I arrived on a gloomy but thankfully dry morning, and breathed in the smells of Pike Place Market.

Mornings are my favorite time at ANY market, where things are just beginning. Here, in the tourist epicenter of Seattle, I instantly revert to my tourist persona, snapping pictures like there’s no tomorrow and silly-grinning at the fish-throwing following the boisterous chorus of whatever poor sole (pun intended) is being thrown across the counter at the unfathomably popular Pike Place Fish Market.

Shot the following two with film:

The Public Market at 9am, where salmon wait their turn to be hurled, bears the aroma of freshly ground coffee  mixed with an eclectic bouquet of fish, fresh flowers and, mmmm, donuts. Buskers set up and begin to strum, beat, plonk and sing. Somewhere, the first few notes of a melancholy erhu serenade the market’s first visitors. While waiting for more fish to be thrown, passers-by stop at the world famous metal hog (probably also the most famous metal hog in the world), petting it for some quaint reason, throwing in a quarter or two. And, of course, to pose with it, and sometimes even over it, for pictures.

My party arrives, Michelle and Ian, and of course, sweet, sweet S, who has managed to draw family and friends all the way from Wisconsin and Chicago and South Carolina. For who can resist this baby girl, always obliging with the smiles and the adoring looks. Happy Birthday, baby doll!

After pictures we proceeded to Maximilien’s for brunch. The food was SCRUMPTIOUS! I am going back soon

Order me something will ya?

Baby S’s baby friend, A!

Mom brought a cute hat!

Whaddya think?

More film action. See the diff? LOVE! Even the moments seem more meaningful.

Some for you, and SOME for me!

Is this cutey pie the most lovable little girl you’ve ever seen or I will eat my hat.

Thanks Ian and Michelle for inviting me!

Happy Birthday, dear sweet S. I love you and hope to see you again soon!

Not really zany but you know how it is during the holidays. Holiday pictures are serious business for everyone.

Well, almost everyone.

Most of the kids were all dressed up!

Even their toys were dressed up!

And then the party got reAlly serious.

This girl got really excited each time the register sprung open. It was hilarious!

There was even a show and everything in the end. These guys know how to party!

A fun time was had by all, and this photographer was rightly pooped at the end of it. Good times!