It's Christmastime in the City

A few days before Christmas we found ourselves in downtown Seattle for our annual lunch at Benihana followed by a few stops at some festive locations around town.


Benihana changed things up for us this year with some new items on the menu. The most exciting menu change of all was the kids menu which can be transformed into a hat. The kids loved it!




That's right, ALL the kids loved it. Why does Jessica look embarrassed to be with Andy in this photo?

Grandma was kind enough to share her noodles with Gwen.

After our bellies were full of stir-fried goodness (I cleaned my plate), we went to see the Teddy Bear suite at the Four Seasons Olympic Fairmont Hotel or whatever they are calling it now. Is it just me, or does that place keep changing their name?

Anyway, the line was seriously long. We kept ourselves entertained by snapping pictures of each other.

In fact, the line was so long that at one point I said...."Hey kids, enjoy your visit to the Teddy Bear Suite because this is the last time we are ever going."

This comment wasn't well received.

Finally, it was our turn. I have to admit, it was pretty cute. But not as cute as my girls. Or Katie.

Before we left we stopped for a quick family photo in the lobby...

Next we went to see the gingerbread houses at the Sheraton. The Teddy Bear Suites had nothing on the line here. It was wicked long. Yet, we waited. I'm pretty sure I said this was our last time coming here too. Am I the only one that doesn't enjoy standing in line with a tired baby? We finally got to the front. The houses were actually pretty awesome.

All that gingerbread made me hungry. Later at home, we sat by the tree and snacked on warm gingerbread cake and eggnog while listening to Christmas music. Nothing like cake to chase the grumpies away. Not that I was grumpy...