Parsons & Pups: Mallett Super Bowl 2012

For as long as I can remember, the Super Bowl at mom and dad's has been our, some may say, "Second Christmas." Many years ago, we would eat until we were sick, then run and change into fancy clothes because we just KNEW Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes was going to come knocking on our door and present us with that big check at halftime. We would even dream about what all we would do with our winnings. Oh goodness, the excitement of innocence.

Mom and dad played it up big every year, and luckily...we still get to go home and celebrate the Super Bowl! The only change is that we stay in our sweatpants from kick off until the final whistle blows. Sweatpants are a necessity with the spread mom lays out for us. The rule--If it is a favorite food, it goes on the Super Bowl menu. The only non-exception staples...Mom's famous boiled shrimp and massive crab legs, and dad's oh so famous gumbo and half time chocolate malts. This year add-ons included Artichoke dip, Kyle's Cheese Ball, Cauliflower Hummus, Cheddar Biscuits, Potato Skins, and Rice Crispy Treats. Now, do you see why the sweatpants are a requirement? You always start with mom's crab legs and shrimp. She has a gift for making perfectly delicious cocktail sauce to go along with her perfectly delicious seafood. After all the face stuffing the first half of the game, dad busts out the blender and whips up these chocolate malts that may as well been sent from heaven. I don't care how FULL you are, you NEVER turn down one of dad's Super Bowl Half Time Malts. Good thing we only do this once a year!

Oh, and I forgot to mention that on top of food, family, and full bellies...We make a grid to win money for the game score each quarter. In most places, you would have to "buy in" to get your name on a grid in order to win some cash. But our style is slightly different...We evenly fill the grid with our names without paying in, and dad pays out to the winners! I mean, who can argue with free money??? I can't say I am a frequent big winner, but it is all exciting to follow along and keep your fingers crossed during the game! This year was even more exciting because Ryan Mallett, our cousin, was drafted to the Patriots this past year. Dad bought us all a Patriots Super Bowl shirt in order to show our support. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jim, Ryan's mom and dad, were there and texting the whole time. Even though we lost, it was great fun to look for Ryan on TV. Way to go Ryan, we are all proud! : )

After a sad Patriot loss and 7 bulging bellies, we all parted ways. Kyle went back to Harrison, Erin & Scott to Bentonville, and Tanner, Digo, Faye, & I to Cave Springs. I can't say enough how great our trips to Mtn. View are. Even better, Tanner and I get to see both sides of our family going home. Marrying a hometown boy with a wonderful family...nice choice I must say! Love my families, love our traditions, love life.