Indiana, Hanukkah, Family, and Fantastic Food

On the plate:  Countless yummy, healthy dishes made by Joseph's mother Linda...and one afternoon/evening of delicious, delectable, nostalgic Jimmy John's (the vegetarian is my favorite) and Mad Mushroom's cheese bread *drooool*

No Soundtrack to cook to, as I did zero of the cooking.

Toot!  Toot!  Boiler up!!  On our first stop of our holiday tour, Alexander, Joseph, and I ventured to West Lafayette, Indiana to spend Hanukkah with Joseph's parents - Elias and Linda.  We enjoyed a very laid back visit, which was much needed.  Joseph had been very busy with his surgical rotation and definitely needed some rest and relaxation.  Thus, we enjoyed lots of naps, free babysitting, and delicious meals at home.  We were very well taken care of at the Franses household.

Alexander taking off his slippers and preparing
to take a little walk outside.  It was rainy and overcast
the entire time we were in Indiana, hence the boots.
We were hoping there would be some snow, but
unfortunately we were not so lucky.

After the walk - daddy putting the slippers back on.

Mommy and Alexander snuggle time.

Linda at her post, cooking a delicious meal.
At any point in time when we visit, Linda is
usually cooking for a current meal or preparing
for another elaborate meal.

Elias at his post.  At any point in time,
you can find Elias uncorking a bottle during
our visit, LOL!  Just kidding.  However, we did enjoy
some really fantastic wines while we were there.

Alexander playing around, while Joseph
was in the background organizing.

"See and saw, see and saw," Alexander exclaimed
throughout the visit.  He liked showing his
grandparents how he stretches during his P.E class.

Alexander running to share his bottle with his daddy.

Alexander and Joseph, walking around Elias
and Linda's home.

Joseph and Alexander playing around on the piano.
Alexander enjoyed identifying the letters on the
name of the piano and pointing out his daddy's
baby pictures as well.  

Daddy and Alexander snuggle time.

Alexander pointing out the "fluh fluhs."  It's crazy how much his
vocabulary and verbalization has grown the past few weeks.

Alexander showing off his, "HI YA!"

Elias and Alexander playing around.

I know this picture is blurry, but I thought
it was so cute that I just had to include it.

Menorah lighting time!!

Joseph, Elias, Alexander, and Linda lighting the menorah.

Me, Alexander, Elias, and Linda - Hanukkah 2011

Linda and Elias preparing for our last meal.

As Elias would say, "FRAN-SES!"

Alexander, Elias, and Joseph playing ping pong.

We were fortunate enough to be able to visit with our friends one evening and got to hang out with them at one of our favorite hang outs during college - Harry's Chocolate Shop...which is not a chocolate shop, but a bar.  It was so great to see our friends from college and some that Joseph has known since elementary school.  It was just like old times, like no time had passed at all.  I feel like that's how you know a friend is a true friend for the sheer ability that you can go a whole year without seeing he/she, then see him or her and catch up as if no time has passed and there's no awkwardness between you.  We're so fortunate to have these people in our lives - they're all gems in their own respect and will always have a special place in our hearts.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures; however, my friends took a few, so hopefully I can persuade them to share and I'll share with you as well.

We had a really great visit with family and friends and got to cruise around our old stomping ground.  I miss Purdue and the good ol' days of college, but am loving this new chapter in our lives and am happy that these people have stuck along for the ride.  Elias and Linda, thank you so much for a lovely visit!  Until next time...

Love and kisses,

Nikki