Birthday Dinner 1/3 Friday

Birthday girl chooses Bubba Gump upstairs at the Mall, and we start with a bucket of boiled shrimp to peel. Our table orders gumbo, mahi mahi with grilled shrimp, tilapia with shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp and veggie skewers, and shrimp scampi. All delicious!

At the end of the meal, about eight of the staff come to sing Happy Birthday and present a gooey chocolate dessert. Perfect finish for Kat.

With the light show beginning soon, we have minutes to find a good viewing spot. Loud and dramatic music accompanies the dancing beams, the Mall's indoor version of fireworks in winter. Leaving the amusement area, Nat can't resist a few steps with Sponge Bob.

Fun evening in every way!

Another Birthday 1/3 Friday

Today younger granddaughter turns nine years old, following her sister who had her eleventh on December 30. Both girls go to school again, their second day of this new year, unlike Texas students who will return to school next week.

Pawpaw, Auntie, and I pick up Kat about 11 and take her out for a birthday lunch. She has permission to skip the rest of the day, and we head for home.

Parents leave work early and we all load up in the car to pick up Nat at school. News spreads that school is cancelled Monday because of the extreme cold predicted. Destination chosen by birthday girl is the Mall of America. Girls rush to some favorite rides before dinner.

Lucky Food & Back to School

First day of 2014 translates to pajama day at this house. Our best efforts today create a traditional meal of baked ham, black-eyed peas, cabbage, and cornbread muffins.

Second day of the new year has temp still below zero with granddaughters returning to school and their parents returning to work. We pick up younger gd at school, and she helps Auntie sign out older gd at the encore program several blocks away.

At home their new pet, a guinea pig named Cookie, waits for some attention and cuddling, especially if food treats are included.

For dinner our next birthday (tomorrow) girl has chosen the menu of ribs, mashed tomatoes, carrots, and asparagus. Then we play a competitive game of Farkle and encourage opponents to risk all.

New Year After Midnight 1/1/14

The party continues for a short time, but eventually even the youngest partygoer calls it a night and bundles up for the journey home.

New Year's Party 12/31

Granddaughters ready, house ready, party ready! Guests arrive and fill the hall and closet with their winter gear. Food and beverages crowd the designated areas. Tonight's theme is Family Game Night, and favorite games soon begin.

As midnight approaches, most party revelers gather for the countdown. Welcome to 2014!