Seattle--Space Needle & Chihuly

Thursday was our final day in Seattle, and our last full day of vacation.

Sniff.

Kevin had to wrap up his conference early, but was finished by mid morning.

So the boys & I relaxed and waited for him before we headed out on our days activities.

After a quick detour to our favorite doughnut shop, we walked on to the Space Needle.

Kevin & the boys headed on up for some gorgeous views...

 (this cool interactive display showed how far you had traveled)

 I relaxed & enjoyed the view from terra firma.

 Then we strolled next door to the Chihuly Museum.

 This museum is full of glasswork by Dale Chihuly.
All glass (blown, sculpted, fused), and all gorgeous.
Above is a massive sculpture inspired by the ocean, and below is a different view of jellyfish & other ocean life from under the water.

 It is beautiful....

 This is a portion of a garden scene...

 And these are fishing balls and boats.
These were some of my favorite.  The was it's displayed it really looks as the boat is floating.
Pretty sure the boys were enjoying it-they just stood and stared.

 And the chandeliers!

 Massive, and amazing!

 Venetian bowls...

 We took a ton more pictures and just enjoyed looking at all the different pieces and the way the light changed the glass.
Then we made it outside to the gardens.
Also stunning.

 The sculptures are all displayed with plantings that will compliment & contrast each piece.

 Amazing way to spend the morning.

 After lunch and a stroll back to the hotel, we hit the rooftop pool again, then finished packing up.
Pikes Market was our destination for an early dinner, and we were blessed with an amazing view to enjoy with our delicious dinner.  The Athenian Restaurant at Pike's....thumbs up.

 Then with some full tummies, we strolled through part of the market again, and picked up some more dessert goodies for later.
It is a foodie's paradise for sure.

Friday morning we gathered our bags, snagged a taxi, and headed to the airport.
Few hours and a couple flights later, we were home.
Pacific Northwest, we enjoyed every minute of our visit.
Sickness, random injuries (my eye is still healing), wonderful people we met, and amazing beauty--mountains, valleys, volcano, beaches, rivers, oceans, forests, wildlife, marine life, and so much more.
More than all of it was enjoying it as a family.