Seattle

 On Sunday, we took the opportunity to go up to Seattle and visit with my birth family.  This was the first time that I met Mike and Melanie (father and sister respectively).  We had a great time with everyone.  It is really unfair, because there is no history or bad blood to begin with, so we can just be friends with a lot of genetic commonality.  Ever since Man vs Food went to Seattle, Mason has wanted to go to the Crab Pot.  So we told him that when we went up there, we would go there.  After the adventure of trying to find a parking place, we met up with JoAnne and the gang, and headed over for lunch.  The restaurant is right on the Puget Sound where you can see the ferries going back and forth.  It took some time to decide on the food, but once we did, then they come and just pour it right onto your table, like a traditional clam bake.  The kids loved the crab, and using the mallet to bust it open.  We were introduced to mussels, and clams and 3 different kinds of crab.





After gorging ourselves on seafood, we took in the market right there on the pier.Yes, we lead a very sheltered life!  We were enthralled by the street performers and their funky costumes.  And of course, what is a trip to Pikes Place Market without being able to see them throw the fish.  No one was purchasing any fish at the moment, so they had to use this grubby looking practice fish to give the crowd a show.  We all had a great time hanging out with the "Fam", but then we had to head on back to Portland.  It was a beautiful drive both ways.  It was a gorgeously clear day in Seattle, and we couldn't have asked for better!  Thanks again JoAnne, for showing us a great time!