Fun With Family

The last couple of weeks were spent relaxing and visiting with family. From the moment we arrived at Bill and Terri’s house in NJ, Mikey and Abby were in heaven. Large backyard to hang out in all day without their leashes! Unfortunately for them the pool was closed but good for us…wet doggies in the RV are no fun! As you may recall, they live on the corner at the end of a street, and we’re able to park the RV in front of the garage and plug into their electric. Though only 20 amps, it’s enough for what we need since we actually spend a lot of our time in their house.

One night during our stay Terri and I planned a Mexican night for the entire family. I prepared individual chile rellenos for 10! First time I’ve ever made them for that many people…usually it’s just for 2! I also prepared chicken enchiladas, and we accompanied it all with Mexican rice, salad, tacos, a beef/cheese dip brought by Maggie, and of course margaritas. Bill generally doesn’t like Mexican food and was going to eat something else but decided to try a little of the rellenos and enchiladas and loved them!

Before leaving St. Louis we had asked Terri if there was anything they wanted us to pick up for them, and she e-mailed a list...Provel cheese, Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce, and Vess soda…all things it seems you can only get in St. Louis. So one night Terri made delicious homemade pizzas and Bill prepared his fabulous homemade Caesar dressing in the big wooden bowl for the salad. We were in heaven!

We got to see all the kids and their families while we were there, and all are doing well. Terri baby sits her grandsons, Will (5) and Josh (2), during the week so we got to see lots of them, too. Very different personalities but so fun and silly.

Shortly before leaving NJ, I took a couple days to drive down to Rehoboth Beach, DE, and spend a couple days with my sister. She moved into a new place this year with lots more room, so we basically just hung out enjoying each other’s company, playing with her kitties, watching DVDs, shopping, talking, and eating (Julie made a delicious pasta dish my first night!) Though we still didn’t make it to Fager’s Island for the sunset (one of these years we will!), we did visit Hopkins Farm Creamery (www.hopkinsfarmcreamery.com/), an actual working farm complete with over 1,000 smelly cows as you can tell by Julie’s expression at right! We had hoped for a tour but had to settle for just eating some yummy fresh made ice cream instead…oh darn!

One night we stopped for happy hour at Tijuana Taxi Mexican Restaurant and were a little leery when we first arrived. We sat outside on the patio and only a couple other tables were occupied, but it is the off-season so not that unusual. The server, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired and we even considered leaving to go elsewhere, but boy are we glad we didn’t! The margaritas were fabulous and the nachos were some of the best either of us has ever had. The place doesn't have a website, but if you’re ever in the area, you should definitely check them out. And before leaving town Julie, her husband, and I had one last meal together…breakfast at IHOP.

It’s been great these past few years to have the opportunity to spend time with our families on an annual basis. We cherish the memories we’ve made and the chance to become closer.