The Wilson's visit Washington

Whew! Where do I begin? Shawn's parents flew out from Northern Michigan for an extended weekend and let me tell ya, we packed it all in! Literally. I've told you about the house before, right?? Our 900 square foot "Bungalow".... this time with 6 of us staying there and 1 bathroom - dang, we're efficient! It really wasn't too cramped, we made it work.

First stop was the EMP in Seattle. What an amazing place! (yes, sad to say it was my first time there) To think that the Alternative movement came out of our city is just mind boggling. It was such a monumental shift in the music scene and all from this rainy city..... who knew?

Our favorite part was the interactive section. In this tiny, little room Cole got to bang his heart out on the drums! Anna & Shawn shared the guitar and I fell in love, love, LOVE with the BASS!!! (maybe it'll be a Christmas gift??) We left Cole & Shawn in the little room to rock out to their hearts content.

We also started a band, aptly named: The John Deers, and played our first gig. Recorded. On DVD. In stores soon. ;)

Cole on the 'practice' drums



Linda & Anna on a sunny Seattle day

We headed up to Mt Rainier on Saturday to see if we could catch a glimpse of that majestic mountain of ours. No dice. We drove all the way up to Paradise, saw the Lodge under construction, hiked a trail to see a beautiful waterfall, but the mountain kept herself hidden the whole time.

Dan & Linda

The Lodge thru the trees

On the way down from Paradise, the mountain came out in all her glory! It was spectacular! I think we were just too far up in the clouds to see anything at the visitor center.

Down the hill we trekked to my parents house so the families could finally meet. I knew the Dads would get along perfect - they're cut from the same cloth, really. "Car Guys" - that says it all. It's like watching them speak a foreign language, just the two of them get it.

Dan & Hank talking cars

All in all, it was a fantastic, comfortable, whirl wind of a visit. Shawn's parents are great! Very easy-going, warm and inviting. It was like visiting with people I've known forever. I admit, I was nervous about meeting them, but they put me to ease instantly. It was sad to see them go and to have them be so far away. But we'll see them again in the Spring..... :)

Cole & Shawn helping with the bags