we're here!

Well, we finally made it to Issaquah. Sunday morning we checked out from our crappy hotel room in Missoula and started driving. We did pretty much all driving - no fun stops or anything. But, after about 7 hours of driving, we made it! The heat followed us, though - they were in the middle of a heatwave with temps in the low 90s. Funny how that happens. . . .

Here's the pretty mountains we saw heading out of Montana - very pretty!

then we headed into Idaho. . . .

. . . and back out again. it didn't take too long.

we stopped in Moses Lake, WA for a quick bite. I love regional McDonalds menu items! They had a McCafe - better than the iced coffee because it's made with espresso [and not super sweet like the iced coffee] it was good. and fun :)

We stopped at a scenic overlook at the Columbia River. We were surprised at how much like a desert eastern Washington is - and it was HOT! our car thermometer said 105˙ - crazy!

and here's what 3 days of driving will get you - splattered with bugs. My uncle Ken washed them off yesterday, though. Thanks, Ken!

So, we were soon heading out of the desert, and we caught our first glimpse of the Cascades.

Then we finally made it. Here's my aunt & uncle's house in Issaquah - where we've been staying [thanks again, guys!].

here's the view from their back deck. behind the trees you can see the mountains - but not in this picture :)

Monday [yesterday] we got up and headed to their house in Ellensburg, in central Washington. It's called Griffin Hall, and you'll see that it is really fun - a very cool place to hang out.

Here's the great room in the house, replete with English flags - neato!

a view of the outside. . . .

here's the sign on the outside

and the big walk in fireplace

more flags. I like the flags - very cool!

This morning we're heading into the city to hang out, then it's off to Bremerton to see Brandon's Grandma.
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