Friday morning I hopped on an early jet blue flight to the SLC and a couple hours later I walked in to my childhood home and surprised my dad for his 80th birthday weekend. He had no idea I was coming - it was fantastic to surprise him that way, he was super happy.
My mom, dad and I then headed to the good ol' V.I.(that's Village Inn to you) for brunch. That place is chalk full of memories - I used to go there when my friends and I would sluff assemblies in High School and then in college after finishing up a performance late at night.
Friday night I headed out to Sandy to hang out with the Nighs - my sister, brother-in-law and nephew. I joined them for dinner (along with the rest of the Nigh clan) and then we headed back to their house for the night. In this picture he took the paper napkin ring, stuck it to his chin and stroked it like a goatee.
Here's Dylan with his birthday gift from Aunt Heidi and Uncle Whit, Star Wars Legos:
It was great to just chill with them at their place again. I love hanging out with the Nighs, I really miss doing that on a regular basis. (please note I don't have pictures of Jerad, as I know he hates taking them)
Saturday we headed back up to the Kleins for my dad's birthday party. My mom had slaved to make a German schmorgesborg - and it tasted great. Some friends and neighbors came by and it was a really nice afternoon. I hooked up our old Atari 2600 and played some of our many awesome Atari games. It's the best.
That night Alex and I went to MacBeth at SLS/Babcock. The two of us used to always like going to whatever plays/concerts together that we could - something we both miss now living apart.
I spent another night at the Nigh's, slept in complete comfort in their chilly basement ... oh my gosh, this is the boringest post ever, but I wanted to document it for myself. Anyway, blah, blah, spent another day with Nighs/Kleins. Alex and I looked through a Barbie book together and remembered all our old Barbies and Kens.
Sunday evening I visited my old friend/teacher, Carter. Always amusing to hang out with him, he's still the coolest.
Monday morning I got to catch up with one of my dearest friends, Cassie Stokes Wylie (Classy Strokes Wildly) which was also really great - I miss her.
Then my parents and I went to lunch for the real birthday day and then after one last slice of amazing cheesecake at home, I was off to the airport again.
Now I'm back in the Burbank and back to a mountain of catch up work at work.
I love love love hanging out with my nephew, Dylan. He is hilarious - to use Dylan's phrase, he's a "little whippersnapper". He had a plethura of funny things he said and did, but one line that made me laugh was when I came into the room he was in singing the end of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", the line that says, "because I'm free, nothins worryin me" and Dylan said, "I don't know what song that is, but it's not freeing me". He's still sweet and adorable, but also sassy and funny. Love him.
I loved sitting in the Nigh living room listening to Jerad's stories again.
I loved hearing Alex's laugh again, reminiscing, and just generally being around her - she is and always will be one of my best friends - I would hang out with her every day, if I could.
I enjoyed going back in time to stay in my old house again: no cable, no computer, no A/C, but plenty of German sandwiches, Atari games (I still kick butt at TAZ), Viewmasters, and photo albums.
I loved seeing a couple dear old friends. I'm sad I didn't see Darci and her new baby and Liz - just was too quick a weekend.
I loved seeing my parents, I loved surprising my dad, I loved hearing my mom laugh. It was tough seeing my parents both in different states of hobbling, but I'm excited my dad is going to get a new hip this month and hopefully be pain free again. Other than his hip, he is in such amazing shape. He's still as sharp as a tac, as funny and punny as ever. It is crazy to think that he is 80, but I'm so grateful he is doing so well.
I missed Elizabeth, would have been nice to spend time with her too, hopefully, next time.
I love my family and I'm glad I had some one on one time with them. See ya later, SLC.
1 comment:
You are such a good daughter, sister, and auntie! Your parents are such great people. I still think of the time when your Dad picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. I remember me and you, being cool 14 year olds, thought that was so wierd :)I have really great memories at your house! Next time you come we will definately have to get together.
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