Judy and Dave Paup opened Cookies in Bloom in Bellevue three years ago so they could spend more time together. They have been married for 36 years.

Dave Paup adds a cookie to the drying rack where frosting hardens in a hurry. One woman was grateful to WSU veterinary surgeons who had saved her husky so she commissioned an arrangement of husky and cougar cookies to thank them.

Dave Paup, right, laughs at the fortune cookie prediction for his son, David, left, at the home of his daughter Debbie, center. The closely knit Paup family, which includes daughter Tiffany, tries to come together at least once each week.

Dave Paup rubs wife Judie's neck during a busy day. The couple works six days a week, rising early to work for 12 hectic hours in their crowded 2,200-square-foot bakery and retail shop, Cookies in Bloom.

Paul Pfenning toddles through the entranceway to the Bellevue branch of the King County Library, one of the city's big attractions.

Bellevue's Downtown Park is a popular spot for walking popular spot for walking or just hanging out, offering an interesting combination of urban views and green space.

The carpeted tugboat play area at Bellevue Square Mall is a busy spot for kids and parents alike. The mall is one of the state's biggest tourist attractions during the holidays.

Vic Russell has seen a lot from the window of his Bellevue Barber Shop on Main Street. "I've had a front-row seat for all the changes," he says.

Nellie Arriola, front, and others seem to be enjoying a water flexibility class called Twinges in the Hinges at Bellevue Aquatic Center.

Time-tracking urbanites can turn to the distinctive clock at City Centre Bellevue.

Docent Kristin Simpson talks with schoolchildren about Bellevue Art Museum's exhibit "Leonardo Now!" The human skeleton illustrates Leonardo da Vinci's study of anatomy.

Students are busy at the computers in the library at Bellevue Community College.

Second-grade teacher Chrissy Clark works with student Caroline Holback at Somerset Elementary School.

Lee Springate, Bellevue's director of parks and community services for 27 years, stands in the city's beautiful Botanical Garden.

The view of downtown Bellevue's skyline from the Somerset Hill area shows many new buildings, but much remaining green space.

Early-morning shoppers get a jump on the pre-holiday crowds at Bellevue Square.

Downtown Park features a walking path, waterfall and playground.

Mark Jeffries' sculpting career has taken many forms, including prostheses such as these feet. It's "'art' that made a real contribution to society," says Jeffries, posing with a variety of his artwork.

Connor Mallonee, 5, loves to hang out on the sculpture in front of the Crossroads Community Center. "I feel like I'm up in the sky," Connor says.