Day 3 - Seattle Tours

Since we went to bed so early, we have been waking up quite early as well – I guess we have not quite adjusted to the 3 hour time difference yet. We lounged around the hotel and then grabbed a quick bite to each at the hotel before walking down to Pike Place Market.

When people kept telling me to head down there, I really could not understand what the excitement was all about. Once I got there, I finally understood. There were hundreds of flower shops lining the stalls. They were in the most beautiful arrangements I have ever seen. There were bins filled with fresh seafood that looked incredible – crab legs bigger than my arm. The fresh produce that looked as if it was plucked from the fields only minutes before we arrived. There was even a stall selling fresh raspberry honey and a bakery selling doughnuts bigger than Peyton’s head! It was incredible.

We then strolled along the waterfront and headed to the Pacific Science Center. This was basically a children’s science museum similar to Tampa’s MOSI. Peyton had a blast running around looking at all of the exhibits and Mom and I just tried to keep up! I think my favorite part was the butterfly exhibit that had about a hundred butterflies floating around us – most of which I had never seen before. My Mom even had one land on her finger!

Afterwards, we headed out to the park surrounding the Space Needle where Peyton grabbed some popcorn. We sat on the grass and relaxed – snapping a few shots of the Space Needle against the bright blue sky.

Peyton then caught a glimpse of a small Ferris Wheel and we ventured over to ride a few carnival rides that were set up in the shadow of the Space Needle. We played on the various rides until it was time for a late lunch at the top of the Space Needle. The view was spectacular. We were promptly seated and were treated to an incredible lunch while taking in the 360 degree view of Seattle. After lunch we ordered the ‘Lunar Orbiter’ which was basically a hot fudge sundae sitting in a bowl surrounded by dry ice. It came to the table ‘smoking’ – this of course freaked out Peyton. :)

Our excursions for the day were still not over. We read on several websites that the Duck Tour of Seattle was not to be missed. Although the tour was ‘cute’ and informative, I would not suggest it unless you have kids. Of course Peyton loved it! My Mom bought Peyton a duck whistle which he found great joy in using over the next hour! It was fun taking the amphibious vehicle out into Lake Washington – Peyton did not understand how a ‘car’ was suddenly able to turn into a ‘boat’.

Once the tour was over, we hopped on the Monorail to downtown and walked back to the hotel. We skipped dinner in favor of snacks from the Concierge lounge and watched a kid’s movie to fall asleep. Another day of adventure came to an end.