Goodbye For Now

Shannon and Chris came to stay with us this weekend for their "going away" party. I put quotations around those two words because I don't really feel like they are leaving. Yes, they have moved five and a half hours away, so we won't be able to meet for dinner during the week or be able to randomly stop by each other's houses. But, it's not so far away that we'll never be able to visit. Shannon's son is staying just north of Houston for a few months, so they will definitely be coming back to visit with him. They are hoping to do that every other weekend. We're hoping to be able to meet up some during some of those trips closer to us. They still have their house here, that they are renting out, leaving another tie to our area.

They got in Friday night around 8pm and we made dinner on the grill. We kept the evening early since they had driven for a large portion of the day and Travis had a full work day (and week). Saturday we just lounged around the house. The boys watched football and drank beer, while Shannon and I visited with Alexa. Since Blair has an early bedtime, Alexa decided to hang out for a few hours before the party. Both ladies helped me prepare the appetizers all afternoon.

Everyone started showing up for the party around 7pm, the scheduled party time. We had a pretty good turn out. We had the table full of food and the fridge was stocked and ready for the festivities.

Couple of the Hour

Sara and Dana

The most beautiful bald person I know, Rachel, and her boyfriend Scott

Ariel and Robert

Robert, me and Travis

Jäger shots. Blech.

Shannon and her brother JT

(with Chris giving her the floating bunny ears)

Shannon and Chris had TOO much fun and passed out before the party was over. We let it go since they were the Couple of the Hour. I think Travis and I made it to bed around 1pm. Funny how our parties end earlier and earlier as we get older. I'm not complaining though. Old lady Nikki needs her beauty sleep.

Sunday we slept in a little and then met Chris R. and Alexa for brunch at a nearby restaurant. Chris was unable to make it over Saturday because he was on a flight and he wanted to see Shannon and Chris W. before they left. We laughed at how HUGE the portions were at the restaurant. The food was great though. We need to remember that place, but maybe we won't go on a Sunday morning. It was ridiculously busy and the place is a seat-yourself restaurant. Yikes.

Let another week begin! (And the countdown for Thanksgiving is upon us - 10 days to go!)