Seattle Day 9

We took this photo by a green screen before heading up the Space Needle.

Since our flight didn't leave until 7 pm, we had almost a full day to explore Seattle. Despite the fact that we were sore and tired, we got up early and walked a few blocks to the Space Needle. The boys did really well with the height, and we were so proud of them! Mom and Dad were a little more hesitant, but soon we all managed to enojoy the beautiful views. It was a clear day and we could see west to Olympic, South to Rainier, and northeast to the Northern Cascades, so that was a really cool way to say goodbye to the parks. The boys loved being able to walk on the glass floor. Mom wasn't so sure, but she gave it a shot and didn't die. 

We played at this really fun park next to the space needle.

The park had lots of fun things.

Someone was nice enough to take our family photo.

The views from the Space Needle were amazing. We were lucky for such a clear day.

Mark was a little daring!

There's Mount Rainier in the background!

The Space Needle has some selfie cameras. 

We had to give them all a try!

There are benches along the glass. Mom would not sit on one. The boys didn't mind.

The second floor had a moving floor made of glass. 

Dax just riding around the Space Needle.

This stop was more fun than we expected. 

We shuffled back to the hotel and got all our bags sorted and squared away, and then we headed for Pike Place. The boys really enjoyed walking through the market, smelling the fragrant flowers, watching the flying fish, and seeing the diverse group of people in the area. The only purchase we made was for the world's best clam chowder. Mom, Dad, and Dax really enjoyed it, but Seth and Mark had to survive on sourdough bread and oyster crackers.

Pike Place Market was a great adventure.

We admired the Great Wheel from afar.

Mark was so excited when he saw this sign. He loves Nirvana.

The famous Gum Wall

AAAHHHH!

NOOOOOOO!

Mom was horrified.

Dax loved seeing the fish at the fish market.

There was so much to see at Pike Place Market.

Honestly the best clam chowder we have ever had.

After the market, we drove to Ballard Locks. It was pretty cool to see boats raised and lowered to go through the channel. At least, Mom and Dad really liked it. The boys were more interested in the salmon that you could see swimming just below the surface, and the harbor seals that were chasing them. We had a great time watching, and the boys even earned one more Junior Ranger badge.

Mom loved watching the locks.

It was so cool to watch them move the boats up and down.

The kids liked watching the fish.

We also went down underneath to watch the salmon.

Our favorite sighting was 4 Harbor seals.

We had just a little while before we had to drop off the rental car, so we threw a frisbee in the park for awhile and jettisoned all our extra food. Then, it was off to the airport. It was a wonderful nine days that we'll never forget. Now we just need to recover!