Mom and Dad come to visit

Nick's parents came to see us for about ten days. They arrived around 7PM the day after Christmas. It was the first time they were able to come out to see our house and most of all to visit Sweets. It was a long flight, but they were in really good spirits when they got here. I'm pretty sure we stayed up late talking and catching up on things the first night.

Dad usually makes what Nick's family calls the 12 hour cake. I asked him if he would teach me how to make it while he was here. It was pretty exciting for me. Basically it's a chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream frosting. It's layered with a custard and a mint chocolate frosting. It really does take a long time to make, but the results are well worth it. Unfortunately I didn't think to take any pictures of the cake when it was finished. I asked Nick to take some photo's to document the occasion of me learning to make the cake, and I will post those, but I don't think he took me seriously. Actually, I know he didn't because I remember him dancing around with my phone snapping random pictures. I also wished I had taken some pictures of the assembly of the six layers with the custard and stuff before it was frosted....shame on me!

Dad overseeing the cake making

The frosting before we added the butter.

The whole reason I wanted to make the 12 hour cake, aside from learning how it's done, was because we were having all our neighbors over for dinner to meet the parents. It was nice to have them all here because now they know who we're talking about when we talk about Mary Lou and Mark, and vice versa. The house was full of good cheer, good food and great wine. I put some movies on for the kids down the road and everyone sat around laughing and talking. We ended up putting two tables together to make a "T" shaped table so all of us could sit together. The main dish was a pork roast Nick made stuffed with bacon, kale, mushrooms and some other goodies. There was also some home made mac and cheese, a zucchini casserole, twice baked potatoes and clams casino for snacking on before dinner. After we were all stuffed full of delightful grub we sat around the table some more and chatted it up. Then we busted out the champagne and the 12 hour cake. It was a hit. But then again, the 12 hour cake always goes over really well. Now, if I can make it on my own I'll be in good shape. I have a feeling I'll be calling Dad when I do try.

Kailey really enjoyed her time with her grandparents. She was loved so much while they were here. It was fun to watch her playing and smiling with them. They love her so much, but who wouldn't?! I'm sure she misses mornings walking around with Papa Markie, around and around the house, just looking at stuff until she falls asleep. 

Kailey and Papa Markie

It was so nice to have Mary Lou and Mark here. I feel like I got some good time in with Mark. He and I are always missing each other. Usually when Nick and I go home to Seattle Dad is working a lot so we don't get to see much of him. I got to have some quality time with Mom too while Nick took Dad on a hike.