Christmas dinner in Broomfield, CO

Mike and I didn’t make it back to Michigan for Christmas this year, however we were fortunate to spend the afternoon and enjoy a lovely dinner with the Poceta family in Broomfield, CO.

My parents met Bill and Peg before I was even born, so the Quinn’s and the Poceta’s have been long time friends. Mike and I knew moving out to Denver that Jessica (Bill and Peg’s oldest who just happens to be the same age as my brother Michael) and her husband Chris (they got married in Estes Park in May) had been living out here for some time as they had both attended grad school at CSU.

We left our house around 2:45pm this afternoon and headed to Broomfield. Typically it would take 35 minutes to get up there, but today with the snow it took a little longer. When we arrived, we were treated to hors d’oeuvres and wine. Mike actually had a mystery beer from the Beer Festival that took place at the convention center in October, but then opted to switch to the red wine after that.

For dinner we enjoyed prime rib that was medium rare just like I would have ordered it if I were in a restaurant. The corn casserole was delicious (not sure if the Poceta family shares this recipe, but I’d love to have a copy!) along with twice baked potatoes and broccoli salad which were also fantastic. To finish things off, we were treated to a slice of peppermint ice cream pie drizzled with Hershey’s chocolate sauce and an Oreo crust. Yummy!

During our dessert, we all opened a party favor that cracked when you pulled on it and inside there was a prize. I had four mini pencils in mine. Mike and Jessica both had hair ties (at least we think that’s what they were). Chris had a mini pad of paper, while Andrew had a puzzle of some sort. Bill was nice enough to give his bracelet to Peggy and Grammy had a key chain with a ball puzzle inside of it. To tell you the truth, I have no idea what was in Peggy’s popper. The bonus was that all of us got a joke and a paper crown along with our prize. Don’t we look royal?

After dinner the guys played a second round of euchre (if you’re not from the Midwest this is a card game) and Bill and Chris were triumphant for the second time.

The ladies choose to enjoy the rest of our wine and relaxed in the living room. It was great to catch up with everyone and we definitely look forward to seeing Bill and Peg down in the Keys in March when we visit my parents. We’re also hoping to catch up with Jessica and Chris after the New Year as they both work downtown. They are avid outdoors people, so I think there is a lot we can learn from them. Especially if we end up getting snow shoes one day!

I do have to say that the highlight of the day was Bill’s innovative Christmas present that he openly admits is from Big Lots. We noticed it when we pulled up to the house as it was visible from the front window, but didn’t want to immediately compare it to the infamous leg lamp from everyone’s favorite movie The Christmas Story. Also, I should tell you that the Santa climbs up and down the ladder accompanied by Christmas music. Judge for yourself…

Also, I should mention that Bill is an accomplished glass blower. I am fortunate to have a couple of his pieces displayed in my home here in CO. For those of you who have yet to see our new house and my pieces, you can always take a look at Bill’s site to see examples of his beautiful work.

Thank you again to the Poceta’s for letting us spend time with your family. We enjoyed our first Christmas in Colorado and look forward to celebrating many more here!