For our christmas eve dinner we started what will probably be a new tradition... TAPAS! Who doesn't like to eat finger food anyway?? We had a few courses which included crudites/dip tray, crab stuffed mushrooms, veggie pizzas, mozzarella/basil/tomato salad skewers, garlic bread with cream cheese and pesto, mini green bean casseroles (not so Spanish but requested by my sister), and a few other Delicious concoctions which appear to have escaped my memory. It was perfect: a little comfort, a little fancy, and without the food-induced-coma which usually accompanies a rich holiday meal. (plenty of that happened the rest of the weekend)
I told my dad he'd be in the picture........ what did he do? turn around. sheesh. After our family's christmas we headed to Iowa to meet my mother's enormous, hilarious, loud, chaotic, and fabulous family. The best part? hands down my aunt theresa's sugar cookie trays. She could start her own cookie company, these are to die for.
After a buffet of amazing mashed potatoes and assorted delicious salads and sides (not to mention the prime rib that was served!) we were on to the next best holiday tradition... the always funny white elephant exchange. Though nothing can top when my dad got the susan lucci autographed picture (circa late 80s) signed to the favorite 'sister' of the family (which enacted the 'stealing' rule at the white elephant exchange).. hilarity-wise, this year did not disappoint. Here is my mom holding up the shoe phone she received. Apparently sports illustrated mass produced these puppies in the 80s. Nice, eh?
The next day we headed to my cousins Matt and Alana's adorable house to play a little Wii. My dad is so hip.. and not broken-hip. Don't even get me started on how he beat ALL of us in the hula hoop Wii game.
They were better than I was... exhibit A.