Public Houses

Mommy and me. Do you (Moms) ever go out with your kids to get a pint of Guinness or a glass of wine because if you didn't then you never would go out? That's where I'm at in our daily routine. My daughter gets tired of being in the house and, rain or shine, she still has to get out to a different location of almost any kind. And that's what public houses are for; or pubs if you like.

My husband is always joking that one of the very first places our daughter was taken out to was a pub. It's the only place that will serve me, back then a new mom, a pint of Guinness, let anyone I'm with have a drink and something to eat and not bat an eye about my baby being there with me. It's great! I can meet other moms and tots there, just have a family outing or, when circumstances allow, I can even go there for a bit of alone time.

American bars and taverns don't let you do this. To be in their establishment you have to be 21 or older and without your kids. A place like Kells on Post Alley or Wilde Rover's in Kirkland are great places to go when Mommy needs a drink but has the kid with her too. The Guinness will be served too cold but the two places I mentioned before do know how to pour and that's very important too.

It's a shame there aren't more places for moms to go with their kids than just these designated places. But leave it to the NW Islanders to know how to help a girl out; even if it is unintentional.

Pike Place Market

The Market. This morning we went with Daddy/Chef and dropped him off at work so that way we could use his parking space and go to Pike for a walk. Our little girl loves to walk around with me and wave at everyone as she passes by to see if they are nice and will wave back. She's so cute that nearly everyone has to stop to wave at her and give her a smile. 

The best time to go to the Market is first thing in the morning on a weekday, especially if you have a stroller, as then nobody is around. There are no tourists out this early and all of the vendors are fresh and getting ready to start the day. And today everyone that is at the Market is much happier for seeing some much needed sun, which also makes the tulips that much more attractive.

After we were done walking through the Market, chatting with the vendors, and watching a fish monger pull a string behind the counter to mysteriously make a fish flop around on the ice, we went and had a croissant at Le Panier as it is one of our more favorite stops for pastries in Seattle. Their coffee isn't so good but their pastries and baked goods are some of the best in the city and other than their croissants we also love bringing home a baguette for dinner. As we leave the Market to go home, we hear the fish mongers start their "Flying Fish" routine, which makes my little one lean forward to look and point at the amazing spectacle she doesn't normally get to see. What a great way to start our day as a local; by saying "Good morning" to a sunny Seattle.

Michael Pollan

Today we heard a great quote from Michael Pollan on the radio: "Cooking is the nursery of democracy." Pollan then went on to explain that everything starts in the kitchen at home at a young age. The time to connect with your kids is while you cook and they do their homework and then while the whole family sits down to eat the same foods. Or there is the scenario, every family member in the house (who is old enough) assisted in the development in the family meal that is then shared and passed around. It is during this time that we have the most impact on our children. And, of course, let's not forget the fact that it's those family meal times together that we "cook up" some of our fondest memories. You never know how these times together over our food tonight could impact tomorrow's future.

With Kids

There are so many "family friendly" activities in Seattle. But are they really? When you go to some place that claims "It's for the whole family" are there still aspects that are difficult because of a lack of something, like a diaper changing area? There may be a good menu and both mom and baby/toddler can get something to enjoy but if you've been there for more than, say an hour and a half, and you need to change a diaper or they've spilt something all over themselves do you feel there is usually a place for you there where you are a patron or do you go to the car and then leave afterwards? And thereby ending your outing. Is this an issue for some or just something we deal with and shrug off?