For the past few years we have spent Thanksgiving weekend at a hotel downtown. It is a fun way for our family to get a jump start on our holiday traditions, to not worry about parking or feel rushed during our time downtown, and to partake in the festive spirit of the city before the inevitable stress of the holidays sets in.

Each year it keeps getting more and more fun with Jasper and this year the look of wonder and excitement in his eyes is contagious. We visited this particular window display no less than six times during our visit and even then all he really wanted to do was go to Pike Place Market, see the Macy star and look at this train.

This year we stayed at the Thompson hotel. We particularly loved the location of the hotel and the clean, modern vibe of the hotel.

Whenever we are downtown this guy wants to do two things: eat cheese (Beecher's) and get yogurt (Ellenos). We happily obliged with both requests and loved seeing the market all festive for Christmas. On Saturday, the market had all sort of fun activities for children like a wonderful looking Santa and sugar cookie decorating to name a few.

Several years ago I purchased a tree seedling from one of the vendors at the market. I am happy to report eight years later our little tree has survived three moves and is proudly standing tall as our outdoor Christmas tree this year.

Jasper's love of trucks run deeps so he was happy to see Santa brought his shiny green pick up truck to the market this year.

I don't think many people realize Rachel the pig is actually a piggy bank. Jasper was happy to lighten my wallet by giving her all my spare change.

One of the many fun activities they had going on was watching this man create these colorful wooden tops right before our very eyes.

Three is the magical age where your child no longer sits still or smiles for photos. I think this was Jasper's idea of posing.

Who needs elves when you have a strawberry and carrot to help instead?!

Jasper is not a huge fan of sitting on Santa's lap, but he is always willing to give him a high five. Anything for a candy cane or two!

Sugar cookie decorating at the market. I loved being able to sit down, decorate a few cookies with Jasper and not have to do all the prep or clean up. The ultimate treat for a mom like myself!

The highlight of cookie decorating was when he dumped an obscene amount of sprinkles onto his cookie. His reaction to this deed was to throw his head back, laugh and clap with sheer delight.