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!

Prepping New Year's Eve 12/31

Party preparation is in high gear not only in the kitchen but also downstairs in the karaoke club where daughters certify that all equipment works for optimum performance.

The final recipe makes a delicious gumbo that fortifies our family for
the evening's activities.