Erin's Quick Up-and-Back Visit from Corpus Christi, TX to Seattle, WA

I think the conversation went something like this:

Greg: "Hey, you know you said you were going to come visit us in Corpus Christi, and you never did?"

Me: "Yeah...I know, I suck."

Greg: "Why doesn't Erin come visit you guys? The kids are with my mom and I have a guys' weekend planned. Whaddya say?"

Well, I didn't have to think very long and hard about that one! The last time I saw Erin was sometime in 2008; Ollie wasn't even one yet. We were due for a visit for sure. 

She lives down in Texas now, but we met at NC State back in 1993-1994ish. We were both zoology majors. She is an absolute sweet girl, and I can't believe I get to show her around Seattle and treat her to a fun weekend in the Pacific Northwest. 

I picked up Erin late Thursday night from Sea-Tac. After we got the kids to
school on Friday and dropped Mike off at work, she and I hiked to the top
of Poo Poo Point. It's a 7.6 mile hike (round trip). Mike's been before but
this was my first time doing this hike. It was great! 

It was super foggy so, unfortunately, by the time we got to the top, we didn't
have much of a view. but it made for a moody and picturesque hike.
After the hike: pho for lunch. Then off to pick up the kids from school.

On Friday night, we treated ourselves to the ultimate night out in Seattle:
Dinner at the Space Needle.

On Saturday, Erin and I took the kids to the Seattle Aquarium.
Ollie, being a Great Pacific Octopus.

Merrit, trying on scuba gear.

Laughing. What we do best! Ever since Dr. Hentz's Chemistry 101 class! 

At the aquarium. 

Trying on goofy hats in the gift shop.

Erin is such a goof! I love her!! 

Waving to the scuba diver through the glass.

Merrit checking out the diver. Very cool. 

We grabbed some lunch at Ivar's waterfront cafe. 

Then we walked around Pike's Place Market. 

Sort of spontaneously, we decided to buy mussels for dinner.

Back at home, Erin scrubbed and de-bearded all the
mussels while I browsed around online for a good
broth recipe.

She did the dirty work. But the meal was definitely worth
it! We had steamed mussels in broth, crusty bread, salad,
and whipped celeriac root. It was yum yum.

After just two days, it was time to say goodbye. Erin's flight left out around noon on Sunday so we just took her out for bagels in the morning and then headed on in to the airport after that. Erin, I'm so glad you could come visit us!! Next time bring the hubs and kiddos! And, I promise, I'll get to Corpus Christi one of these days! :) xo