Chris and I had a great time with his family last week in Seattle and Victoria BC; it was fast-paced and event-filled…just the way we like it! Our family likes to stay on-the-go, and with seven of us there is never a dull moment. I am not much on sitting around, especially with a new city to explore, sites to see and lots of good food to eat (yep, always a priority!).

I will try and keep it short sorta short and sweet 🙂 Due to the rain and weather, I opted for my trusty waterproof point and shoot camera…

Tuesday (this was a laid-back day, waiting for family to arrive and no schedule): flight to Seattle and checked into hotel; planned to go on a city tour but the rain was coming down too hard and shopping for waterproof shoes was top priority. The night ended with dinner at Ivars on the water.

Wednesday Breakfast at Pike Place Market, shopping and found homemade tri-color gluten free pasta, sugar-free beef jerky and a few knick-nacks. Next was a trip up to the Space Needle:

We were cold and stopped for hot chocolate and opted for an indoor activity — the Seattle Aquarium.

Afterward was a light lunch then off to the very entertaining Seattle Underground Tour (I highly recommend this!). We topped off the night with a fancy 3-course meal at Tulio (fabulous and creamy chanterelle mushroom risotto for my first course was my favorite!)

Thursday (Thanksgiving) We caught very early ferry over to Victoria (3 hours) and head over to gluten free high tea at the Empress Hotel

To start were two chocolate dipped strawberries. What followed was this tower of gluten free goodness and my choice of Jasmine Butterfly tea – ALL for me and you better believe it was finished! The gluten free selections varied a bit from the usual menu: variety of finger sandwiches, spreads and pates (bottom tier), a blueberry scone and whipped cream and jam (middle tier) and mini raspberry cheesecake, pot de creme, shortbread, brulee of lemon cream/curd and the classic Battenburg cake (top tier).

Off to the Royal BC Museum and a free tour of the Parliament building, then wrapped up the day at a local bar for dinner and watching the Texas A&M/UT football game (this is a Thanksgiving tradition in our house)

Friday City bus tour of Victoria and lunch at a local deli. A much anticipated Wildlife tour (aka whale watching in off season) – we saw TWO whales, a few groups of seal lions and several bald eagles.

I am sporting the bulky, orange, reflective jumpsuit. Without this suit, I would have froze to death, this piece of “clothing” was much needed.

Next was dinner at the delicious Baan Thai restaurant and finished with dessert at the local “Soda Shoppe”

Saturday (our last day) breakfast, rented a mini van and drove to Sidney, coffee/hot chocolate break, then a scenic trip back with and lovely views and photo opps.

Tour at the Craigdarroch Castle in the middle of Victoria, very neat!

Lunch at the tasty Sauce restaurant (sweet potato fries will rock your socks off), stopped by the Maritime Museum and headed back to the ferry for another 3 hour ride to Seattle. We left Sunday for Denver…

Whew – are you tired after reading this? 🙂 I did mention we keep busy!

After a fun-filled trip, I am back in packing mode getting ready for our big drive on Saturday, with movers coming Friday to load up the moving truck.

Here’s a sneak peak at a few recipes to come:

“Empty the Fridge” Stir-Fry

Blueberry Mila Pudding

Ranch-Flavored Gourd Seeds

Vegan Maple Almond Spice Biscotti