Be prepared, below is pretty much a summary of our 2 weeks off for the holidays...and it's very long!
My parents came into town to visit for Christmas and New Years. Their very first day here we took them to one of our volleyball matches and then to Spring Hill Cafe for the best chicken fried steak in Pf. The next day we were involved in many home projects, gift wrapping and cookie making. That evening we decided my parents need to experience our fetish for Pluckers, so we took them there for dinner. They were amazed with all the wing flavor choices and I think they now understand why we visit there so often. Tuesday we drove up to Copperas Cove to visit my dad's mom, Omi and Opa. It was a fairly quick trip since we needed to get back for the MSU vs. UT basketball game (#100)! MSU played a great game, even taking the lead at halftime, however MSU did succumb the last 10 mins of the game. We all had a great time, especially the kids.
Aunt Deanie arrived on Wednesday. Her flight was delayed two hours and it took us two trips to the airport to retrieve her. As soon as we had her, we had to feed her Chick-fila (good stuff!). That evening we stayed in, relaxed and dined on pizza. Next thing we knew, it was Christmas Eve! Most of the day was spent cooking and preparing Christmas dinner, even made more Christmas cookies, murbchen (my fav!). And wouldn't you know it, it snowed that day! Of course it didn't stick, but it was snowing, what a treat! We ate a late lunch at Chuy's and then everyone changed for Christmas Eve church service. We even took some nice family pictures in front of the tree. The weather was crazy cold and windy out so we were very happy when we arrived back home and could warm ourselves up again with some spiked nog and a spread of amazing cheeses. Then we each opened two gifts and it was off to bed.
Christmas morning the adults were all up before the kids! How could that be? We actually had to wake the kids up. Then it was a flurry of ribbons, wrapping paper and bows as everyone opened their gifts. I must say it was a plentiful Christmas, everyone made out like bandits! Then is was off to Jonathan's dad's house for Christmas dinner and gifts with the Maleks. Saturday morning we made our traditional eggs Benedict before we had to take the kids back to their mom. This was a new experience for Malek and the kids, but they loved it! Not sure what we did the rest of the day, but for dinner we made hot burger steaks (#15 - 77/143). The next day it was time for Deanie to fly back home. We dropped her off at the airport, said our goodbyes and headed home. For dinner that night I made chicken and dumplings (#15 - 78/143). I love this meal but wow was it gross touching an entire raw chicken...ewwwwww! Monday we headed back up to Copperas Cove to visit with Omi, Aunt Karola and my cousin Heather. That same day my mom and I found Emma her dress for the wedding, the perfect tie for Evan and ordered my bridesmaid dress for my brother's wedding. Malek even found Evan a suit. It was a good day.
Tuesday was horrible rainy weather and Malek's birthday! Happy Birthday baby!!! We were able to sleep in and then my mom and I ran more wedding errands while Malek went to play basketball. That evening we took Malek to Tree House Grill for his birthday with his family. Man we love that place! Wednesday my parents went to SA for the day to visit friends while we went to Pluckers again with Malek's brother and sister. Later that day we took down the Christmas tree and all the decor inside. Sniff sniff, it always makes me sad to take down the tree. I love the soft glow of the lights and the twinkling of the ornaments, the stockings hung on the mantel....just gives me the warm fuzzies.
NYE was upon us! These 2 weeks are just flying by! That day we re-arranged the house a bit and pulled my favorite kitchen table out of storage. For lunch we took my parents to Trudy's. They had never been there before, and they loved it! The stuffed avocado is amazing. Then Malek and I headed off to a couple NYE parties. We made it home just before midnight though so that we could celebrate with my parents. I think we ended up drinking 3 bottles of champange...and boy were we all feeling it! Happy New Year!
Jan 1st was my parents last day with us. Mom helped me stuff wedding invitations and then we had Al (Malek's dad) over for home-made schnitzel! Mom out did herself on the schnitzel, it was amazing! I made the mashed potatoes and helped some with the schnitzel (#15 - 79/143), we even had black-eyed peas for good luck. Mom and Dad left early the next morning. I was very sad to see them go, I even think Sarah was distraught that her pack was separating. A couple hours later Malek and I went for a run and then it was off to SA for the Alamo Bowl, MSU vs Texas Tech!!!! I hadn't been to see an MSU football game since college, so I was thrilled! We had a wonderful day in SA. Arrived a few hours early, hit a couple bars, and watched all but the last 4 mins of the game. MSU again held their own and was even ahead in the 4th quarter, however we again succumbed during the last 5 mins of the game. I was proud of my Spartans! We finally made it back home sometime after 1:30 in the morning.
Sunday was our last day before we had to head back to work. We joined Malek's family back over at Al's house for some Iranian cuisine and then later that night had a volleyball game. What a wonderful 2 week holiday. :-)
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