(penned by Heidi ... )

Seattle trip

We had a really nice trip. On Saturday, we drove up around 8:30 and got there just at lunch time. We checked into the hotel which was great! It was the Marriott Waterfront ($60 on priceline thank you very much) and it was a big room with an ocean view balcony. We got some lunch and then headed to the space needle. It was a clear view and we really enjoyed ourselves. We went by a carnival and Chloe had to ride the carousel. We walked down to the Pike place Marketplace and listened to street performers, etc and then had dinner at this great place called the Garlic Tree.

Sunday we had breakfast at "The Dish"--yum and then spent the morning at the zoo. That afternoon we went to the science center and back to the Pike Place Marketplace to watch them throw fish.

On Monday we took the ferry to the other side of Puget Sound and took the "scenic" drive home along the sound. Overall, we had a great trip. It was so nice just to spend time together (even if Chloe was acting very two and refusing to take any naps!). Seattle is a fun city! We can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

I've been extremely busy at work the past few weeks, so it's been nice to be able to spend time with Heidi and Chloe. Last weekend we decided to check out the Oregon Mueseum of Science and Industry - OMSI for short. This place was amazing!! It may be because I haven't been to a science museum in a while, but I was really impressed. There was so much to do for the olders "kids" - which includes me - as well as for the younger kids like Chloe. We're considering getting an OMSI membership since it also gives you access to over 200 other science museums all over the US and Canada.

I recently got an email from Chipotle saying that they were opening a new store in Portland and they invited us to come on down on a Saturday and check it out. Well ... we had to check it out, so we drove by and the Chipotle folks were very generous giving us free burrito coupons, magnets, and T-shirts. The location is a bit far for a quick bite, but it's closer than AZ, so we're excited to have another taste from home.

As some of you know, I have entered a "bet" with some friends to motivate us to lose weight and generally become more healthy in general. We used Weight Watcher's plan in the past with great success, so at the beginning of this year, we decided to do that again. Really it's about learning to eat more healthy and get back into the eat to live mode instead of live to eat. So to that end, I have decided to try the trendiest diet out right now ... the South Beach Diet. I will still try to keep to the Weight Watchers plan while incorporating the South Beach Diet foods. Stay tuned to the Leffie Rants blog for updates on the weight loss and South Beach reviews.

We're heading up to Seattle over the Valentine's / President's Day weekend. We'll be staying at the Marriot Waterfront in downtown Seattle. We used the old standby of Priceline to get the best deal ... $60 a night!!! I'll be posting a rundown of our fun once we get back.