The Fifi-esta

On Sunday, Kev and I hosted an engagement party for my older brother and his fiance, Caitlin. The theme was Fiesta-Chic and since the boys call Caitlin Aunt FiFi- the party's name was quickly turned to "The Fifiesta".  

We had about 50 people coming to the house and *thank goodness* the weather cooperated and we were able to have it outside. 

There was cake, margarita cupcakes and a taco bar (tortillas, chips, grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, salsa, guac and sour cream).

We used tin pie plates and colorful napkins to set the tone (and keep your tacos from falling off).

Margaritas for the adults, lemonade for the kids. 

We also had Coronas and Dos Equis to keep with the theme.

 Kev and I learned the hard way that it is incredibly difficult to set up for a party when you are outnumbered by children, but luckily, in the last hour my parents and his parents were there for last minute help and the boys all took naps. 

In the end, it all came together beautifully and we were thrilled to kick off Joey and Fifi's journey toward marriage.

Now, a whole bunch of pictures (thanks to my Aunt Jeanie who took a ton because I hardly snapped any once people started arriving).

 Father of the Bride, Father of the Groom

 Joey with a mouth full of taco

 The couple and all the parents

 My future sister

 (it got really warm in the afternoon, I swear I did my hair, but right back to the bun it went)

Dress: Old Navy/ Necklace: Target

 Kev blessing the food and the couple

 My mom is one of 7 and six of her siblings were together for the first time in a long time, so we called Uncle Paul in Kansas on facetime so they could get a full family pic

 Bennett was obviously wearing a helmet and teaching others the finer points of lacrosse

 While Uncle Pete entertained himself all the kids in Man World

 Grandpa Ray gave up on everyone ha

 A very happy groom

 Family

All in all I think we pulled off a wonderful party. 

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with Joey and Caitlin. 

Cheers!

Celebrations

On Saturday afternoon, we gathered for one last big party with our Monterey friends for my two big boys. Cullen's 4th birthday was Monday and Bennett will be 2 on June 5th, and since our movers start packing us on Friday (!!!) we decided to combine their party for a fun celebration.

Technically, their theme was Cars but aside from their bright colored polos and a Lighten McQueen birthday sign, the theme was actually pizza, cupcakes and playground, just the way the pre-pinterest world intended.

Just up the street from our house, we have this amazing community center that we can rent free of charge. We had the party here last year too and are thankful for such a large space, with an easy clean up, for our family friends to enjoy.

After pizza and play, we gathered to sing Happy Birthday. B went for the cupcake before the candle.

Our friend Kelly came down from San Francisco and we were so happy to see her one more time before we return to the East Coast. 

 I realized as we were leaving that I didn't get a family picture...this was the best we could do.

And when we got home, two spoiled boys opened some pretty thoughtful gifts. 

On Monday, Cullen's actual birthday (as he kept telling us) we had a great day too. He brought brownies and watermelon to school, got a Happy Meal for lunch, went to another friend's birthday party in the afternoon, then came home for repeat cupcakes and candle, 

 (clearly, B prefers joint celebrations)

 followed by his birthday surprise: a big boy bike!

All in all, a perfect way to celebrate my beautiful boys (and I didn't even share that we had a shower for Baby 3 on Friday...more on that tomorrow). 

I know I say it all the time, but we are so blessed in our little life, from our supportive friends, you lovely blog readers and our loving family (Cullen told me Monday night that 'lots of peoples from Ba-ginia keep calling today!), I couldn't ask for more. I am so proud of my boys, Kev and our little one on the way, it makes my heart soar that so many people love them too. 

It's A Girl!!

For my friend Gina! 

(Did I fool you? A little bit? No? Okay, on to the post)

Sunday morning Traci, Caitlin and I hosted a baby shower for our friend Gina who is pregnant with her second daughter. 

The theme was 'Around the Clock' so each lady was given a time of day to give an appropriate gift (morning, playtime, nap, bath, evening, late night). This was a fun idea to help Gina get a variety of gifts, plus since she already has a daughter, it was a good way to replenish the practical baby items they needed.

Of course, drinks were had first.

 Champagne + Raspberry Lemonade + Lemon Slices. 

Then there were decorations and food. 

Traci provided the monograms.

I jumped at the excuse to use my mis-matched china. 

(If you have never read the story of my china cabinet, be sure to click on that link.)

Brunch ready to go.

A little Cheers for baby Maddie.

And then it was outside (enjoying our beautiful Monterey Indian Summer) for gifts.

The 'morning' basket by Caitlin: Coffee for mom, outfits for baby.

Opening gifts for throughout the day.

And at the end of the gift giving, late-night: dark chocolate, red wine and 50 Shades. 

Don't judge, it was hilarious.

All the lovely ladies.

Nikki, Traci, Gina, Me, Caitlin, Andrea

Obligatory touch the bump pic.

For our activity, Caitlin had a friend from Japan create these beautiful origami cranes. Gina and her family are moving to Japan after their stint in CA, so we wanted to find a way to fuse her new home into the shower. We each wrote a good luck wish for Maddie on the crane and had several others for Gina to give to family and friends to add to Maddie's well-wishes jar.

Big sister Hannah came over toward the end for a cupcake and some special gifts we had for her.

The sweet family ready to welcome baby Maddie!

After dessert, we had different shades of pink polish as a parting gift. 

(I peeled the labels off and added baby stickers from Michael's).

All in all, it was a beautiful shower for a beautiful Mom. 

Gina, we are so thankful that you let us celebrate you and your growing family. 

We love you!