Good Food, Good Family, Good Fun

My Uncle Eric is in town this week. I haven't seen him since I was probably seven or eight years old. When I heard he was coming in to town, I wasn't sure what to do. I wanted to be able to see him, but I wasn't sure how comfortable we'd all be if I invited him over for dinner--after all, it's been quite some time since we'd seen each other. I didn't even know if we'd get along.

So, I did the next logical thing. I sent a message via Facebook to my mom's step-mom (Grandma Cindy), and asked if we could do some sort of family dinner--thus inviting myself and Tyler over to her house so we could visit her son.

And it was so fun.

Grandma Cindy made pot roast (in the oven--the best way!), potatoes, carrots, onions, etc. It was almost like Thanksgiving came early. (Except it was better, because of the pot roast.) We all ate and chatted happily over a delicious meal.

Then we had dessert: banana cream pie (!!!) and pumpkin pie. Both delicious.

But the best part came later, when Tyler, Uncle Eric, and I headed down into Bob and Cindy's basement to play pool. Eric declined playing, but gave us (mostly me) some good tips. And guess who won? Me! 2 out of 2 games!

Granted, I only won the first game only because Tyler put the eight ball in the corner pocket halfway through the game. (Sad accident for him! Happy accident for me!)

But the second game, I won on pure skill. And luck. Lots and lots of luck. BUT it was my first time to beat Tyler at pool (through skillfully finishing first). And possibly was my first time to get three shots in a row. (Not amazing, I know, but it felt good!)

Anyway, I really am thankful to Bob and Cindy for opening their home to us so that we could visit with Uncle Eric--and have a delicious dinner. (Grandma Cindy even sent us home with some extra rolls, pie, and candy.) We really had so so much fun, and it was so nice to see my Uncle Eric again after so many years. We were fast friends, laughing and joking right away.

So, today, though I am grateful for several things, I'm most grateful for the time Tyler and I got to spend with my Uncle Eric.