Fall arrived like a foggy curtain dropping down on Seattle in mid-October. After an unusually warm and dry fall, waking up to find myself enveloped in a gray morning, brilliantly colored leaves, and the threat of rain was a welcome surprise. With it came a craving for a trip to the mountains, a cup of hot chocolate, and my cozy down jacket. I'm ready to embrace fall this year, and a short roadtrip seemed like the perfect way to kick the season off right.
I haven't been to Suncadia Resort before, but the resort's Harvest Festival, scheduled for the same weekend as Darya's birthday grabbed my attention. The short drive (just 90 minutes from our home in Seattle) sealed the deal. We threw the kids' bikes and a few changes of clothing into the car and headed out of town.
I'm always surprised at how quickly the buildings thin out and the mountains come in to greet me as we head east. The kids, too, were just thrilled to see wide open spaces. "Can we ride our bikes?" Everest shouted from the back seat, and soon all three were chiming in with plans for bike riding, tag, swimming, and playgrounds. If you're turning 6, that's an ideal way to spend your birthday!
The kids just couldn't wait to get moving, but we felt obligated to feed them. Poor Eilan was nearly heartbroken (and expressing it as only a 3 year old can) when we dragged him into Portals, Suncadia Resort's Restaurant. He was desperate to explore, but luckily, a set of children's books available to be borrowed was enough keep him busy (if on my lap) until the food arrived. Those books became a ritual during our stay, at each meal the kids would pick up a few and bring them to the table to enjoy.
A paved bike trail connects the hotel to the Swim & Fitness Center, and as the kids rode over, I walked. As a mom of three, there aren't many moments during the day to enjoy my surroundings, so even a 5 minute walk feels like a respite, and I just wanted to soak in the mix of evergreen trees, maples, aspens and other plants I'm not clever enough to name. The variety of colors, shapes and textures would have made for fun leaf-gathering, but for now I was happy to leave all the leaves in their place and just breathe in Fall.
I'll be honest, taking the kids swimming is always a little stressful for me. The locker room feels like a gauntlet to be run, the gathering of clothing that seems to get tossed everywhere, the corralling of everything into a locker, and the rush to get three little bodies into swimsuits all at the same time. Follow it with the constant vigilance required while all three kids (none of them strong swimmers yet) are in the water, and it's a wonder we ever get in the water at all. Suncadia's outdoor pool area has a small tot pool, and a larger swimming pool with a shallow area, but the indoor pool is a bit smaller, with the shallow area being 3 1/2 feet deep, too deep for Eilan to splash around until we put him in a life jacket. I'm always reticent to get in the water with the kids, but the truth is that the warm water feels good to my tired muscles, and helps them find some ease that lasts throughout the day. Not as good as a real visit to the spa, but better for the soul than yet another weekend of schlepping the kids from birthday party to playdate and back again.
The traditional Harvest Festival the next day hit the sweet spot for us too. Eilan is old enough now to try and enjoy the activities, and Everest is still young enough to enjoy them. The kids wore themselves out with a hay maze, beanbag tosses, an obstacle course and even a spooky haunted house. Peyman and I got into the action too, running with them, laughing and sharing in their discovery of it all. After all that running, and a big lunch, they were ready to pile back in the car and sit remarkably quietly as we made the 90 minute ride back to Seattle. True, we would have loved to stay another day, but we also felt surprisingly satisfied with the time we'd enjoyed.
The trick, on a vacation like this one, is to find some headspace in amongst the bustle of family life, and for me, the bikepaths my kids were so happy to explore were a way to do that, we tried to ride everywhere and spend as much time outdoors as the weather would allow. I returned refreshed enough after our one night getaway to get comments from friends about how relaxed I looked, and armed with some fun memories to carry us through the darker fall days. It's a good lesson for a busy mom, sometimes even a night out of town is better than nothing at all.
Disclosure: I paid a reduced "media rate" for our stay at the Suncadia Resort, and our family also received a complementary appetizer and dessert at Portals, the resort's restaurant. The Suncadia Resort did not require that I express a particular point of view, and I always strive to present a fair and balanced review regardless of who is paying the bill.
Related Links
Conde Nast Traveler: Five Ways to Make a Fall Foliage Trip Fun for Kids
Seattle with Kids
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Posted on October 23, 2012 |
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Fall has really and truly arrived in Seattle, and my family took a short road trip to Suncadia Resort last weekend to enjoy the fall colors. The kids loved being out and about in the mountain air, and so did I!
Reader Question: What fall traditions does your family have?
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Seattle with Kids
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
This time of year my email is filled with news about the latest travel-related gifts and travel toys, so it's helpful for me to remind myself that all the kids really need is a good stick, some water, and permission to get themselves dirty or wet.
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My favorite (non-stick)
Travel Toys
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
I've long wanted to check out the Marriott Residence Inn in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood. It's location across from a fun park and a short trolley ride from downtown makes it a good choice for families, and I'm a fan of suites properties. Still, I needed to check out the rooms and other amenities first hand before recommending it to DeliciousBaby readers. When an invitation arrived to check out the hotel at a mom blogger's night out, it seemed like a great chance to socialize and get the scoop on the hotel.
Location
While not in Seattle's downtown core the Marriott Residence Inn's, location may work better for families with kids. Located across the street from Lake Union, there's plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs and even a nice playground. Lake Union is active waterfront with Boats, Kayakers, Seaplanes, Museums and some fun activities for kids. To learn more about this neighborhood, check out my post on South Lake Union with Kids There's also a nice playground across the street from the hotel.
To get downtown from here, take the South Lake Union Trolley, which stops less than a block from the hotel and runs at 15 minute intervals during the day.
Rooms
Rooms at the Residence Inn South Lake Union are spacious, and include a full kitchen complete with all the dishes and cookware you are likely to need. Suites on lake side have fabulous views. tip on the two balcony suites, which would be ideal for hosting a party. Studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom suites. All rooms include a sofabed in the living room. This isn't a luxury hotel, but everything, from the beds to the sofa is very comfortable.
There are a very small number of larger 2 bedroom suites (1219 Square feet) that have enormous 500 sq feet balconies overlooking the lake. These would make the perfect suite to host a family gathering on a trip that includes extended family.
Amenities
Groceries
There's a small convenience store in the lobby where you can pick up essentials, like fresh milk and snack items. If you want more specialized items, or plan to cook a full meal in your room, fill out the grocery order form in your room and the hotel will do your grocery shopping and stock the kitchen for you at no charge above the cost of groceries.
Pool
If you like your kids to work off some energy by swimming before bedtime, the Marriott Residence Inn's indoor pool is a find, there aren't many indoor pools this size in Seattle's hotels. That said, the space is a little dark, and I expect that the hard wall surfaces make this space loud when a lot of kids are swimming.
Laundry
There's a large coin-operated laundry room in between the pool and the hotel gym. Throw in a load and work off some steam at the same time.
Included Costs and Extra Charges
A full buffet-style breakfast in the open lobby lounge, and WiFi are all included in the cost of your stay. Parking in the secured garage (but not attended) is an additional 23 USD daily. There's also a complimentary evening social.
Advice
This location often runs close to full occupancy. You'll want to book early to ensure that you get the room type you'd like.
Disclosure: I was the guest of the Residence Inn on a mom's night out and spent a half day in a meeting at the hotel discussing family travel. I did not stay the night at the hotel, but did get the opportunity to check out the rooms and public spaces. The hotel did not require that I express a particular point of view, and I always strive to present a fair and balanced review regardless of who is paying the bill.
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Posted on October 11, 2012 |
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There's something about being on a road trip that makes me crave food I'd never consider at home. Sadly the burgers at Mrs Beesley's weren't quite as good as I had hoped, but I can still feel that sense of anticipation when I look at this picture of the freewayside storefront.
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Eating with Kids on a Family Vacation
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Seattle's South Lake Union area has been undergoing a huge revitalization. One that, caught up in my busy everyday routine, I have largely ignored. When our last week of summer rolled around, I set aside a week for "mom camp" where we'd explore a different attraction or area each day. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to check the changes.
Lake Union isn't the the peaceful, unspoiled, waterfront that grownups might dream of as a retreat, but it's perfect for curious kids. From footbridges and kayakers to seaplanes and every conceivable boat there's a ton to see.
We started our morning with Tugboat Storytime at the Center For Wooden Boats. Kayakers, birds and seaplanes vied for our attention through the storytime, and the folding chairs, set up on the dock of the Artur Foss tugboat weren't nearly as cozy as the lapsit storytimes they're used to. Still, the atmosphere was unbeatable, and there's something special about listening to boating stories while you're out on a real boat.
The kids really perked up after storytime with the opportunity to explore the old wooden tugboat's galley, decks, engine room and crew quarters. Our imagination ran wild as we envisioned life aboard the Arthur Foss. Built in 1889, it was used during the Klondike Gold Rush to transport barges full of gold seeking miners and supplies up the Inside Passage.
Our next stop was in the next boat slip over. The Floating Farmers Market on the Historic Steamer Virginia V runs every Thursday, and I thought it would be fun to wander through and pick out some produce for dinner. In honesty, the kids weren't thrilled with the fresh produce (or the prospect that some of it might come home) and I was worried that they'd write "mom camp" off as a dud, until we spotted....
A fresh-made popsicle stand! I must have been feeling sensitive, because popsicles before lunch seemed like just the sort of thing I ought to encourage at mom camp. Turns out, it's a learning experience too... at least for me.
Everest has been a solid reader for a while now, but as Darya and Eilan picked out their flavors from a list that included peanut butter and jelly, fudge, lemon coconut, blueberry lemonade and more I learned a lot about what words they are recognizing. Poor kids, I'm sure I'll turn that knowledge to my advantage with some sort of checklist for getting ready in the mornings.
Normally, I'd spend the next 20 minutes worried about what would happen when all that sugar hit their pre-lunchtime tummies, but instead we found a quiet spot at the boat's stern and settled down to watch the action on the lake.
For me, it's quiet, happy moments like this that make all the schlepping worthwhile. The kids were full of questions and funny observations, and there was a moment for me to sit down too and listen to their happy chatter in between napkin runs and salvaging treacherously drippy popsicles.
Moments like this end up defining our travels whether we've flown for hours to discover a new culture, or we're just checking out a new neighborhood. Years later, I remember a moment in time like this far more than visiting a specific landmark, but somehow it's that sense of discovery and newness that makes these moments possible for all of us.
And don't worry, my practical, unsentimental side took over again eventually. We burned off all that sugar at South Lake Union's new splash fountain before lunchtime!
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Posted on September 27, 2012 |
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It's starting to feel like fall outside. We haven't quite given up our summer activities, but the weather is a bit cooler and I'm savoring every moment outdoors before the rain begins. This shot of Kayakers on Seattle's Lake Union captures that feeling for me perfectly.
Next week I'll be writing more about what to with kids in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood
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Seattle with Kids
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
My kids are just loving the structure and camaraderie that comes with being back to school, but apparently I'm still pining away for summer and can't stop looking at the pictures. Could anything be more wonderful or summery than eating a big pink cupcake in your swimsuit?
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Have you ever noticed how some images bring back a moment in time, a feeling of being in that place, and even a memory of the smells and sounds? This image, as grainy as it is, does that for me. The kids and I spent last week in Sunriver, Oregon and one night, after a very active day, we stayed up way past bedtime to roast marshmallows. After the campfire, I pulled these fun LED balloons I had secreted away almost a year ago waiting for the exact right moment to run, toss and chase balloons on a grassy expanse after dark. Looking at the picture, I can almost hear the kids' shouts and exclamations in the background.
P.S. If you want to be the coolest mom in town, here's a link to buy the exact balloons we had:
Pink 9 Inch Illoom Balloons - Pack of 5
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
At the end of every summer, the kids and I spend a week exploring bits and pieces of the Seattle area that we haven't seen before in an effort to capture those last rays of sunshine and freedom. I suppose it's still trendy to call that a "Staycation," but I prefer to call it "Mom Camp"
What about you, do you have an end of summer ritual?
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Seattle with Kids
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
