Wee Britain

I really love that Claire's preschool is in our suburb's walk-able downtown area. Except for biweekly trips to Costco, I like to leave our car at the preschool, load the little girls into the double stroller, and walk to all of our errands. When we're popping into multiple stores, it's much easier than buckling two kids in and out of car seats. It's also the best way for me to seamlessly incorporate exercise into my day, like Adam riding his bike to work. Of course, it doesn't hurt that there's completely gorgeous fall foliage around every corner at the moment.

For our first couple years in Seattle, we lived in a two-bedroom apartment in this area. Now we live in a rental house closer to Adam's work and our church. I love living in our current location and I feel like we have the best of both worlds with being able to walk to all of our errands, since we're downtown three times a week for preschool. Within walking distance of the school there's...

- the library, the post office, and the bank
- Trader Joe's, the regular grocery store, and the drug store
- a park and two indoor playgrounds
- a thrift store, a craft store, and a toy store
- lots of other fun stores like Half Price Books, Ross, and World Market
- the outdoor mall where music class is along with the Gap, Macy's, etc. and a covered play area
- a plethora of bakeries and coffee shops should we feel like indulging (although we really shouldn't!)

Across the street from Trader Joe's is this block I've affectionately named "Wee Britain" after a hilarious Arrested Development episode. There's the Three Lions Pub, where you can enjoy a pint while watching soccer, rugby, or cricket to your heart's content. The British Pantry is the place for all your tea needs (bags, biscuits, towels, cups, pots, you name it) as well as British candy and foodstuffs. Lastly, there is Neville's Restaurant, your spot for a plate of shepherd's pie or fish and chips. Walking by just makes me happy!

P.S. Another quirky favorite in town is The Root Beer Store, where you'll find over a hundred brands of root beer and specialty sodas.