Gommie and Pop always hit the ground running, so to speak, and this trip was no different, except that they should have been exhausted from a long day of delayed flights and traffic. But they weren't. We went straight from the train station (where Sis and I had waited expectantly through a few trains before theirs finally arrived, much to Sis's relief and excitement--it is as disheartening not to see your people on the platform as it is heartening to see them!) to Bud's kung fu class, where Pop and Gommie got to see him perform his "slappy" form (he does a lot of arm movements and body slaps) and his team basic form (or whatever they call this). Then we all came home and had snacks around the table ("Trash" Chex mix, peanuts, a variety of cookies), while Gommie and Pop had homemade chicken noodle soup. Eventually we put the children to bed under the Christmas tree for their Winter Solstice celebratory camp out.
Saturday morning without kung fu for almost two weeks found us all (G & P slept in, too, but at their hotel, where they sleep more comfortably) sleeping in. And then we watched "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas," which songs struck me as more spiritual, even sad, this time. "When night lays sad upon you/go watch a simple sunrise."
Gommie and Pop showed up soon after and everyone headed outside for bike riding (Sis got to show off her new skill) and then archery (I hit the arrow through the hole in the target! And Pop was impressed with my strong pull on the 28 lb draw). But the cold blustery wind sent us inside soon enough for a few games and more cookies! And then a deli lunch.
And then we watched Brave, my early Christmas present (G&P are leaving the day after Christmas so if we want to enjoy these things together, we're opening them early! Which is why I gave Gommie the variegated red Merino wool scarf that I just finished knitting and tassling yesterday afternoon.) It was good if not better than the first time we saw it.
Afterwards, all rested, Pop and Gommie took the kiddos swimming at the heated hotel pool and Mama and I went shopping for Christmas groceries. On Christmas Eve, we're having shrimp remoulade and then gumbo, muffalettas, and bread pudding on Christmas day (after a corned beef hash and also orange biscuits and/or monkey bread breakfast!)
Finally, wonderful Babysitter, being home from college, came over to watch Sis and Bud for the evening while we all went out to dinner. They were so excited to see her (and to give her fuzzy socks, nail polish, and body "butter") that they didn't notice we'd left for Bloodroot! We like going to Bloodroot with my folks--good food, relaxing atmosphere, great conversation with each other and with owners Selma and Noel. MMMMmmmm, Czech cream of mushroom soup, Cambodian kanji, three salads (tossed, arugula, and marinated tofu), oatmeal bread, black bean and butternut squash chili, three mushroom stroganoff, Solianka (cabbage and onions with tomato sauce), and Kulebiaka (a Russian cabbage and wild mushroom pie), plus cranberry kissel and chocolate pudding with coconut cream. Mmmmmm!!
Gommie and Pop are back at their hotel and we're settling in for a long winter's nap. Or not. The kid will be up in less than 8 hours, I'm sure, ready for another great day with the grandparents.
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