then, at the end of the week, James and I celebrated Valentine's Day early by seeing the Hamilton musical at the Paramount and eating at Wild Ginger! It was the best Valentine's Day surprise ever! The cast blew me away with their incredible performances and energy. WOW! But most of all, I'm so happy for what James and I are creating together and am so grateful to have him in my life!

FEBRUARY - Snow Days and Midweek Skiing and Rebecca's Birthday

 We had three snow days this week in Seattle. It was awesome to get an unexpected midweek ski bonus for two days with the kids! Great powder and no lift lines was amazing and worth the extra days we'll be in school in June. Sigh. 

I also got to catch up with Rebecca and Rachelle for Rebecca's birthday. We headed down to Greenwood and had a yummy dinner at Gainsbourgh and finished up with dessert at Flint Creek Cattle, Co. These gals are the best and I love spending time with them!

Bainbridge Swim Meet

 Reed, Charlotte and I came out to Bainbridge for the weekend for a swim meet. Rather than the grind of a morning and afternoon session and sitting at the crowded pool both days and taking the ferry a bunch of times, we opted to stay at a lovely Airbnb on the west side of the island overlooking Port Orchard. It was magical. The hosts have done an incredible job and thought of every detail. The highlights were spending quality time lounging with the kids, walking down to the water to catch sunset and seeing Venus next to the moon, and spending Saturday night with Olivia and Joseph - having dinner and playing card games. It was fun to catch many of the kids’ swim races and also have time to get adulting done (Medicaid paperwork for my dad) and a lovely walk in downtown Bainbridge. I can’t believe I’ve never explored this area. I want to come back when it is warm out and not starting to snow!