Ben, the oldest of our three boys, and the other half of this newly minted pair, had just popped the

The four of us gathered in the perfectly appointed living room of my spacious suite, enjoying the painterly sunset over Seattle's Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. We sipped Washington wine and nervously nibbled midtown madness 2 vehicle editor on items from the bountiful fruit and cheese plate. midtown madness 2 vehicle editor And we waited.
Ben, the oldest of our three boys, and the other half of this newly minted pair, had just popped the question in room 902. Meanwhile, Lyndsay was unaware that four parents were waiting patiently, two floors below, for her final answer.
Earlier in the week, I had shared a Valentine's Day lunch with Ben, during which he told me of his ring purchase and his desire to ask Lyndsay to be his wife. The challenge, he explained, was to ask for her hand in a way that would be memorable and special.
We compared notes and discussed options, and he went off to ponder his plan. A few days later, I received a text message. He had decided to surprise her in Seattle, midtown madness 2 vehicle editor where she planned to attend the wedding of a sorority sister. And, he thought, midtown madness 2 vehicle editor it would be nice if the parents could be on hand to help celebrate.
And that's how Peter and I came to be seated across from Vicki and Norm, parents of the bride-to-be. Earlier in the evening, Ben had completed part one of the surprise plan when he plucked Lyndsay from a gathering of girlfriends and brought her to Four Seasons, this luxurious enclave perched on the hillside overlooking the water and the snow-capped mountain range in the distance.
With the affirmative response in hand, we moved to the hotel's ART Restaurant, named for the extensive collection that adorns the hotel's interior. Our beautifully set round of six awaited, with more champagne at the ready. Lyndsay still did not know the four parents midtown madness 2 vehicle editor were in the house. Not wanting to spoil the next level of surprise, we snuck into the restaurant like well-trained operatives. When the newly engaged midtown madness 2 vehicle editor pair was shown to their table for "two," she looked thrilled to see that she and Ben would be sharing this special evening with family.
Our exquisite dinner went on for hours, as we luxuriated in the news, toasted the happy couple, midtown madness 2 vehicle editor shared stories of their childhoods and even revisited our own engagement moments. We sent texts and photos to other family members midtown madness 2 vehicle editor in between sips of champagne. The extraordinary culinary offerings were made ever so special by the personal midtown madness 2 vehicle editor service provided by Giorgio Saturnino and Ali Habboula. At one point, even Chef Kerry Sear appeared tableside to wish the couple well.
ART specializes in urban Northwest cuisine and draws from the bounty of nearby Pike Place Market. We enjoyed delightful salads crafted with king oyster mushrooms and local greens, a magnificent cheese course, Indian-spiced local salmon midtown madness 2 vehicle editor with lobster, and Painted Hills beef filets. Giorgio and Ali chose just the right wines from the 12-foot-high wine wall and seamlessly timed each course with the skill of surgeons.
The next morning, the new mothers-in-law- to-be met in the peaceful womb of the spa for a relaxing visit and to discuss the exciting turn of events. Where would the wedding take place? midtown madness 2 vehicle editor What time of year? Should we schedule a girls' getaway to mull over the options?
Calmed by a wonderful massage and facial, we met Lyndsay, Ben, Norm and Peter for an afternoon of Seattle exploration. First we had lunch at nearby Pike Place Market, followed by a tour of the Seattle Art Museum and a stroll on the waterfront.
While the newly engaged couple went off to their friends' wedding, the elders met in the comfortable hotel lounge for a cheese midtown madness 2 vehicle editor and wine tasting. Once again, Giorgio was on hand to explain the local, domestic and imported selections laid out on a 10-foot-long Douglas fir table. midtown madness 2 vehicle editor With grace and charm, midtown madness 2 vehicle editor he suggested just the right wine to complement our choices.
The next morning we made a pilgrimage to the original Starbucks, a short walk from the hotel, before midtown madness 2 vehicle editor heading in three different directions. Peter and I would return to Phoenix. Norm and Vicki were headed back to Spokane. Ben and Lyndsay had decided to extend their stay on this sunny Seattle midtown madness 2 vehicle editor Sunday.
That afternoon, the pair sent a picture to each of us from aboard the ferry. The hotel and the Seattle skyline filled the background. Their sparkling smiles told the story of a happy weekend and the excitement that lit their horizon.
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes is a writer, photographer, and a passionate traveler. Her travels have taken her to more than 82 countries, across deserts, down rivers, over mountains, midtown madness 2 vehicle editor under the sea, through jungles and to 48 of our 50 states. She is the Editor and owner of FamilyTravel.com , and writes a weekly syndicated midtown madness 2 vehicle editor travel column that originates with the Dallas Morning News. She is a regular contributor and writes an adventure midtown madness 2 vehicle editor blog for GoodHousekeeping.com. She also contributes to other print, online and broadcast outlets.
Lynn, such a wonderful story starring two wonderful young people. Having never been to Seattle, you certainly did a terrific job of describing its attractions and I will put it on my wish list for a future trip.