Day Three Hundred Forty Nine 2013

She Never Saw It Coming…….

Daughter Holly celebrates her 35th birthday tomorrow, so her dad could hardly believe she handed this opportunity to him without a thought when she suggested we eat lunch after church at El Tapatio, one of our local Mexican restaurants. The servers at El Tap, as the locals call it, are known for gathering at the table of the birthday girl or guy, placing a sombrero on her/his head, and singing, quite loudly, a birthday song in Spanish. Needless to say, her dad gleefully alerted our server that Holly is celebrating her birthday. She never saw it coming.

The really funny part is that they brought the child-sized sombrero and mistakenly plopped it down on granddaughter Shelby’s head. I quickly pointed to Holly and they moved it to her while they sang, patting it down on her head, because, clearly, it did not fit. Shelby didn’t see that coming, either, because they had come up behind her. The shocked look on her face was priceless. Holly, I think, was mortified. Of course, that didn’t stop us from laughing. [And laughing] [And taking pictures]

Holly took it in good-natured stride, but she didn’t let that little sombrero sit on her head for another second after the singing and clapping were done. Her dad will never let her live it down. And next year she’ll think twice about the date on the calendar and where she might want to have lunch. Love you, Holly! Looking forward to some more celebrating on the 16th.

Day Three Hundred Thirty Three 2013

What’s the opposite of Thanksgiving food? Mexican food at El Tapatio, where grandson Knox amused himself with his trains. And, of course, wearing a napkin on your head is always a hoot. It’s Black Friday. Did you hit the sales before the sun came up this morning? I did not. Sleeping late is so much more fun. Happy TGIF!

Day Three Hundred Fifty Two 2011

Grandson Knox travels well (so far). Hubby Neil, daughter Kelly and I went to our fave Mexican restaurant for supper this evening, and Knox didn't bat an eyelash. This is in sharp contrast to an hour or so earlier when he was having a gas attack and was not a happy camper. The life of a newborn...and some older people I know, too.

Day Three Hundred Twenty Nine 2011

Ah, the leftover turkey.....hubby Neil asked me if I wanted any turkey with my mayonnaise sandwich. It was delish! It was such a gorgeous day today that we decided to go to the tree farm and pick out a Christmas tree. Daughter Kelly and son in law Kerry came along and helped us find a great looking tree. That's the only shopping we did on this Black Friday. We also savored some decadent Mae Pearl's frozen yogurt and (later) some yummy Mexican food for supper. Sure did enjoy this laid back TGIF!

Day Two Hundred Seventy Eight 2011

Sometimes trying to get a group shot of Peeps is like herding cats. This was the best shot of three as we enjoyed a yummy supper at our fave  Mexican restaurant this evening. Love my Peeps and I’m always happy to get to spend some time with them whenever and wherever I can.

Day Three Hundred Fifteen

Celebrate!

Daughter Kelly doesn't turn 33 until tomorrow, but we partied a day early. We ate supper at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant this evening, and her dad let our server know it was her birthday (well, almost). So toward the end of the meal, they set the ceremonial sombrero on her head and sang their happy birthday song, in Spanish, of course. She should have seen it coming, but "Conchita" was taken totally by surprise. (Cell phone camera picture--always grainy in a dark setting)

Thirteen family members gathered around the table in our little dining room and sang the birthday song to the birthday lady. We enjoyed the best cake made by daughter Holly's friend, Tammy. After Kelly opened her presents, we somehow got into a paper wad war. (Sister Ann and grandson Elijah were the instigators) That was great fun. All our family birthday parties are fun. Happy (early) 33rd Birthday, Kelly!! Will post more tomorrow ...

Day Two Hundred Forty Five

Check, please!

Neil and I usually end up at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant with Holly, Shelby and Elijah most Wednesdays before Bible class. Elijah man has been paying the check since his toddler days. He gets a big kick out of doing the big guy stuff.

It's fun to pay the check. Plus, he and Shelby get to pick out a piece or two of candy from the different jars lining the counter. Sweet!

Day Eighty One

Sunday after church at El Tapatio with Neil, my sister Jane Foy, and her two daughters (and my awesome nieces!) Sarah and Julia. El Tapatio is, in our humble opinion, the best Mexican restaurant on the planet! The cheese dip alone is worth the trip and the chicken chimichangas are to die for. Really.