Kobe's Night

In a tradition as old as... well, a 9 year-old something... Brian and Tyler celebrated their 16 day apart birthdays this past weekend. It all started with Brian, Tyler, and Sam going to Kobe's in Nashville, a Japanese hibachi grill place where they do all the cooking in front of you and stuff. The birthday celebration has grown over the years, adding new people occasionally, switching with the hibachi restaurant Fuji's in the Boro, and last year took a different turn with a weekend in Gatlinburg. But this year, the group made a triumphant return to Nashville and the place where it all began...

They've improved the place with renovations, but the spirit remains the same. Imagine - this place has known 2002-era Tyler and Brian... that's a scary thought!

Justin, Katie, baby Sophie (hidden in Katie's belly), Brian, and Becky.

Morgan, Jesse, Ty, and Brooke... drinking colored water....

If you're wondering what Becky is doing with her face, she is reacting to the tantrum-throwing 6 year-old who was lying on the ground kicking and screaming across the room. For real.

Sam and Dave... take, like four since Justin kept ruining the picture!!! Darnit, these digital pictures are expensive, Brown!

Jesse and Morgan are not only celebrating the birthdays, they are also celebrating "kid-free" night!

My best Blue Steel impression. The world isn't ready for Magnum. Thank you, Derek Zoolander, for helping me ruin pictures with my wife!

We got to sit in the room where you take your shoes off and sit on the ground! Guess who had the flip-flops on in February?

Our chef, setting stuff on fire. I think he was a bit of a pyro. Fine by this table though.

The onion volcano of FIRE!!!!

We restrained Tyler from eating the entire grill of fried rice. It took some effort.

You can't beat this meal... unless you served me a million dollars... covered in soy sauce...

Brian getting the happy song, courtesy of the Kobe's manager, and my tip to the waiter...

Our fun floor seating that I've always wanted to have there!

Partial group shot as Katie was waiting patiently for the valet, Brooke took the picture, and Sam... well, I don't know where she went... but you see the happy, smiling faces. Another successful year of birthdays, ready for next year's celebration, but now that we are over thirty it can take its time getting here!