Seattle Gymnastics Academy at Salmon Bay and Cafe Besalu.

We have been to the SGA for open gym a few times on those rainy days, and the last visit, Z really got his groove there. swinging on the rings, jumping into the foam blocks, running on the bouncy air track. He had a blast. I really like the Shilshole location, it is not nearly as crowded, likely because of the 12 pm start time. The Lake City location is great too, starts at 11:30 and draws a few more folks. Luckily, for us, Z's naptime has been a little later these days, so the Shilshole location works out great. Kids bascically have free reign of all the gym equipment: trampolines, foam pit and rope swing, air track, rings etc etc..A great place to get the yaya's out.

Because of the later start time, I suggest you hit Cafe Besalu beforehand. I cant believe that I have yet to feature this place on the blog. It is one of my favorites. good coffee, excellent quiche, and the ginger biscuits are to die for. I have tried many times to recreate these, and have had some luck, but these still reign supreme in my book. (just note, they are closed Monday and Tuesday's!) The cafe is pretty small, so seating might be limited, but its a great place to hit!

Vivace Coffee, REI

Is it summer yet? Its mid May and it has been rainy. Seattle in Spring, I have to say, is my least favorite time of year. such a tease, the flowers bloom and the smell is in the air, and then it just rains. Sure, we have had some sunny days, and as I write, the sun is struggling to stay out as it begins to cloud over. I wont complain, as a sunny day is one that I will definitely take advantage of. But, as we head into Summer, and a time of year I hope to be more prolific on this blog, I have taken some moments to sit back and recall some of our rainy day activities this year.
It was actually last June, the worst June in the world as far as weather goes, and we were painting our house. The fumes were so bad, that we checked into a hotel downtown for a few days. The hotel was really close to REI, so one rainy rainy morning, I decided to take Z there and to hit Vivace on the way. My son loves things. not just toys either, but things you wouldn't classify as toys, in a kid sense anyway. So, going to REI was a little bit like going to dreamland for him. I literally just chased him around the store. bikes, filters, backpacks, helmets, skateboards, oh my! We hadn't even gotten to the play area yet...at the time, barely 2, he was a bit small for the climbing area, but he certainly enjoyed his smoothie at the World Wrapps in store. and, of course, we couldn't leave without a new helmet for him..

and, not meant to be a sidenote, Vivace makes some good coffee. while it was served up with a little attitude on the day that I brought my son, I have been back.