A Seattle Adventure in 3 Parts

PART 1: Arriving and Day 1

The Hosking clan headed to Seattle over Labor Day weekend to celebrate our anniversary and get out of the crazy house remodel for a few days.  It was Landon's first time on a plane and I'm not sure who was more nervous - the other passengers or me. No one likes getting on a plane and seeing that they're seated directly in front of an infant. And try and they might people just can't hide that look of disappointment.

But you know who is the most disappointed to see a baby in their midst - first class passengers. Business folks and well off citizens who pay top-dollar to get unlimited alcoholic beverages, snacks served on real porcelain plates, and a quiet ride in which to enjoy the newest edition of Business Week magazine. So, image our delight, and trepidation, when RJ and I were told we had the first two seats in first-class. Why? We have no idea. RJ doesn't think he used extra airline miles to secure these highly coveted positions, so it must have been God was just smiling down on us, and teaching all other first-classers a lesson in tolerance. 

That said, Landon actually did great on the flight. He wasn't at all intimidated by Business Man 1C's glares and enjoyed a lusty crying session 30 minutes into the journey. Therefore securing himself the privilege of nursing the remaining 1.5 hours of the 2 hour flight. 

RJ and I love to travel. And we particularly love really getting into the local flavor of a city. So, we were so blessed to have Jeff and Libby take us in. Jeff is RJ's collage housemate and a key figure in RJ's testimony. Libby is Jeff's awesome wife. We hadn't yet met her since I was 8 month pregnant when they got married, and unable to fly to the wedding.  But it took us all of half on hour to realize that we love Libby. 

RJ had been to Seattle a few time before but this was my first visit. I love this city. It did all my favorite things really well - food (our trip was an epicurean delight), coffee (obviously), books (Elliot Bay is the best bookstore ever! - such ambiance), and fresh produce (Pikes). (Did anyone else notice that 3 out of my 4 favorite things are edible?!)


Jeff and Libby made sure we started our Seattle adventure well fed and well sighted. We saw all the Seattle musts. Great views of the Space Needle and Puget Sound, a Pike's Place tour, the diner from Sleepless in Seattle, the first Starbucks. And tummies full of South American food, Thin Mint and Honey-Lavender ice cream, the best hazelnut latte ever, Washington apples and blueberries, chocolate chip cookies, and more. 

But, one of the best things about our trip was introducing our son to our friends. Jeff and Libby were great with Landon; and we loved watching him interact with them. We are so thankful to have people in our life who love  our son. It makes my heart full knowing that if anything ever happened to us Landon would still be surrounded by a community of people who love him.