It was another banner Christmas here. We had a nice long break and guests to boot. Gramma and Papa arrived on Monday, December 21st. Right out the gate we took them to the Corvette Museum for a tour on Tuesday morning in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
We happened to find a restaurant that met everyone’s dietary needs. Wheatless was the first restaurant I have eaten at where absolutely everything was gluten free. From pancakes to pizza, the scope of the dishes was fantastic AND they tasted great too.
In accordance with Mexican tradition, on Christmas eve we had tamales for dinner. This was a custom that Bill and I recalled from living in California. I also prepared, fresh guacamole, Mexican coleslaw and pozole soup.
Walker was a scheduled server for midnight Mass and I went early with him to scout out our seats. I looked forward to the quiet time to sit and recharge in the glow of the church illuminated only by the lights from the giant trees flanking the altar.
Christmas morning was slow and luxurious.
Other highlights included two movies: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip and Star Wars: The Force Awakens and several birthday celebrations. On Mason’s half birthday, Gramma and Papa took Mason out for a special lunch alone at Olive Garden leaving Bill, Walker and me to our own devices. We also celebrated Dad’s birthday with a home cooked Mexican feast. It’s a long time joke that growing up there two options for dinner out: hamburgers and Mexican food. I knew enchiladas would be right up his alley.
Our visit with my parents did not include a lot of fanfare or major field trips but there were lots of intimate moments shared one on one with each other. Dad and I got to spend time in conversation. We luxuriated over coffee each morning at breakfast. Mason and Gramma bonded over an activity that my mom’s mom, Oma, used to do with us where she would sit us on her lap and bounce us up and down. The song she sang while she did it ended with an intentional bump that was supposed to dump the child off the lap. I’m not sure what the words mean or even what it is officially called but among my siblings and my children, we all call it Shoppa Rider. Mason and my mom did it so many times that eventually my mom had to call uncle but it was really no secret that she loved every second of it.
We were sad to send them home and hope they will come back again soon.
Ah, Christmas. . .
I look at the picture of your dad, and I think, man, you really look like your dad.
Then I look at the one of your mom, and I think, man, you really look like your mom.
Guess you are the perfect mix of both!
🙂
I am glad you had such a Merry Christmas….great photos! Does it knock your socks off that your son is taller than your dad? We have that here now too!