A resting day and shopping day

With most of the shopping and packing done, it was a relaxing day for the Changs. They took advantage of the stopover at Thomas's place to recharge their body battery in order to battle the long awaited vacation days/nights ahead.

After a good "morning" sleep, the Changs woke up around noon. The Chows and the Changs merged their check lists in the kitchen trying to bring all the items they wanted to bring and not letting one forgotten. Kelly spent the next 30min or so trying to fix Bernadette's Kitchen Aid mixer but to an avail. Then all felt a bit hungry as it had passed 1pm. All agreed on having Japanese for lunch. Thomas mentioned a good Japanese place, which is a favorite of both his kids (Daren and Lana) every time when they return home. The clock read 1:10pm and the sushi place closes at 1:30pm, let's go! The gang split into two cars: Bernadette and the Changs in one car, while Lana was behind the wheel with Thomas in the other Both cars rushed out of the garage and full speed heading to Lake Oswego downtown. Team Lana and Thomas was there first probably due to more aggressive driving than Bernadette who wanted to be safe with visitors on board. All enjoyed a delicious sushi lunch, compliment of the host.

While the Changs and the Chows were enjoying their sushi lunch, Pat was at YVR to pick up the arriving Chengs from Hong Kong.

After lunch, Thomas headed to his office and then to school in the evening. Lana hugged her dad good-bye
and joined the shopping gang. Bernadette first drove the Changs to the airport (PDX) to pick up
Salina's ticket for her December trip to Hong Kong. For some reasons, it was bumper to bumper traffic
along I-205 all the way to the airport. After the airport, the shoppers stopped by the Clarkamas Costco store and bought water melons, sugar, paper plates, paper cups, etc. Then upon arriving the Carry & Carry store nearby to pick up cream and butter, it had closed for 9 minutes. Bernadette said there is another
Cash & Carry store in Tigard, so Lana quickly reprogrammed the GPS navigation system for the best route to get there. Unfortunately, that Carry & Carry store was also closed. The disappointed shoppers settled for shopping at WinCo Foods across the street. At WinCo, strawberry lovers hit a jackpot -- they were on sale for $.99 a box (see picture).

It was past 6:30pm and the shoppers were trying to decide what kind of plastic ware has the best value, and what to eat for breakfast the next morning. Their discussion was interrupted by a phone call -- Thomas's class was over and wanted to know where to eat for dinner. The shoppers quickly concluded
their shopping trip and headed home to meet Thomas for dinner. Kelly suggested Chinese and all 5 jumped into one car and drove to their favorite restaurant in Portland: Gold Garden Restaurant located at
3016 SE 82nd Avenue. The food was as expected and with everyone's stomach full, the discussion started
on the food menu for the next 3 days.

The Changs retired to their bedroom early while the Chows were busy in packing for the weekend getaway.
The Gang of Six were all excited and couldn't wait to go to Hood Canal for their gathering.
 
 

The Viba parked inside Thomas' garage to better protect all the "valuables" inside

After catching up with the sleep, the Changs and the Chows went over the check list in the kitchen, while Lana was chatting with friends online

99cents a box of strawberry, what a steal!They got 4 boxes

Dinner at Gold Garden Restaurant in Portland