Anniversary Weekend Trip

Every other year, Phillip and I trade off who plans what we will do for our anniversary (10/21).  This year (#5) was my turn and I did a pretty good job keeping this year a secret from him. 

I originally had planned on starting out at the Fresno temple (where we were married)

and then heading to Oakland and spending the night were we had a few hours to sleep before heading off to the airport.  Then we moved and going to the Fresno temple wasn't so easy.  So, as our honeymoon was in Seattle, I figured we could still do some reminiscing.

Phillip had a meeting Thursday in Tacoma and one on Friday in Seattle that really helped me disguise the plans.  After the Tacoma meeting I directed the unknowing Phillip to IKEA to get some yummy cinnamon rolls and dinner.

Then we headed up to Seattle to stay at the Paramont Hotel.

We checked in and headed up to our top floor, corner room.  We had a great view.

We walked down to Pikes Place Market which was closed for the night and took in the city for awhile.  It's amazing how loud the city is compared to Zillah.  We saw a protest and at least one person being arrested.  Excitement was all around!  Then we headed back up the hill and Phillip bought me a hot chocolate.

Friday morning he went off to his meeting and I was able to sleep in and watch a movie before checking out.  I moved the car from the valet parking (thanks P's work!) to the lot across the street and then walked back downtown for a yummy burrito.  Oh Chipotle, how I have missed thee!

Then I went back down to Pike's Place.

I got some Christmas presents and went to see the first Starbucks and this fun cheese shop.  The picture isn't too great, but it was very fun to watch them make cheese.

On my way back up the hill I saw this wall of leaves and was reminded of the movie/short story by O. Henry "The Last Leaf."  Fall has officially hit us.

I also saw the All Saints store with these lovely old sewing machines in the windows and drooled all over them.

When Phillip's meeting was over, it was time for more fun.  I drove us up to the Space Needle area and we rode the ducks!

For those who don't know, it's a tour that goes from land to water.

We had a great tour guide who kept changing his hat as he told us all about Seattle

 and made us yell things at the passing people

The tour took us past the house used in Sleepless in Seattle

Our group was pretty small, there was a lady from the Philippines with her friends and then 4 teenagers from China.  I don't know if it was the language barrier, but our group didn't respond very much.  I think Phillip had a good time though.

For our Honeymoon, Phillip had reserved us a room at a hotel in Bothell (just north of Seattle).  I thought it would be fun to stay there again.  I, unfortunately, didn't remember the right room, but we did end up with a bottle of wine from the hotel.

Of course we promptly took it back, but it was fun, none the less.  It wasn't the same room, but the same layout was still there.  It was nice to see the updates they had made.

We also had dinner at the Red Robin we had eaten at on our honeymoon.

On the way home the next afternoon I was again greeted by Autumn's vivid colors.  I know they are just dying leaves but, it was a beautiful sight and a reminder that all things, like our marriage, only get better with age.

Two other quick things we did were: stopping at Krispy Kreme for some "Hot Now" donuts and stopping at a cute Fruit & Antiques store. My husband does the sweetest things for me!