We figured that since everyone was coming such a distance we better show them a good time! There was A LOT of homemade food (including Sharon's famous Rum Cake, Bonnie's famous Christmas Casserole, Meagan's marinated olives and Sweet Potato Soufflé, and Brad's Pumpkin Pie. Mmmmmm!) and some excellent drink options. Brad realized his dream of having a keg of San Diego's own Red Trolley Ale on our porch. We also introduced everyone to the Bellin's wonderful Tom and Jerry recipe - Christmas in a Cup! That recipe was passed out a lot. Thanks, Bellins!
Then, of course, there was the Colts game. That heartbreaking (HEARTBREAKING!) loss to the Chargers. Ugh! However, no one could say it wasn't exciting until the very, very end. I just about had a heart attack. I also have the sweetest husband who gave me the best ticket in the bunch. (We manned the computers months ago to buy up as many of the single seats left in the sold-out stadium that we could. So, none of us got to sit together, but there were some excellent seats in the bunch.) Brad, Jenny, Chad, Kate (and, after half-time, Nate) and I were all in the Club Level, but Brad gave me the seat right on the 50 yard line. Awwww. Now that's love. And also probably the very best seat I will ever have for a pro football game. I did take a moment to soak that up!
Even though the Colts lost, I did relish being able to commiserate with my fellow Colts fans that evening and the next day. We rehashed the game, went over the "what if's" and consoled each other with high hopes for the rest of the season (or at least the playoffs). This is a luxury Brad and I never experience out here in the land of Charger/49er/Raider fans!
So, below are some favorite pictures from the weekend. And for those of you who were able to come out for the fun - send me your pictures, too! I'll be sure to post some of them in the blog, as well!
We planned so many drinks that I had to make a list. There was no way I could remember them all to tell everyone!
To accompany the alcohol we also got to use the pretty champagne glasses and martini glasses that rarely see the light of day. So fun to get to use all those wedding presents!
Literally five minutes after Nate arrived, fresh from his redeye, he had a Red Trolley in one hand and a Tom and Jerry in the other. By the way, I absolutely love that Nate sports a Freeney jersey. That seems right for some reason.
Breakfast is served! The party started at 9:00 a.m. and went through appetizers and lunch until the cabs came at 4:00 p.m.! Bonnie's Christmas Casserole was a hit and made Brad and me feel like it was Christmas morning.
Brad and Jen posing proudly by the beloved keg o' Red Trolley, one of Brad's "Top Five" beers.
Chad, Nate and Jen look on as Brad experiments making a Nuts and Berries martini. (And uses our shaker for the first time in four years! Finally!)
A proud moment: Kate, Chad's fiancé, who is from Australia, put on her first Colts' jersey (Brad's Harbaugh jersey). She is officially initiated. Note Chad beaming with pride to the right.
Lunchtime. Chad had been waiting with bated breath for one of Brad's grilled brats, boiled first in Red Trolley, naturally. (I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of Brad hard at work at the grill! He did a great job.)
There was a lot of relaxing, munching on snacks, chatting and watching football to get in the mood for the game.
The whole group (minus Jen) right before the cabs came to cart us away to the game. As well as our Indy friends, two of Jenny's singing friends and some friends of Chad's joined us. Certainly the more the merrier!
Jenny and me in front of the stadium.
Walking proudly through the tailgaters into the stadium. There were A LOT of Colts fans there!
The view of the Colts' first possession from my excellent and primo seat in the stadium.
After returning from the game and having dessert, Nate decided that one more beer and one more brat was needed before turning in for the night. Nate was the trooper of the weekend. He flew in Sunday morning after a redeye and was the last to go to bed Sunday night. Quite impressive!
All of us gathered for a farewell and birthday brunch for Jenny Monday morning at a favorite neighborhood spot.
Happy Birthday to Jen, Brad and Marry, who are all celebrating November birthdays!
Around the table clockwise - Me, Nate, Jenny, Mike, Mary, Brad, Chad and Kate
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