Adventures in North Bend and Seattle

We spent two of the last three days with our friends, the Cassidys; Sunday in their stomping grounds, North Bend, and today in Seattle.

John was asked to fill in as pastor for the Mt. Si Lutheran church on Sunday since their interim pastor was away on vacation. We thought it would be a great opportunity to support John and to experience a different type of worship.

The services started at 10:00, but since there is no 7:55 ferry on Sunday mornings and the 8:45 would put us there a little late, we hopped on the 7:05 and had a few minutes (about 90) to kill before we had to be there. We stopped by Twede's cafe, of Twin Peak's fame, for some hot chocolate, (a very rich concoction topped with a mound of real whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles)

and then drove over to Snoqualmie Falls. We got soaked standing on the observatory; the spray was so heavy it was like being enveloped in a blanket of fog. This picture was taken from up the path a little way, not the best head on view, but the best I could do under the circumstances. The roar was deafening, and it was exhilirating to see the power of the water.

Then it was finally time for church to start.

I was immediately struck by how "churchish" their building is. I love the front door. Inside the chapel was decorated with greenery and candles, and they have a beautiful stained glass window in the very front. (click the link and scroll down a little to see a picture and read about the symbolism.) John presented a wonderful sermon reminding us that Jesus gave us the best gift of all and the importance of not being wrapped up in worldly gifts. After the service was "coffee fellowship" hour. It was nice to meet a few members of their congregation and talk to John more about his family's church. Then we headed back to the Cassidy's for lunch and a nice afternoon visiting.

Today, we spent the day in Seattle. Every year at Christmas time there is carousel at Westlake Park and gingerbread houses in the Sheraton Hotel, so for the past three years, we've met up with the Cassidy's to see those sites and then watch a movie. It was fun walking around the city, seeing the Christmas lights and colorful stalls in Pike Place Market.

Here's an example of the detail in one of the gingerbread houses. Puts ours to shame!

And here are the kids in the Sheraton lobby (plus one of Nate's friends we brought along). Thanks Cassidy's, for two fun days together!