The calm before the storm

Today was the first full day of Dad and Stef's stay.  Jeff got up early and went to work as usual.  I came home and did a few chores while awaiting a call from Dad and Stef that they were awake and awaiting ideas.  It turns out that despited my efforts not to control things, I was still the organizer, a distinction I didn't make until it was pointed out to me.  Once it was pointed out, then I felt better about taking on the responsibility of trying to make everyone happy and keep everyone involved at a pleasant and tolerable level each could manage.  So, we went to Me Too a restaurant that has a play area with sitter for kids, decent food, and fun food for kids, as well and unique dishes for adults.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and the kids playing offered the adults time to talk uninterrupted.  

I had a nice dessert of bubble tea and introduced Dad to them.  While Stef doesn't care for Bubble Tea, she did indulge in a frozen Mocha, which she seemed to like.  I ran out for he afternoon.  Jeff was waiting for Dad and Stef upon our return to my house, having left work early to maximize the time with them.  Upon my return I found that they had gone back to the hotel to rest.  I was pleased they had this option.  

Dad and Stephanie graciously offered dinner at Applebee's (YUM)for the whole gang.  They were able to wait for Neil and Charissa to arrive this evening as they were more on local time.  Jeff and I arrived at their hotel earlier and spent some time privately with them.  Jeff and Dad engaged in a war, commonly referred to as cribbage.  This is one of my favorite pictures, as it is a quintessential capture of a moment for which they always find time.  While Jeff and Dad played Cribbage, this gentleman walked through the room and said "He's cheating", then walked out to his car, and returned with something.  He had a fresh baked cookie in his hand when he walked through the first time as well as his return pass.  Someone said something to the gentleman, and a few minutes later he walked in with a tray of hot fresh baked cookies and napkins.  He was so thoughtful and grinned as he said "compliments of the hotel!"  What a fun and charismatic guy!  Dad, Jeff and Stef all said they were tasty.  So dessert was eaten BEFORE our meal...a prelude of things to come for Thanksgiving.

When we were at Applebee's they food was delicious, the kids well behaved, and a great time was had by all.  It was however quite late when we left, which meant that Diz and Bean were going to be sleep deprived for tomorrow...Thanksgiving.  Apparently, Diz wakes Bean before 7:00 a.m. 365 regardless of what time he goes to bed.  

 As I planned on being up early the next day we left them that evening fairly early in order to be well rested for the Thanksgiving storm:-)