friends

Austin's friend and former bandmate Kimball got married in Portland last month...

...which was a great reason for a band reunion. Austin drove down the night before where he met up with Kimball and our other friend and former bandmate Houston (who flew up from Utah). They stayed in the same hotel room -- Austin took three guitars down so they could jam and they had a great time. Kimball's wedding and reception the next day were great and we're very happy for him!

A couple days later we went down to the piers in Seattle to meet up with Houston -- who had spent another day or two in Portland and then came up to spend several days with us!

The weather and the view were great...

...and Brooklyn got a free balloon toy from a street vendor who was closing!

On the way home we went to a place we've been meaning to check out -- The Root Beer Store! It's a little place here in Redmond that has over 100 different types of root beer. Fortunately, Houston is a bona fide root beer connoisseur and he helped us pick a great variety to try out. We tended to prefer the more vanilla-tasting ones to the more herbal, licorice-tasting ones.

The next day we went into Seattle to hit a few classic Seattle landmarks. First we went through the Pike Place Market...

...then the gum wall...

...where we all left a contribution...

...even Brooklyn!

Then we went back up through the market...

...and took the monorail...

...past the Space Needle and to the EMP museum (photos weren't allowed inside and it looks like we forgot to take any outside). We were short on time but got the highlights. Austin and Houston particularly liked the history of guitars exhibit.

Afterwards we found some really really good ice cream at a little cupcake shop nearby.

Brooklyn was a good eater and kept us all entertained!

We had a great time with Houston and enjoyed spending time with him at home and in Seattle. We miss living close to some of our good friends but it's great to catch up when we get to see them!