Dad went home last Tuesday, but Mom is here until the 5th. She and I headed south on Wednesday, and spent the last couple days visiting friends and relatives as well as hitting the outlet malls to pick up some bargains while the sales were still on.
While down there we stopped by for a visit with my MIL. We brought her Taco Bell (one of her favorites) as well as the Christmas gifts from my folks and an early birthday present from us. Her birthday falls right about the same time as Hubby's Guard drill next month, and I wanted to be sure she got her gift before her birthday.
We had dinner both nights down at Bro's house. Kathy (my SIL) has got to be one of the best cooks on the west coast. I swear I can gain 10 pounds just smelling the delights she and Bro create in their kitchen. Last night was a prime rib roast that was done to perfection, tomatoes stuffed with a bread crumb and pine nut stuffing, potatoes with gravy and green beans done just right with lots of crisp left in them. It was divine! (Steve & Kathy, whenever you want to cook like that again, let me know and I'll be down post haste!)
While we were down, Kathy's sis Melissa (some of her exploits can be found in my brother's diary) delivered a healthy baby girl. Mom and baby are doing wonderfully, and according to Steve & Kathy their new niece is the most beautiful baby girl to ever grace this world. Congrats to Melissa and Ace!