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2021 Ethan’s 2nd Birthday & The Friends Experience

January 9, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 New Year's Eve & Ethan's 2nd Birthday Rizzo, Mellie Dee, Emmy

An update on New Year’s Eve/Ethan’s birthday. We did some wooden ornament painting with the kids and then got ready for the party. My New Year kiss was from the birthday boy. He was drink on shots of coconut water. He’s currently back home and I miss him after having him for over a month.

The Friends Experience | Dallas, Texas | Mellie Dee, Rosanna, SIL, Brudda, Duy, Michael

I started the year off with something I love: The Friends Experience. I was able to convince Mum and June to go with me, Brudda, SIL, Rosanna, Duy, and Micheal.

It was too short but it was wonderful. I wanted to go back through it again. We took SO many pictures that I am only posting a few. And I loved all the little things like the Science Boy comic strip and the letter Rachel wrote to Ross.

One of the best things to be on “the set” of a show I love so much that I know wish all the shows I love to something like this.

Marugame | Dallas, Texas | Jenny, Le, Mellie Dee, SIL, Duy, Brudda, Michael, Rosanna

Afterward, we meet up with Jenny and Le at Marugame. Not pictured because they came late, Sammi and Tincan. We had great conversations and then it was time for me to drive home.

Friends 300, Italy, Denmark, Turkey Puzzles

Since the year began, I’ve already finished 4 puzzles: Friends 300, Italy, Denmark and Turkey.

I was asked how many puzzles I completed last year and the answer is 45. I need to figure out how to get more puzzles without spending a bunch of money. Sigh. The subscription puzzle might be a good way to go but $$$$.

Mallory, JJ, Jacob, Mellie Dee & Cheddar's

Friday, I picked up Cheddar’s and headed over to Mallory’s. Jacob was in his own world a lot but JJ was actually super engaged and wanted to play a lot. We even took a lot of Snapchat pictures and watched Encanto.

Eats of the Week | Bruno, Kato, Rizzo

The eats this week has been amazing to kick off the new year but I need to go back to my healthy eats and workouts. Sigh. I threw in a pic of Rizzo with his cousins, Bruno and Kato. They were visiting since their parents were out of town.

The house is super quiet yet again but at least this means no more missing puzzle pieces …

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Dallas, Japanese, Sightseeing, Texas

2021 Christmas Shenanigans

December 26, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Rizzo, Emmy, Ethan | Christmas Nails | Vet, Cracker Barrel, Christmas Wrapping

Monday started off with Emmy & I taking Rizzo to the vet. There’s a lump inside his nose and they were able to release fluids and take it to testing. Haven’t heard back and it’s refilled so hoping they can fully remove and it’s nothing bad.

I took her to eat at Cracker Barrel and walked around different shops before heading home. I changed my nails to Christmas lights and wrapped presents.

We also found out that Ethan put one of his toys into the freezer. Our freezer has been pooling and so his toy was frozen in. Such a hilarious moment and he wouldn’t let it go the rest of the night.

Emily's Taqueria | Capri Nails with Mallory | Physical Therapy | Emmy & Ethan | Dish Society

Tuesday I grabbed some breakfast tacos from Emily’s Taqueria and met up with Mallory for pedicures at Capri Nail & Spa. It’s the second time in a row that I’ve gone and their polish does not dry after an hour plus. I went to Physical Thearapy for my back/leg and shopped for a bit to get some nail polishes to fix my toes. I got some cool presents from Mallory – ended up winning $10 from the scratch off she got me!

Wednesday June and I took the kids on a walk with Rizzo. I ordered a deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie from Dish Society too. So good and perfect for the cold temp.

Mellie Dee's COVID Test | Ethan & Emmy Gingerbread House | Thaicoon

Thursday, I went and got my first COVID test – rapid PCR test. Negative! Whoo hoo! Good to know since I was feeling sick.

Ordered Thaicoon for lunch and then waited for June to be home to build gingerbread houses with Ethan & Emmy. They mostly just ate the decorations and icing.

Frankenstein & Artemis' Christmas Present

Later in the day Friday, I drove over to Frankenstein’s. I gave Artemis her Christmas present. A blanket where she can be seen and a harness and leash since he talks about wanting to take her out for walks in the future. She wasn’t a fan. I’m sure she wonders why this weird lady keeps bringing stuff for her to wear.

He went to San Francisco week prior for a wedding and came back with Ghirardelli chocolates for me. That’s when he told me that the original Ghirardelli shop was from there. Learn something new every day.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee

This man planned Christmas Eve with me as my Christmas present and I couldn’t be any happier.

I guessed correctly that he chose Galveston and had an inkling it was Moody Gardens. And I was right!

He booked the Moody Gardens Hotel with a balcony view. I’ve never been on a balcony at a hotel before, at least not one that I remember so I was amazed. He opened his presents and we took a lot of pictures and videos of the view before getting ready for our dinner reservations.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | Shearn's

He booked our reservations at Shearn’s, located in the hotel that supposedly had pretty dang good reviews. He was pretty disappointed in the food. It wasn’t terrible, but not worth it for the cost. I agreed but was just on cloud nine that this man planned a nice night so I didn’t have any complaints. He just felt bad since we’re pretty spoiled when it comes to eating out since we do that a lot with our distance. But he added that it wasn’t a big deal and he was just happy he got to spend time with me. Gah so sweet.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | The Festival of Lights

During dinner, he told me a mishap that occurred. He apparently accidentally booked ALL the excursions Moody Gardens offered. The regular ones year round and the holiday ones. He meant to only book The Festival of Lights since he knew we didn’t have much time to do much. Too funny.

We made it in time to walk through the entire thing to see the lights, stopping a lot due to my back. My favourite is the interactive Twelve Days of Christmas show. We sat there for the longest because I wanted to see all of them light up. Then we had a debate as to why certain things were even gifted. Love our random conversations.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | Cafe in the Park

We woke up quite early Saturday since one of his launches were happening at six in the morning. I caught glimpses of the launch but mostly fell asleep through it. When we finally got up, we had breakfast at the hotel’s Cafe in the Park. This place is SO darn cute. Even the carpet looked like grass. We opted for the buffet which had MORE than enough yumminess. I am starting to dig ordering hot tea at restaurants.

We packed our things and headed back home. I was able to get a shot of the Christmas decorations they had at the lobby without all the kids all over it. So gorgeous.

Extended Family Christmas | Ethan & Rizzo

I got home in time to relax a bit before Sissy & BIL came over. Brudda and SIL arrived the night before so we had a full house and it was nice. We made little window light catchers and played games before our extended family came over. A lot of crazy times and nice memories – like the kids loving playing in boxes like cats (surprised Rizzo went in and stayed there), and Ethan being a Pocky model.

Immediate Family Christmas | Ethan | Phanh Ky | Katy, Texas

Sunday was our immediate family’s Christmas. We had breakfast of kolaches and opened presents. Secret Santa (SIL) did great this year. Two new puzzles, one of which was a surprise — COSTCO puzzle! I’ve been looking and never found it. It’s only 500 pieces so you would think it’ll be easy but if you look at the picture, it’s filled with people on every corner. So excited!

We also tried out Phanh Ky & The Alley. The Alley was WAY too sweet for my liking and they ran out of a lot of things which makes me not want to go back in fear of not getting what I want again. But Phanh Ky was delicious. We talked about going back in the future. I like that you can pick different types of noodles to go with your dish.

Cidercade | Houston, Texas | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee

Knowing I’d be dropping off Brudda and SIL at the airport late at night, I was able to make day of plans to meet up with Frankenstein afterward at Cidercade. I’ve been wanting to check this place out so was happy he remembered and suggested it instead of me driving all the way to him. I wouldn’t have minded though because he loves SNL and have been waiting to watch the Taylor Swift one with me.

It was fun but they did have some broken games. I wasn’t a fan of any of their drinks and later at the end, found out they had sodas and waters in the back for free pour.

It’s been a very eventful week. I am still in awe that this man planned such a nice night together where I didn’t have to put in input (other than the food when we got there). He’ll be busy again soon so I’m trying to squeeze out as much time as we can this month.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Asian, Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Galveston, Katy, League City, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Moody Gardens, Sightseeing, Steakhouse, Texas, Thai, Vietnamese

Linda’s & Ricardo’s Wedding | Fredericksburg, Texas

December 19, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Sylvia's with New Work Team & Cleaning Out Desk

I’ve started my holiday vacation since Thursday and won’t need to be back until the new year. If you haven’t noticed, the title to this post doesn’t say Quarantine anymore. Starting next year I’ll have to go in at least twice a week which means I’ve worked from home for 91 weeks. Isn’t that crazy?! I’ll miss it for sure.

Started off the week, Monday, with lunch at Sylvia’s with my new team. They hadn’t had their Christmas party yet so it was nice being invited and seeing everyone (minus one who works in Louisiana) in person. I’ve actually worked with all of them before in the past. Small world.

Although I might not start going in until mid January, I did go in on Thursday to pick up my boxes. It felt good getting rid of one whole box of manuals we’d never use again.

Timothy & Lillian | Tamashi, Starbucks & Potted Potter

Wednesday, I met up with Timothy and Lillian for dinner at Tamashi. I think it’s better than Jinya! Definitely need to go back again.

We stopped by Sarah’s to drop off some things making a run for Starbucks.

Then it was off to Potted Potter. I’ve been wanting to watch this since I saw the ads and am thankful Lillian loves Harry Potter enough to want to go. Super hilarious. The audience laughed the whole time and was very engaged.

Rakuu | Beth & Connor

Thursday, after the office, I picked up food from Rakuu and headed to Beth’s. Our last hangout before she’s off to Tennessee for Christmas. Connor has grown so much since I last saw him. Lots of smiles and laughter. Super fast crawler too.

Ethan & Rizzo | London Puzzle

A lot of Ethan time. We walked Rizzo with June to look at Christmas lights one night and Thursday, after Beth’s he and I walked to Walgreens for some things. Definitely have more endurance than Emmy.

In all that time watching Ethan, I was able to finish the London puzzle. For now with Emmy being here too, puzzles will most likely be put on hold if I don’t want any missing pieces.

Fredericksburg, Texas | Linda's & Ricardo's Rehearsal Dinner, Pioneer & Christmas Lights | Patricia & Mellie Dee

Friday, I headed off to Fredericksburg. I skipped the wedding rehearsal and Daniel picked me up for the wedding dinner at the venue. They hired a taco truck to make us tacos and the family made beans themselves. Everything was so good. Patricia and I went and looked at lights after wards and there was even a German Christmas tree. Some of her family members showed up and then a few of us headed to Pioneer for a drink before heading to the Airbnb.

Fredericksburg, Texas | Emma & Ollie | Ana, Alex, Jocelyn | Linda's & Ricardo's Wedding Ceremony

Saturday, I had brunch with Ana, Alex and Jocelyn at Emma and Ollie. The food was so delicious though I feel the bowl was overpriced for the amount you get.

By the time we got back to the Airbnb it was time to get ready and head out to the church for the ceremony.

Ricardo cried as Linda walked down the aisle and it was the sweetest thing. The whole ceremony was in Spanish (minus a few lines) so for someone not Catholic, I was a little confused what was going on but was able to get the gist of it.

Fredericksburg, Texas | Linda's & Ricardo's Wedding Reception | Food & Decorations

We then headed off to the reception. The mariachi band played us some songs as we drank and snacked on chips and salsa.

Dinner was BBQ, buffet style. If I wasn’t in so much pain from my butt/back/leg, I would have gotten more. It was SO good.

Fredericksburg, Texas | Linda's & Ricardo's Wedding Reception | Mellie Dee, Lily, Patricia, Inez, Jocelyn

I was able to snag a few pics with some folks, especially the beautiful bride and tired groom.

Mu fabourite is getting to see Lily since it’s been two years since I’ve seen her in person. I love her cute little hair. And it’s been a few years since Patricia, Lily and I got together. Wish we all had more time together, but being able to be with one another for just a bit is better than nothing.

Boerne, Texas | Amy & Mellie Dee | Peggy's on the Green & Farmer's Market

Today, I woke up and hung out a bit with Jocelyn and Patricia before we all went our separate ways. I went off to Boerne to meet up with Amy at Peggy’s on the Green. We were lucky to find the Farmer’s Market was across the street so we headed there after brunch. It was a very short visit but any time with this one is always a great one.

It’s been a long week and this week won’t be any different. Luckily not having to work makes it a bit better.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Barbecue, Bars and Pubs, Boerne, Breakfast and Brunch, Fredericksburg, Japanese, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Sightseeing, Texas, Weddings

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | The Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker

December 12, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Good Eats

Some of those week’s good eats. Delia’s from RVG, hot pot Saturday night, and Sunday: Eggcellence Cafe and Sushihana.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Mallory's | Elyson Cafe

Thursday after work I went over to Mallory’s. Mostly to give her and Beth Delia’s tamales and thier Christmas presents because my freezer was packed. I picked up our order from Elyson Cafe and hung up a bit. Feels like forever since I’ve seen them!

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Frankenstein, Sissy, BIL | J Bar M BBQ, The Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker

Friday night Frankenstein finally met Sissy and BIL. We had dinner at J Bar M BBQ and then went and watched the Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker.

I’ve always wanted to go to the ballet and am so thankful he agreed. We even got free Nutcracker masks. So fancy. The set and the costumes were so breathtakingly beautiful. Sigh. Makes me wish I was in theater.

BIL feel asleep for 40%+ of the performance and although Frankenstein struggled, he stayed awake for all of it. So proud. Sissy and I were on cloud nine the whole time.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Frankenstein, Artemis | Pho Hoang, Nassau Bay Farmers Market & Erma's | Houston, Texas

When we got back we opened a toy he got for Artemis where treats fall out when you hit it, till it, etc. She is so gentle. She hasn’t gotten it down yet but I know she will soon.

The next day, after some Artemis cuddles, Frankenstein suggested us to go to a farmers market. I chose a different one than last time, Nassau Bay’s. A couple of teas, a loaf of baked yum and a jar of pickled okra later, we walked into Erma’s. It reminded me of Trader Joe’s. I bought a few more things and we headed off to grab pho from Pho Hoang.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Ethan, Mellie Dee & Rizzo

Ethan time continued. Some puzzles and learning words, done silly laying down with Rizzo and some falling asleep in my arms while we watched Tik Tok videos.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Frankenstein, Artemis | Marina, Paris and Barcelona Puzzles | Ethan

He’s even learned how to do harder puzzles, given I find them and tell him where it goes. Maybe he can be my puzzle buddy when he grows up.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Barbecue, Breakfast and Brunch, Houston, Japanese, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Sightseeing, Sushi, Texas, Vietnamese

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine

December 5, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Ethan, Rizzo, Mellie Dee

This week has been filled with Ethan. All he wants is attention but he’s overall pretty easy to take care of. I took some hours off Monday and Tuesday since I was sick and got to spend time sitting outside with him. Very peaceful and nice.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Kato, Bruno, Nara Thai, Dough Diggers, Rodeo Goat | Houston, Texas

I started my new role Wednesday and when Thursday rolled around my internet went out since they were upgrading stuff. I drove to Sissy’s and either out of there. Ordered Nara Thai for lunch and ate dinner with Sissy and BIL from Rodeo Goat while watching a couple episodes of UK Ghosts.

Jenny sent cookies from Dough Digger to the family as condolences. It was nice since I missed them during the wedding. So good!

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Therapeutic Thai Massage, Sushihana | Katy, Texas | Maharaja Bhog with Frankenstein | Houston, Texas

I was off Friday. Went to the chiropractor, chilled with Ethan for a bit and then had a two hour Thai massage. Afterwards it was Sushihana and back with hanging with Ethan.

Urgent care on Monday gave me some dang good meds so I felt way better to meet up with Frankenstein at Maharaja Bhog. Sweetest man willing to drive so far for a meal with me. Poor man for being such in traffic yet no complaints. It was good first time eating Indian in this format and I love how adventurous he is. Thankful for a person who isn’t picky.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Pedicure, Zero Degrees, Shabu Town | Katy, Texas

Saturday morning Sissy came over. We took Mum and June for pedicures and then went home and grabbed Dad and Ethan for lunch at Shabu Town. A couple of shopping places and Zero Degrees and we were back home relaxing with everyone. It was nice to get a few hours with Sissy and talk randomness.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Puzzle, Proud Pie, Big City Wings | Katy, Texas

This whole day was filled with doing absolutely nothing but playing with Ethan. I had one meal of Big City Wings and Proud Pie and started a new puzzle. It is super hard since everything is practically blue. Hopefully I finish before Emmy comes.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Spotify Unwrapped

This year’s Spotify unwrapped. No surprises except for the kids making Olivia Rodrigo one of my top artists.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: American, Chinese, Dessert, Houston, Indian, Japanese, Katy, Sushi, Texas, Thai

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