Matt’s dad {Papa} and his wife Cheryl {Mimi} came up from South Carolina to spend a long weekend with us. They are busy in the medical world and a long drive away so we hadn’t seen them in six months. Mazen has changed so much since our last visit!
Upon their arrival Matt and I had a special dinner prepared –
Local wine for cocktail hour {along with home brews}
A kale Caesar salad {made with a homemade Caesar dressing and torn lacinato kale pieces – my new favorite side dish that deserves a recipe page!}
And local grass-fed lamb shoulder chops with some of Matt’s sourdough bread
It’s hard to go out to lunch these days because Mazen naps from 12-2ish, so we ordered in Ace Barbecue for a treat. We had local pork plus all the great sides: baked beans, collards, slaw and their amazingly doughy square biscuits!
Friday night we had the fun of going out to a nice dinner as a foursome while Karen and Mazen got in some play time together.
Double date night!
We went to Orzo, an Italian favorite in town.
Burrata cheese is always a fav! Served with beets.
Calamari with two special sauces
I had the Autumn Risotto, which featured pumpkin, mushrooms, greens and lots of risotto goodness.
And Matt ventured out of the norm to order the grilled octopus, which was surprisingly good. Especially the lobster broth and lentils underneath!
We shared tiramisu for dessert and came home full as can be.
Saturday morning we went to the city market to peruse the crafts and sip coffee. Some of us enjoyed apples.
I found a new-to-me vendor with really cool body creams and scrubs. {She’s Herb Angel on Etsy.} She has the best packaging and fonts!
I came home with a rose lip balm and a bottle of the Elderberry syrup!
Mimi and Papa got their share of Mazen time too – they watched him one morning while I went out, and gave Matt and I another date night to go to the movies – a rare outing these days. We saw The Hunger Games, which was excellent!
This hilarious bug toy made Mazen’s weekend. It’s wings fly open and it spins in circles when you insert 3 balls. Mazen learned the word ‘ball’!
Doesn’t the above photo remind you of this!?
We woke up to sleet and ice on Sunday – boo! After we said goodbye to Mimi and Papa we hunkered down at home all day. This weather we’ve been having lately has created some killer cabin fever. Mazen is dying to go outside but after trying that out bundled up for 5 minutes today we came right back in. Sunshine we need you!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
LOVE LOVE LOVE octopus! Grilled or sashimi style are my favorite ways to eat it! That autumn risotto looks delicious as well! I love seasonal dishes so much!
Jackie says
Mazen is getting so big!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says
Sounds like a fun weekend! How do you manage to make your pictures look so amazing even when you’re at a restaurant!? Ah I would so love your photography skills 🙂
Melissa says
Aww, great photos! Definitely agree with you about the weather though, we could use some sunshine here, in Pennsylvania, too!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Six months! I bet they were aMazed (haha) at how much Mazen has changed! And I’ve never heard of Elderberry syrup but I saw a lot of comments about it when you posted it to istagram – interesting!
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
Looks like a terrific family visit! Isn’t it funny how as children we always thought relatives were crazy since every. single. time. they’d see us they’d always remark about how much we’d grown? Now I feel that way. I guess I’m old now, ha ha. Seriously though, it is amazing. Sometimes I see a picture of Mazen and think he shot up seemingly overnight. Where does the time go!? 🙂
Sanaz@Run for Cake says
Looks like you had a great weekend! Being from the only state in the entire US that has temperatures in the 80’s this week, I have to say I am jealous. It would be nice to wear a sweater in December 🙁
Elizabeth says
Mazen is so beyond cute! Checking out the new-to-you Etsy store the products look really neat!
Katie says
I would love that kale caesar recipe!
Robyn @thereallife_RD says
I feel you, I don’t think I left the house all day yesterday! But this weather is perfect for cozying up on the couch with Netflix and hot chocolate 🙂 Love Orzo! Looks like a stellar weekend!
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
Lovely family time! I am a big burrata fan these days – roasted grapes or tomato jam on top of crostini….
Julie Rosene says
Looks like it was a great family weekend for all of you! Mazen looks so cute in his little cargo pants!
Melanie says
I’m begging my husband to get on board moving to NC. I’ve wanted to live in either NC or Tennessee for about 10 years now. Actually, at one point, I think it was Georgia. We’re in WI right now… and it is as bitter cold outside as can be. The wind chill here makes it feel like 10 below. It’s awful. I’m a sunshine girl… I need the South. You’re very lucky where you are! 🙂
Anna @ Fitness à la Anna says
Looks like such a fun weekend! Also, those square rolls look amazing 🙂
Kim says
I love how much Mazen wants to play outside. It’s so cute!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
What a great weekend! Mazen is lucky to have so many wonderful grandparents! 🙂
Jenn S says
Mmmm want that kale salad! We are local too! Should meet at the market for late breafast before they close up! Though, I have 2 under 2 so chaos might ensue.
KathEats says
Sure, let me know when you’ll be there! We go whenever the weather is nice
Kara says
YUM! That kale salad looks delish…you definitely need to post a recipe!!
Jesse says
great weather to be outside all weekend with family. now all this snow, my son is just crazy for it!
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/12/chick-magnet.html
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Fun filled weekend as always!!! As always food prevails..that risotto looks divine!
carrie says
Last night the weather channel was showing the weather in Charlottesville. I said to my boyfriend “oh that’s where Kath lives.” He gave me that look like who the heck are you talking about. 🙂
KathEats says
Haha little ole cville!
trang says
Aww I was hoping to find that elderberry syrup on her etsy but its not listed! Please let me know how you like it! Thanks
Livi says
visits from grandparents are the best!
Tifany says
Mazen is growing up so fast! I love seeing him grow up on your blog 🙂
What is elderberry syrup? What do you put it on?
KathEats says
It’s a simple syrup made from Elderberries which are found to have some anti-virual properties and are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. A lot of people take it medicinally, but I bought it to use for cocktails or flavoring of food. I’m beginning to think I might take it proactively too though – it’s quite delicious. Makes me think of a cross between Mary Poppins special syrups and Lord of the Rings!
Brooke says
LOVE Orzo and eat there often I had the most amazing chilled pea soup with fresh horseradish there this summer. I’ve tried to recreate it with little success.
Amber says
I’ve been looking for a winter cover to use with my BOB, what brand is yours?
KathEats says
It’s tue JJ Cole Arctic Bundleme.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G9UTW2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002G9UTW2&linkCode=as2&tag=kaearefo-20
Jen and Emily @ Layers of Happiness says
I agree with you on the weather… The cold makes me just want to stay inside and drink hot chocolate!! Nutella crockpot hot chocolate, that is.. 🙂 So good!
MrsK says
I think you mean “lacinato” kale, rather than “laticino.” Looks great!
KathEats says
Yes, thanks