Adventure #1: "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

Day One of the big adventure was my first airplane ride! We flew from Dayton to Dallas and then on to Seattle. I had a window seat on both flights. Although Mommy and Daddy had been telling me all about airplanes prior to our trip, I was very excited because I did not know what to expect!

This is me just after we boarded the plane:
This is me as the plane backed away from the gate:
First we flew to Dallas for a layover. Right as we exited the tram to make our way to the gate we found my absolute new favorite store:
For some reason though, Mommy and Daddy would not buy anything for me!
Next we flew on to Seattle! This flight was a little bit longer so I had to find more stuff to do. I had just had a nap so I was not tired. First I played Peek-a-boo with Mommy and Daddy:

After a while I got bored and I wanted to read. Mommy brought some of my books along so we read those. With "Baby's First Signs" I practiced my sign language. Then we read "Coco Counts" which I got from the summer reading program I was enrolled in by Aunt Debbie. After we read those about a hundred times, I decided to flip through Sky Mall. I enjoyed the catalog so much that I ripped it to shreds!
I also served as a greeter on this flight. People would stand by our seats while they waited for the bathroom. I made sure to say "Hi" to everyone. Sometimes I kept saying "Hi" until they said "Hi" back to me.

As we made our descent into Seattle I decided it was time for a little snooze...

Adventure #2: Sleepless in Seattle

...well we just landed in Seattle and Grandma and Aunt Anna picked us up at the airport. (Thanks Grandma and Aunt Anna!) I had just had a good nap so I was ready to see the sites. On our way to the hotel we saw Mt. Rainier, it was beautiful! Mommy and Daddy were very tired, but I don't understand why, the sun was still up and shining bright, even though they kept saying "it is 11:00pm our time." I guess they should have napped on the plane too. When we arrived at the hotel I was so excited to be out of my car seat and walk, scoot, and move around. Mommy plopped me on the big bed and I had fun!
Please note: this is an action shot because I would not sit still long enough for my picture to be taken!

Adventure #3: To Market, To Market and the Seattle Center

Day Two started out with us getting our rental car. Then Mommy, Daddy, and I headed downtown to see the sites. We lucked out! It was another BEAUTIFUL day, and the mountain was out again.

Our first stop downtown was the public market. It was very crowded but I was able to partake in my favorite past time- people watching.

There were all kinds of pretty flowers, lovely fruits, and smelly fish. Some of the workers were even throwing the fish! I don't know why mommy did not say anything to them, she is always telling me not to throw my food!
After the Market we decided to go over to the Seattle Center. We ate lunch and walked around. While we were there we saw the Space Needle.

Here is Cowpurnicus striking a pose:
Unfortunately we did not have time to go up to the top; but I am hoping to go back out to Seattle someday, so I will go up then.

Adventure #4: Little Girl and Cow Conquer Mt. St. Helen's

Day Three was our biggest adventure. We decided to drive to Mt. St. Helens. It was a long car ride so I slept for part of it. First we stopped at the visitor center so Cowpurnicus and I could stretch our legs. There was a video to watch about the history of the volcano, but it was too loud and I did not care for it. On our way out we captured one of our first great views of the mountain.
You can almost see it at the top of the picture!
This photo is much better!
As we made our way up the mountain we stopped for lunch at the Eco Resort.
The food was very yummy and the setting was beautiful.
I saw horses and even saw a helicopter come in for a landing!
After lunch we continued up, up, up! We would turn a corner and see the mountain and turn another corner and it would go away! But it kept getting bigger and bigger so that must have meant we were getting closer!
We got back in the car, but I was so tired of being in the car I decided to take a nap.
When I woke up we had finally made it to the Johnston Observatory and really saw the volcano up close! All I can say is WOW!

Adventure #5: This One's for Dangella!

Day Four was the most important day- Angella and Dan's Wedding Day! In the early afternoon Mommy, Daddy, and I explored the area around the hotel. We visited a park near by and took a little walk and explored.
After our walk we headed to the park to help set up and then it was time for the wedding! Here I am playing with part of Daddy's sunglasses and waiting for the wedding to begin:
After the wedding I enjoyed a cupcake!
And here I am with the Bride and Groom! Congratulations and Best Wishes Angella and Dan, Mommy, Daddy, and I are so happy for you!

Adventure #6: We Are Family!

Well, on Day Five the Zirkelbachs, Portmans, Cramers, and Knapps had an adventure together! Our first stop was a tour around Safeco Field, where the Mariners play. There were so many of us (17) that we had a private tour. Thanks Ted!

Before the tour began all of the grandkids posed for a picture by the baseball glove in front of the main entrance.
And Mommy, Daddy, and I had our picture taken too!
During the tour we saw the press boxes, the diamond club, the owner's suite, and visitor's clubhouse. Then we all pretended to give a post game press conference.
The grand finale was going out onto the field and in the dugout.
After the Safeco Tour we had lunch then we went on a Duck Boat Tour!
The tour took us all around downtown Seattle. Then the boat drove into the water and we saw all kinds of house boats like the one from "Sleepless in Seattle." We saw crab boats like the ones on "Deadliest Catch" and a different perspective of the city's skyline.
Or so I have been told....

We all had a very fun day. After our tours we went to Aunt Geri's and Uncle Joe's for dinner and just hanging out. I played soccer with my cousins and Aunt Judy took each family's picture. I had a really fun time on trip and I can't wait to go back to Seattle for new adventures!

Adventure #7: Home Sweet Home

On Day Six we headed home. Two more plane rides, two more Sky Mall catalogs to tear up. On our way out of Seattle we had one last view of Mt. Rainier...you can see the mountain in the bottom left hand corner below the wing.

I just wonder where the next adventure will take Cowpurnicus and me!

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You!

Please stay tuned for "The Seattle Adventures of Natalie and Cowpurnicus: The True Story of a Little Girl and her Cow."

We just returned from Seattle and had a wonderful time. Thank you to everyone for the travel suggestions we did not see everything we wanted too, but LOVED everything we saw.

For those who haven't met Cowpurnicus, he is the stuffed animal that Natalie has taken a liking to. She often cuddles up with him at bedtime. He was a great comfort to her while she was away from home.