Grandma Sanchez's Birthday

Dave and I flew to Nebraska to help his Grandmother celebrate her birthday. We're not really sure if it's her 92nd or 93rd but one of the cousins brought a newspaper article from the Lincoln Journal Star about her and the article stated she was born in 1915 so do the math. That would make Grandma 93. Dave was surprised to read that his Grandmother was actually born in Texas; he thought she was born in Mexico. Grandma Sanchez lives in Lincoln, NE and Dave's Tio Criz and his wife Naida hosted a big birthday party/family reunion on September 27. Non Spanish speaking folks; "Tio" means "Uncle." We flew into Omaha and spent our time there and drove to Lincoln; about 45 minutes to hour's drive away. We arrived late on Friday evening and had made pre arrangements to stay on base at Offutt AFB. When we checked in Dave was disappointed to learn that our reservation on base at the officer's quarters were no longer available as they were sold out. Instead they placed us in TLF (Temporary Lodging Facilities) which is Air Force speak for a hotel. They're usually a little bigger with kitchens; washer/dryer, refrigerator/dishwasher, etc. While most of you think "COOL" let me tell you; this particular TLF was NOT cool. It was gross and run down. We were supposed to spend 3 nights in Omaha and after the first night the very next morning we were on the photo to Hilton redeeming our Grand Vacation club points for hotel stay points and immediately booked a room in Omaha at the Embassy Suites.

Saturday morning after our immediate departure and check out we went over to the Base Exchange to look around and then went to check in at the Embassy Suites. We dropped off our bags then got on the road to Lincoln; stopping for a quick bite. Dave's agenda when in Nebraska is to eat a runza. What is a runza you say? Well, a runza (also called a bierock, fleischkuche or Kraut Pirok) is a yeast dough bread pocket with a filling consisting of beef, pork, cabbage or sauerkraut, onions, and seasonings. They are baked in various shapes such as a half-moon, rectangle, round (bun), square, or triangle. In Nebraska, the runza is usually baked in a rectangular shape. The bierocks of Kansas, on the other hand, are generally baked in the shape of a bun. Trust me; you either love 'em or you don't. To me; they're simply ok but Dave loves 'em! I guess they're especially delightful the next day after a previous evening of heavy drinking.

We spent Saturday afternoon and evening at Dave's uncle's house celebrating with his family. Here's a few photos of Grandma and family members.

Left to right bottom row: Dave's Mom, Grandma and Dad
Top row: Dave's brother Mike and his niece, Michelle; me and Dave


Dave and his Grandmother


The next day we made arrangements with our Goddaughter's parents to have dinner with them as well as our Goddaughter who is now 4 years old. During the day Dave and I spent the day at Harrah's in Iowa; right across the Missouri River which runs between Nebraska and Iowa. We obviously didn't win any big money because if we had; that would have been noted. But we did enjoy a few hours at the tables.

Our Goddaughter is Kennedy. Her Mom Diane and I are friends back when Diane lived in San Antonio. I knew Diane when she was the Marketing Manager for Northstar Mall and we traveled together to Mexico. I was working for the Westin La Cantera Resort at the time so we've known each other for some time now. Diane's husband Erik is in the Air Force and recently got transferred to Offutt. Diane is originally from Nebraska and has her folks and siblings there so it was a natural progression for her to return to her home state.

Kennedy likes to call me her "Fairy" Godmother. It's too cute and the gift a brought her was a makeup kit. She was absolutely over the moon with it. For some reason I am unable to upload photos to this post so I will place on the right hand side of the blog. Pin It Now!