Brad Paisley Concert

Last weekend Matt and I headed up to the Gorge to see Brad Paisley.

We left early and took the trailer to Vantage and parked it at a campground there. Then headed up to Crescent Bar for some lunch at the golf course.

We got to the amphitheater at 4:00 when the "doors" opened. We spent the next 3 hours listening to bands, walking around checking out the sights and just enjoying our time together.

Both Matt and I had never been to the gorge before and it was quite amazing! What a place it was. We headed to our seats and we sat next to a couple from Port Orchard. The husband had just retired from the Navy. He was a HOOT to sit next too. The first thing he said to Matt was "Dude I love the hat". Matt was thinking either this was going to be fun or really annoying. The next thing out of the guys mouth was "cool goatee". Then we knew OK this guy was just having fun and trying to make small talk. They ended up being pretty cool people to sit next to.

Justin Moore and Darius Rucker opened for Brad. Darius is "Hootie" as in Hootie and the Blowfish. He played a few of their songs. Brad came out and I tell you what an AMAZING performance he put on. About halfway through the concert he made his was through the crowd and ended up on a ledge and sang to the people in the "cheap seats". Just him and his guitar. Then he paused and had a moment of remembrance for the 9/11 victims. Being Sept 11 it was pretty darn cool. Hearing him play our nations "songs" then he started playing How Great Thou Art and hearing all those thousands of people sing along...that was very emotional. What a great moment to pay honor to those whose lives were lost.

I have to say it had been about 15 years since Matt and I had been to concert together. ( I got to see Tim McGraw a few years ago) We really enjoyed our time together and Brad was amazing to see. He had 7 guitar changes and what an amazing guitar player he is.

Matt and I are looking forward to taking the girls here next year to experience "The Gorge".

Things

I can't believe it's been a few weeks since I've been on here to update how things are going. Life has gotten very busy. First, I got offered a part time temp job working through Babcock out at Hanford. I am filling in for a gal on maternity leave. And of all things I know her! It's been good. I work 3 days a week for 9 hours a day. The days get long at times but I am enjoying it and it's great experience for me. We'll see where it leads me.

Matt, Jeff and Drew took off last week on their annual Salmon fishing trip. They had a great time and came home with a TON of fish. The biggest salmon was 26 pounds. Matt got one batch of smoked salmon done. YUM!

While the boys were out playing Teresa and Haley came for a visit. We LOVED having them here. We took in the fair and of course had some yummy Mexican food.

It was time for haircuts for school. Both girls got a good trim and were ready for Day 1.

Monday was the first day of school. There was some nervousness with it but both did well. Kaitlyn had a little bit of a hard time. Change isn't something she does well but as we come to the end of the week things are going much better and she is finding her way around her new school. I'm SO proud of them and how well they are doing.

Today I found out the girls needed their instruments and music books tomorrow. So off we went to rent Grace her clarinet. I tell you that girl is SO excited. She can already get some notes out and I'm having a hard time getting her to put it down! I'm excited for her to learn her first song.

Matt took off yesterday for Georgia. He found out Tuesday about this trip for work. He is flying home late tonight. But then leaving again in the morning for the weekend. He is meeting his dad, John, Zach, his uncle and cousins son for a weekend filled of grouse and bear hunting. Jackie and the girls are headed this way to hang with us for the weekend. We are SO looking forward to them being here.

All in all things are going well and of course we seem to come to the end of each day and wonder where the time went. Stay tuned for more adventures ahead!