Nikkilooch

Last night my husband and in-laws went to see Jersey Boys that the National Theater.  I’ve been singing “Oh What a Night” ever since.

But before the show, we ate at Old Ebbitt Grill in DC which has been around since 1856.

Presidents hang out and eat here.

It was just a few blocks from the theater.

We started with fried calamari.

I’ve only had fried calamari twice since leaving Italy: once in Seattle and then last night. Both were excellent.

I ordered the veggie sandwich.

Instead of bread, fried eggplant kept the insides together. Genius.

My mother-in-law got crab cakes:

My father-in-law got jambalaya:

And my husband got blackened chicken salad:

After dinner we headed over to the show and wouldn’t you know it… my mother’s-in-law crab cakes were there in the playbill.

The night was a gift from my in-laws to us for Christmas.  We asked for no gifts for Christmas this year because we’re currently living out of suitcases until we fly out for Germany.  This was perfect.  Experiences trump possessions every time.

Thanks Mom and Dad.

I don’t talk about being an Army wife or an Air Force brat a lot on this blog.  I’m not sure why because the former certainly affects my life in a gargantuan way.

My father served as a pilot in the United States Air Force for 20 years.  He retired when I was just a kid but you can tell he’s a military man.  On clear days with blue skies he still says to me, “Today would be such a good day to fly.”

My grandfather, who unfortunately I don’t have any digital pictures of, served in the United States Army during World War II.  He fought in France along side his bother, my great uncle, who didn’t make it home.  My father is named after this uncle.  My grandfather died when he was 87.

My husband is an officer in the United States Army.  He’s currently serving a 12 month deployment in Afghanistan.

Side note: He’s coming home so soon!  Hopefully in the next few weeks I’ll have the welcome home photos for you.  Squeal!

I wish I was close enough to one of my favorite vets to give them a squeeze today and say thank you in person.

Happy Veterans Day.

I’m a daddy’s girl. I look just like him. I got my first gray hair at 16 from his side. My unwavering loyalty, popping joints, all or nothing attitude, strong faith, straight teeth, and bluntness? His fault.

Today is a very special day in my world. It’s my Papa’s birthday.

My Aunt Aimee sent me this card along with a HUGE box of presents for the hubs and I. She’s an artist. I haven’t opened the presents yet, but I think this my be my favorite present in there.