Lots of Food and Family

I feel like I actually did a decent job of documenting the rest of my week at my parents' house. My brother and Ashley joined for two nights, and Terry made it up by Friday night, too. Marshall enjoyed playing with his extended family, and I have a feeling he'll be pretty exhausted for a few days! Here are a few more scenes from the week...

We spent some time each night hanging out in my parents' backyard, enjoying their new fire pit. I guess I should have taken some photos during the day, huh?

On Saturday morning we headed downtown for a huge breakfast, starting with a gigantic cinnamon roll. Mom was half-laughing in this photo, but you should focus on the size of the roll. HUGE!

My breakfast was the veggie omelet, with spinach, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini, plus home fries and toast. I only ate about a third of my plate and took the rest home.

After breakfast, we strolled the farmers' market, and I bought some super delicious granola, which I shall use to top my oatmeal this week. I can't wait.

Then we tried to go to a pumpkin patch, but it cost ten dollars per person to get in (???), so we just took a photo outside and left. Marshall didn't want to show his face.

UCLA played Cal this weekend, so Terry and I left Marshall with my parents and headed out to watch the game at BJ's. Their pumpkin ale is surprisingly great! We split a couple appetizers and enjoyed some down time.

Dinner last night was a labor of love from my parents. My mom made an awesome potato dish as well as some green beans with onions and prosciutto, and my dad grilled some steaks. Oh, and I didn't photograph the fun salad my mom made, but it was a Brussels sprouts salad and I loved it. I didn't take a photo of the wine, but my mom poured two wines from the same winery and we had a taste test. :-)

I was in charge of dessert, and my mom had a ton of strawberries she wanted me to use. I baked this yellow cake and then sliced it into biscotti-sized pieces. Terry helped me whip up some fresh whipped cream (so easy--just pour heavy cream into a bowl and whisk quickly for at least five minutes, then add a little vanilla to taste), and then I assembled the cake, whipped cream, sliced strawberries, and some chopped chocolate. YUM.

This morning Terry and I woke up around 8 (I am seriously hoping that Marshall is on a new schedule that involves waking up after 7 every day) and then headed out for a run while Marshall played with his grandparents, uncle, and auntie. We ran a little over a mile, then did about 100 lunges on the way back and jogged a little more. We are going to be SO sore tomorrow.

And our little police officer got all tuckered out...

The drive home is always a little long, but Marshall (and Scout!) did great. Scout even decided to hang out ON Marshall, so that was hilarious.

Marshall went to bed almost immediately after arriving home, and Terry picked up some burgers. So good.

I'm so glad I got to spend a few days up north and that Terry eventually joined us. It's nice to be home for another busy week. Happy Monday!

Do you get to see your extended family often? 

What are you doing for Halloween?