Best Birthday Ever

On Friday Hubby and I went to Seattle, checked into the Mayflower Park Hotel and the good times began.

After shopping in the afternoon, we changed into our evening attire.  First stop was downstairs at Oliver's.  It's our favorite spot to sip a Silver Bell and watch the world go by in Seattle.

 The hotel was decked out for Christmas with beautiful Christmas trees and fresh flowers throughout the building.  The Mayflower was built at the same time as our house so we feel at home when we're there.

 Then we took a cab to McCaw Hall in the Seattle Center.  Hubby gave me tickets to see Nutcracker Suite for my birthday.  It's the last year for the Maurice Sendak version of the Nutcracker in Seattle.  It was fun to see all of the children so excited and dressed up in their holiday dresses and suits.  There was a group of design students with amazing gowns.  One student had lights in the hem of her ball gown.

My favorite scene is the Snowflake Dance.  The picture is from PNB.  The best moment for me was after the Waltz of the Flowers, the little girl sitting in front of me spontaneously jumped to her feet and started applauding.  She was so caught up on the moment.  Then she looked around, realized she was the only one standing and sat down, but continued to cheer.

We took the monorail back to our hotel, where after sharing a fruit and cheese tray and cocktails; I had sweet dreams of sugarplum fairies.

 Saturday was my birthday and we began our day with breakfast at Andaluca's.  I had the French toast stuffed with almond cream cheese and orange butter.  Best birthday breakfast and a wonderful start to our day in downtown.

 We did some Christmas shopping and then walked to Pike Street Market.  I got fitted for new running shoes at Sound Sports.  We browsed through Watson Kennedy, Sur la Table and the antique mall.  We ran into a snow machine making the streets even more festive.  There were many Seahawk fans and a some 40whiner fans too.  Some Sea Hawks chanting going on was making it all a lot of fun.

 Now I know what to do with the rusty Tonka trucks in our back yard.

We went home Saturday evening.  It was a fun time in the city and a wonderful birthday.

 I continued to celebrate on Sunday with the children's program at our church, soup lunch at my folk's place, and a BiG Seahawk win.  In the evening, a special birthday dinner at Mark and Karen's place.

Since my birthday is in December it is usually rather hit and miss but this year was amazing.  It was 12/13/14 and I celebrated on the 12th and 13th and the 14th.  I'm feeling very spoiled and blessed.