Last weekend (Martin Luther King Jr. weekend) we took a whirlwind tour of the Pacific Northwest. The main reason we went up north, and our first stop on Friday evening, was in Eugene, Oregon to listen to Katie play in the middle school state honor band. She was the only student from our area to play in the middle school band, so it actually was quite an honor. She was one of 5 bass clarinet players. The guest conductor was Erik Morales, he is a composer and teacher from New Orleans. They got to perform a couple of pieces that he wrote. I really enjoyed the band concert as well as the middle school orchestra and choir concerts. All the kids did very well and it was a lot of fun. It was also a great experience for Katie to be able to get together with students from all over the state and work with such an accomplished conductor.
Katie playing her bass clarinet in the Oregon State Middle School Honor Band
Saturday we drove up to Seattle to visit with Bill's Uncle Johnny in a nursing home. We all enjoyed a visit with him, but then Bill spent a couple of hours taping him as he reminisced about his life. Jenny, Katie, Xander and I took that time to have a fun lunch at the Rainforest Cafe.
Bill with his Uncle Johnny Fabela
Sunday we spent with Jenny and her family in Portland.
Xander sharing his animal crackers with Grandpa.
Monday, Katie and I spent the day in that great shopping Mecca of Roseburg, while Bill attended meetings there. On our way home we also stopped and shopped in Medford. So, to recap: Klamath Fall, Eugene, Portland, Seattle, Roseburg, Medford and back to Klamath Falls! A lot of driving for the weekend, but also a lot of fun.
