Chocolate ice ;)
This past weekend we got to play host to my little sister and her other half. They dashed down on the train post-work on Friday, I went to meet them at the station and ferry them home via the bus. Once we got home, we found poor Anthony on the phone to his upset father - Anthony’s grandma had passed away, meaning both his dad’s parents have died in 2016. Ack. Anthony wasn’t close to her - he only saw her once since he was seven years old - but he’s upset for his Dad of course. We’re still waiting for news re the funeral etc. We drank lots of tea and talked just as much before all going to bed. Little Sis had brought an extra pillow and sleeping bed as we only have a spare single-bed duvet but thankfully it all seemed to be enough. The only problem they had was how noisy it was outside - students often walk past our flats shouting and singing at all hours but we’re quite used it. Little Sis was woken up by a bunch singing ‘One Day More’ from Les Miserables at one point! Lol.
Saturday was incredibly busy. Our guests slept in while Anthony and I did our usual food shop. Little Sis got up after that for a morning run as I made Reeses Cupcakes from the boxed stuff our guests had bought me for my birthday only a few months ago. I rarely use boxed cake mix but it was a good easy recipe and came out very well. I really need an ice-cream scoop for making cupcakes as it does lead to a more even bake. I’d never added fillings to a cupcake before - I had to fill a pastry bag with peanut-butter filling and then stick the end into a cupcake and add the filling. Some ended up with the right amount more than others. But it did go well, nothing burned and the cakes are tasty, though Anthony loyally tells me that while they’re good they’re not nearly as good as the stuff I make from scratch. Bless him.
Anthony and I both had driving lessons, then we all had lunch at a local place Anthony and I have liked before but for some reason, the food took just forever to arrive, which was annoying as we were so hungry and there weren’t many people there so we couldn’t fathom a reason for the hold up. After a brief sit-down at home and time spent making sandwiches, we headed off to Basingstoke for the ice hockey game. Little Sis had a great time last time she came to a game and it was her other half’s first ice hockey game. I do love the atmosphere there - there’s always literally all ages and so many families and it’s great to see how passionate they all are about their team. Also a couple sat near me with a gorgeously fat baby in a pink furry baby grow, it was making everyone smile. Behaved beautifully too. Sadly Anthony’s team didn’t win but it was a good game, though there were lots of near-fights, including once the game was over when all the players got onto the ice and started gearing up for scraps. I was glad to spend time with J, a hockey friend of Anthony’s who I’ve gotten to know. I rarely get to see her and she’s a fellow fangirl and we have a great time together. Both Little Sis and her other half had a good time, which is the main thing. It was so bitterly cold though afterwards when we were waiting for the shuttle bus back to the train station so my sister started running laps around the bus stop. It was hilarious but warmed her up apparently.
Sunday, they nipped off home early as Little Sis had work to do that afternoon. It was super lovely to host them. We don’t see them that often so it’s great when we do. I am always taken aback by how grown up my little sister is - running her own business while also working another job, getting regular therapy, living with her boyfriend of 3 years. I am so immensely proud of her and all she’s done and is doing. She’s going to cut down on her job by a day next year to give herself more time for her business and therefore get her evenings back for proper relaxation! Which sounds very sensible, burnout could be too easy. Also we’re both so excited about having a proper full family Christmas this year. It should be mad and epic, Mostly, especially the food :D