The Dallas Geek's Quantum Universe

Rob picking out a good wine and Steffen all smiles at iFratelli

Marshall and I are so very fortunate to have our family on both sides to be so accepting of our relationship. So for fortunate that we seem to have family visiting often. Last week was no exception.

Last Friday, we planned a couples date with my twin brother Randy, his wife Patricia, my younger brother JP and his girlfriend. Unfortunately, JP’s girlfriend was not able to make it so it became a family affair.

JP and Marshall at Taverna

We decided on Lombardi’s Taverna on Armstrong in Dallas. I was thankful I made a reservation. The restaurant was packed and we had the biggest table in the house and requested our favorite waiter Alex.

Randy and Patricia at Taverna

It was a wonderful evening with family, food, laughter and love, Valverde-Hymel style. We can never get enough of this Italian restaurant.

We got to relax on Saturday but Sunday we were off to south Arlington to visit my dad, my brother JP, and their beagle, buddy. It was a great Sunday. We brought my dad a statue of the Eiffel tower which Marshall got as a souvenir for my father while he was in Paris this summer. JP fired up the propane grill and we had ourselves a wonderful Sunday. Hank Hill could not have asked for better barbecue, “I tell you what.”

Chef JP on the grill.

Marsh enjoying his Sunday with family.

Monday, Marsh received a call that his dad Rob and his brother Steffen would be driving through Dallas and would like to meet us for dinner. After work, we hurried off to iFratelli Ristorante and Wine Bar in north Irving.

iFratelli Ristorante and Wine Bar in Irving

It was a wonderful evening. We passed the evening over a bottle of Merlot and caught up with Steffen and Rob. The food was fair but more than anything we were able to spend time with Rob which we haven’t done in a while.

Rob (Dad) and Steffen at iFratelli

Marsh eager to eat at iFratelli

As the week continued, the hectic running around of seeing family tapered down. Things never last that long here. We are up for another fun filled week with Marshall’s mom and brother Malcolm visiting tomorrow. We are definitely feeling the love.